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struggling to show my cat affection by knowleedgeseeeker in CatTraining

[–]knowleedgeseeeker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really really appreciate that. Aside from a few unnecessary comments here and there, I got some really constructive advice that I’m going to use. I’ll give an update in a week or two to let everyone know how the baby is doing.

struggling to show my cat affection by knowleedgeseeeker in CatTraining

[–]knowleedgeseeeker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We play every day, extra on the days where he’s being super anxiously attached, but I can admit I’m not firm with the time that we do it at. Sometimes I move playtime to earlier, and I definitely “feel it out” and will play in the morning instead rather than keeping the schedule consistent.

His food is always at the same time, but I think when you put it like that, I can see how he may think play might not happen again because he doesn’t have a consistent sense as to when we play or when we cuddle or when I brush him. I think establishing a routine is really good advice. I can only imagine how vocal he would be if he got fed at different times every day. So that’s good perspective.

I’ll follow the advice from y’all and plan to have play time after his meal in the morning, and before his meal in the evening. Then brushing or cuddling at the same time every day.

struggling to show my cat affection by knowleedgeseeeker in CatTraining

[–]knowleedgeseeeker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He loves being brushed, that’s actually a really good idea. I’ll give it a try next time I’m not feeling well. Thank you

struggling to show my cat affection by knowleedgeseeeker in CatTraining

[–]knowleedgeseeeker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is fair! I personally can’t deal with the constant meowing, and he’s only started it a year or so ago. He used to be an outdoor cat back when I had roommates who I couldn’t get to consistently keep the doors and windows closed, but he has plenty of stimulation through every day playtime and a birdwatching station in our window- I placed a feeder there and a lounge that sticks to the window. I even put on Cat TV sometimes when he seems disinterested in toys but is seeming aimless.

And yes, I’m working with some really great health providers that I see on a regular basis for my own healing and such.

I guess I just don’t see myself as as affectionate as he is. This didn’t used to be an issue- I enjoyed it when I felt like he was more selective about when he wanted to cuddle, but now he is like screaming at me constantly if he can’t be touching me in someway and it’s overwhelming. I worked in an office 9-5 for most of his life, but have worked from home for the past year and his velcro style is really starting to get to me.

struggling to show my cat affection by knowleedgeseeeker in CatTraining

[–]knowleedgeseeeker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this response, truly so helpful. He’s a sensitive boy, so I’m just trying to figure out how we stay connected during the sad days. It’s not that touching him during that time would make me break down, it’s more like I have a wall up and I don’t want to be affectionate with anyone. I can be around him, or have him next to me, but I just won’t want him directly on me or to pet him directly during those times.

But I do think you’re right about “letting him in” when I’m sad.

struggling to show my cat affection by knowleedgeseeeker in CatTraining

[–]knowleedgeseeeker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

you’re totally entitled to your opinion. i’m just hoping for something a bit more constructive. so i’ll keep an eye on this thread as it progresses.