Cat Contract.

[icarus]

It is my understanding that upon acquiring a cat one has engendered certain responsibilities in exchange for certain attentions. I have held up my end of the bargain. The cat is:

- fed with reasonable regularity
- given a clean kitty litter box
- fondled and generally coddled
- entertained for exercise and play-time

We have even gone above and beyond the call of duty with:

- two carpeted cat-trees (one five-foot and one seven-foot) for, yes, one cat
- numerous catnip toys, bells, balls and baubles
- a regular supply of the much-relished wheat grass
- an array of carboard boxes and paper bags
- special cat treats, dried shrimp in particular
- cat-shaped toy companions for wrestling
- the regular sampling (sniffing, licking) of human food
- occasional leniency regarding the "no cats on coffee table" clause

The cat's end of this bargain is simple: he is a pet, therefore must be available for petting.

While our cat has maintained his petting responsibilities with regards to us, he seems to be under the impression that our friends -- namely wildernessguru's buddy The Puppy -- are exempt. Whenever The Puppy reaches out a hand, the aforementioned cat cries as if being tormented and, if pressed, flicks his tail in preparation to bite. But his contract clearly states that petting is to be provided for all and sundry (The Puppy being sundry).

Now the chastened (and hurt) Puppy is on his way home to his girlfriend. Said cat is stretched out happily on the couch, satisfied that he has evaded his responsibilities during yet another visit.

My case is pending before the Cat Magistrate, and until then, kitty gets no treats.

Comments

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I. Ancalion has a long history and high standing in the cat community. Her former cat companion, Trigger, was a well-respected pillar of the Germantown neighborhood, and Icarus has been noted for her cat rescues and nurturing of numerous litters of abandoned kittens, not to mention her adoption and care for the long-neglected Boober (called "Kittiness" by Icarus) and the subsequent transformation of saddened, skulking kitty into one confident of her welcome.

Icarus states, "Every cat-issue has a cause, and because cat brain physiology is nearly identical to human physiology, the causes are often emotional issues very similar to those experienced by humans. The Puppy is an energetic, outgoing personality (well-deserving of his bouncy nick-name) and Monte has demonstrated a clear preference for calmer personality types (note wildernessguru, the gentle pet-sitter, and several other friends). He has also expressed more willingness to be in The Puppy's company when The Puppy is asleep or very tired, where Monte has even climbed into The Puppy's lap. Future contact during The Puppy's (admittedly rare) calmer moments should be encouraged. Growling however is unacceptable unless under extreme duress, and treated the same as other unacceptable behaviour."

Icarus

[http://users.livejournal.com/meara_/]

While it is reasonable to expect any cat to conform to the conditions of growling outlined above. Sadly, the last convention of ICAK repealed the words "under extreme duress" and replaced them with "deemed appropriate by the Cat"

[http://users.livejournal.com/meara_/]

You sound like a wonderful cat owner by the way :)

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Ahh. Thanks.

I have to admit, I'm usually able to clue in to what's going on with my cats but this situation has me completely stumped. I think The Puppy should keep trying (under calm conditions) but he's so wounded (and frustrated as a cat lover) that it seems to be just deepening the divide. It doesn't help that Monte's attitude has caused The Puppy to somewhat dislike Monte, I think, though he's willing to give it a shot. *sighs*

Icarus

[http://users.livejournal.com/meara_/]

Ok, I went to a site called
Cat Fancy (http://www.catfancy.com/catfancy/) which has many suggestions for cats who are exhibiting behaviours. Perhaps under the resources section, there might be an article that can give you some ideas as to how you can deal with this behaviuor in your cat.

Good luck & sorry I crossed the line earlier. :)

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Nah, it's alright. I was joking around about a frustration without saying how frustrated I really was. You had no way of knowing.

Cat Fancy which has many suggestions for cats who are exhibiting behaviours.

Thank you! Hopefully we'll find something that'll help (if The Puppy's still willing to try that is).

Icarus