Does your kitty get a bit crabby sometimes? Does Fluffy sometimes bite or scratch, seemingly out of the blue? Our feline friends are small, but they can be pretty feisty. A local Winchester, NM vet discusses cattitude in this article.

Pet Peeves

To be fair, our feline overlords are subject to random and rather intense mood swings. They can be loving and cuddly one minute, and attacking you the next. That said, there are some things that can definitely set them off. Some of Fluffy’s ‘pet peeves’ include major changes, loud noises/commotion, getting wet, being petted, not being petted, other pets, delays in breakfast, and sub-par food. Cats can also get unhappy if they are feeling bored, lonely, or frightened. It’s also worth noting that being sick or in pain can also put kitties in a bad mood. If you’re not sure why your pet is agitated, have your vet examine her, to rule out potential medical issues.

Handling Fluffy

What do you do with a grumpy cat? Ideally, nothing. Don’t try to pet or hold your kitty when she is angry: that may just get you scratched! You also want to avoid cornering your feisty pet. This may make Fluffy feel threatened, which can cause her to lash out in what she perceives as self-defense. Just walk away and give your grouchy pal time to cool off.

Curbing The Temper

How do you mollify an angry cat? First and foremost, make sure that your furry friend has lots of fun toys to take her aggression out on. Pouncing, biting, and scratching can all help Fluffy blow off steam. Think of this as a kitty version of going for a run or hitting a punching bag. Also, take a look at your feline buddy’s life and living conditions. Does she have enough toys and stimulation? Is she bored or lonely? You may need to make some adjustments.

Let Fluffy Be

At the end of the day, some cats are just naturally grumpy. Fluffy might just be a bit of a curmudgeon by nature. That’s purrfectly fine! Your pet may not like being held or petted, but she might be quite happy hanging out across the room. She may also calm down over time.

Please contact us with any questions or cancers about your cat’s health or care. As your Winchester, NM animal hospital, we’re here for you!