How to Apologize to Your Cat: A Vet's Advice
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- So you've done something that your cat didn't like so much. Here's veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ's top tips to effectively apologize to your cat and make sure it doesn't happen again.
Article explaining how the CAT acronym can help you make amends: phys.org/news/2021-07-cats-pe...
Sign up for our free recall alert program: cats.com/recall-tool-email
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links.
Explore the Cats.com website: cats.com
Join the community and keep the conversation going off of TH-cam: cats.com/community
Join us on Instagram:
/ cats.com.official
my cat has said I have to watch and learn from this video, then he'll help me find my car keys.
😂😂😂
😂😊😅
U cute…I like u
did you check his stash of toys/souvenirs? (maybe he is "saving" stuff, cause he Knows you misplace things?)🌚🏜️🐈⬛🐱☑️
Your phone, your glasses…. Sneaky little lovers. 💕
When I was a kid I never imagined that one day I would grow up and do important things like watch a video on how to apologize to cats. The world is amazing.
Did you get your cat's permission in writing before watching this video? To make sure you didn't upset your cat?
I know, right?!😂
I love you.
LOL
for sure😂
Many years ago, my home was broken into. When I finally found my cat, he was underneath the bathtub and totally freaked out. I called the vet. The vet told me that I needed to calm myself down and then sit on the floor near the tub and talk to my cat about what had happened and how my cat was feeling about it. My cat came out to me and sat in my lap and then proceeded to tell me all about what happened. Then he was okay. Since then, I always talk to my cats if they are upset and listen to them birch about it.
I rescued my kitty recently and was warned that she was skiddish from whatever happened to her before she was found homeless. She was then at her foster home so when I brought her to another new environment (home) she seemed MISERABLE & just terrified. For almost a month she would not come out of hiding, she was chewing up my window ledge and venetian blinds in the quiet room I had her in. She got out of the room one day when my son accidentally left the door open and hid downstairs under the guest bed. Even though I put a second cat box down there, she used the bathroom outside of the litter box which she had never done. I contacted the rescue organization I got her from explaining what was going on and how I was concerned that she was so unhappy. They told me the best thing to do was just bring her back to the foster home. The night before I was supposed to do so I sat beside the bed she was hiding under, talking to her and telling her she was safe here and this is her forever home. I started sobbing because I felt bad for her and didn't want to give up on her. All of the sudden she was standing beside me by the bed and calmly walked back up to her room. She has been SO MUCH BETTER! I go into her room every night and spend an hour or more telling her the same things. She doesn't hide anymore and will eat treats from my hand. I just love her and I never considered myself a cat person. But I am absolutely HER person😪❤️❤️.
My cat is absolutely terrified of thunder storms. Every time there's a thunder storm, she's making herself as small as possible and she's shaking like crazy. Over the years I tried to calm her down, talk to her like I would with any other human, tell her that it's just a loud noise, it's gonna pass, there's nothing to worry about, I'm right there with her.
She's still terrified of them but at least she learned that I'm her "safe spot". She's no longer hiding, she's still shaking but she's staying by my side. I can't even get up to get a glass of water without her asking me "where are you going??" in her language and follow me, lol.
I talk to my cat all the time :D.
Sometimes they are incredibly human. Or maybe we ate just silly, two-legged, giant cats 😹
@JustMe90 thank you for sharing this ❤
I love how some cat behaviours overlap with symptoms of autism, like disliking changes in routine, needing a low-stimulation retreat area etc. Explains why I can bond so easily with cats.
Yes! There are interesting parallels between with typical cat behavior and traits of autism! Glad you noticed that. :)
@@AllAboutCatsYT I was thinking the same, especially when they watch washing machine or any moving object for long hours without questioning 😄😅
my friend actually has a book called ''alle katten hebben autisme'' which means ''all cats have autism'' in dutch. it states 100 reasons why cats are autistic haha
I'm not so sure about that. Yes there are cases of these parallels, but on the other hand cats also have behaviours which would be very difficult to adopt from an autistic person,
@@77devon Yep, we have that same book in English! I bought it for my fiancé who is on the spectrum (and loves cats). He loved the book.
My cats prefer a written apology with a gift.😊
😹😹😹
😂😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤
😂
And a bokay of flowers if you please, the kind they like to eat, such as Catnip.
Mine says to hell with the gift, just give me the wrapper
My cat hates anything that involves him having to leave our home. A while back there were a couple of units on fire in my building so I had to swoop him up into his carrier, then grab a few things a run out to safety. He was so mad at me and I was like, dude, I just possibly saved your life. But I get it. He doesn't understand...He's a cat. ❤
My cat doesn't like being picked up and HATES the cat carrier (she hides when it comes out). I don't know what I'd do in case of fire.
@@crustyrash not a pro here but my cat was easier to handle if I burrito'd her in a blanket before she got used to me, the carrier, geting her nails clipped, etc. If I were faced with a fire and no time for the carrier or dealing with a panicking cat or something, it's always been in my mind that I'd use a blanket or a coat or something to swoop her up in instead (and then hopefully swaddle properly once we got to safety)!
Oh my fucking god that's a HUGE fear of mine: being away from home and learning it's ON FIRE... This reminds me, I need to find a smoke alarm that connects to my phone. I have two cats that are my babies and your story scares the shit out of me. I'm so glad you were able to rescue him!!!!!!
I had a cat that hated the carrier so much, it would escalate in a heartbeat. He was viscous, both arms and paws the came with their claws, hissing, growling , trying to bite when I got closer. Before I got my we,ding clothes,, and my leather welding vest, he clawed me and bit, bit me.
Funny thing about that encounter, I got cat scratch fever (or whatever you want call it) 7-10 days before
my daughter and I were to leave for France.
I later tried to throw a blanket over him, but w/o my gloves.
Not a professional but I used to find that just leaving the carrier out all the time (or even just a few days before) would get my cat more used to it and therefore less stressed. I’ve heard some owners say their cats even use the carrier as a bed so it’s really easy to just close it up and off you go. Of course, they can still get mad at you for ‘tricking’ them! 😆
Yes, Dr. Wooten, I had the audacity to give Mia her badly needed allergy medicine this morning. After she finished drooling she went on our bed and sulked, LOOKING AWAY FROM ME. I humbly apologized, lay down next to her, pet her and spent about 45 minutes until she fell asleep. Of course it took 2 Churus and further apologies and I hope by this evening, I will be able to sleep with my eyes closed.😁
I gave Mori cat his vitamins the other day - he went and sulked under the bed for an hour bit finally came out and all was forgiven. So cute and funny.
I had the audacity to pick up an extra 4 hours at work-- to get paid overtime which pays for the apartment my kitties allow me to live in and pay their rent. I feel your pain.
The most adorable demanding lil buggers with 4 legs in my life. But still... I'm very happy to be paying rent to be allowed to live in their apartment 😂
Yes. Churu cures all ills, Lol.
😄😆
YES, with churros everything is forgiven
Never in 6 cats have any of mine hissed or growled at me. When i moved home. Apartment with 3 cats to a huge garden house with a barn. He didn't like that move. He ignored me for a week. Wasn't as vocal as normal. He died at Christmas kidney failure but his last 6 months he knew i was helping him. Syringe feeding him off deaths door. Vwt saod he had 48hrs left at most. I gave him a human food supplement and the day i did he started to self feed. He grew the 4kg he had lost and i thought i might have him saved. He lived a good 3 months after that before suddenly and peacefully leaving. He taught me many things and was the most loving hes ever been in those last months. ❤
So sorry about losing your cat. It sounds like he was a real sweety.
@@crustyrash Thank you. He died of kidney failure at 2.5 years. At 5 weeks old rescued the vet said the virus he had would kill him within a week. His kidneys crashed 3 times in those years each with a death warning. I wasn't allowed pets growing up, mother hates things with fur. He was the cat that made Mum fall in love with him.. I live 1000 miles from parents and he died the night they came back to see me the 2nd time. He held on for one last belly rub amd passed peacfully... My two older cats suddenly stepped up the love. It was bitter sweet. His name was "Barry Wolfpaws" had the biggest paws and was a huge boy. My tabbie and calico suddenly got their Dad back as i was always with him in his medical care.. Ive no job since lockdown and my savings died as he did. Everybody was liberated and I'll see him again. He's waiting on the other side with my other cats. I'm also daily feeding ferals my two have brought back. Crazy old cat man antics. 😂❤️
What did you give him to help him
Recuperate?
@@marianapalacios1675 the inner leaf gel mannose of aloe vera and a beta carotine and plant polysaccharide. Basically human supplements. Lots of love and salmon oil blended with water and syringe feed.. His last 3 months he gained 3kg plus in weight and was self feeding and acting normal on his passing.
@@tradde11 Its hard to see your babies sick.. Really hard. I haven't got kids so full love goes to my cats. His nom nom noms I'll cherish as he fed up.
One day i asked are you hungry? He replied "I Am"
In perfect English. His last week. The infinite words I am are very powerful. Miss his chattyness he had the best vocal range.
Only time my cat ever hissed at me, I accidentally stepped on her tail - I felt AWFUL!! It didn't even seem like an angry hiss, more like that was all she could do except attack me! (Yes, she got the apologies and treats in abundance 😸😄)
I felt so bad when this happened to me once. I think she understood that it was an accident after I gave her love and treats immediately after.
My boy doesn't seem to get it. He literally gets on top of me first thing in the morning when I need to get up and use the bathroom. Sometimes I have stepped on his tail and I have almost tripped over him more than once. I would think he would have figured it out by now, that I need SOME space, but no he continues to get right on top of me. He vocalizes just to let me know that I have stumbled over him or his tail, but doesn't make a big fuss. He usually does this sort of behavior when there is food in the offing. I think he was food derived as in starving when he was rescued. So I think he is just grateful to be loved because in his way he is very affectionate..
@@cyrilio I totally understand! I was trying to apologise and do every "I'm not threatening" tone of voice and posture for quite some time. If she knew the power she has and if she started a "manipulation attack", it's over before starting! A very powerful 3.5kg creature😳😸
@@thenorthernspinozist397 they have "cute", we have "food" - let's hope there's no rise in "hostilities"😕😸😋
@@thenorthernspinozist397 Our Ginger does this. Especially in the kitchen. He'll sit or stand behind and I seem to regularly tread on a tail or sometimes a paw. He gives a small angry yell and then immediately continues doing it. He also insists on walking directly in front of people when going down the halls. I always give him a once over to make sure he's okay, and he always just looks at me like I'm crazy.
I recently had forgive my cat. I was laughing loud on the phone and she thought something was attacking me so she jumped on me to help, but scratched me, and then she felt soooooo bad and confused because It was my pillowcase that she didn’t recognize (new). Poor baby girl.
I think there's another factor too, namely that cats are very in tune with their guardians' emotions. If something was an accident (eg. you stepped on your cat's tail) we feel horrible about it and since we tend to project our emotions the cat knows this. It's a sincere apology that can't be faked! I think this is why they forgive us as they do, for accidents or for unpleasant things we have to do to/for them out of love (eg. vet).
If something unpleasant is NOT an accident they know it as well. Notice how a cat will behave differently around deliberately cruel people! Every cat I ever had left for their safe space when my father entered the room :(( even if he'd never had the chance to hurt them.
Hello, I accidentally stepped on my cat's tail and she took advantage of me feeling guilty and I have found she has a lot memory.
Hey, are you okay?
EVERYTHING is on your cat's terms - always! Worth remembering.
Exactly, cats train people absolutely. My cat had my whole family trained when they visited. Cats are also healing for people, with their purring vibrations. I’m a lover of cats. ♥️✌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I noticed that calming cat music on low volume (searcg here on TH-cam) really works great. One of my cats got attacked by another cat and needed veterinary care. When we came back home, she was restless and nervous. She was feral before I adopted her and not used to stay inside. I played the cat music and 5 minutes later she was relaxed.
Same with her son who had an accident last year and needed emergency surgery.
I was very skeptical about this but it really works! Try it out for yourself, it doesn't cost anything!
What is cat music?
My boy for some reason loves the channel sci-show. Idk why but if he's stressed I'll turn it on and he hears the intro and pops in my lap. I know cats who love classical music, cats who love country. Finding their vocal preferences is a gift
Yes cat music. Meaning CAT STEVENS works wonders. ;-0
I accidentally stepped on my car’s paw a couple nights ago - I was backing up and didn’t realize he had gotten underfoot, and just instantly felt horrible. Immediately scooped him up and gave him pets and affection and a treat and he forgave me.
Finding a great cat sitter who comes to your house when you're away works better than trying to board the cat. I may have to switch to a visiting vet because traveling to and from the vet is so stressful for my cat that she poops in her carrier. She is really bonded to her home!
Used to have a great mobile Vet. Not for all my cats lives but for a few years. It really does reduce stress.
i refuse to board my cat: if we can't find someone to not only come over and take care of him but take care of him PROPERLY (not leaving him alone all day,making sure he's let outside when he want's to go and let back in when he want's in ect) then we're not going.
No doubt about it, our kitty's are our kiddies!
He gets clean dishes, fresh water and his sandpan cleaned twice a day. I will not treat my Pet's like mere animals. People who do should not have Pets.
I may spoil him with love and affection but it is mine to give.
The jealous naysayers should be so lucky to have someone love them with as much compassion as all posting on this site. If my Cat could read he'd be clapping and whooping Hooray 🎉🎉😺
We have the nicest vet in town! He allows me to hold my little guy, Levi,
in my arms or on his pillow in my lap throughout the visit. If Levi has to go in the back for any reason, he is carried on his pillow like the prince he is. They give him (and me) so much respect and understanding that I've used them for many years. Great vets are so hard to find! Thanks, Doc, for the info.
I tell my cat "I'm sorry" a couple of times in the sweetest possible tone I can come up with. And it works! But if my Kitty hides under the bed, I have let her reappear when she wishes to.
Omg. I stepped on his tail. He never tells me when he is behind, beside, or in front of me. He always forgets he is upset in about 3 minutes. 😂
It's up to you to look.
❤
I've done this a couple of times. My girl sits way to close to my office chair and I've accidently moved it and gotten some of her fur caught in it. *shudder* I feel so bad. I have a bell on her collar but don't always hear it if she's walking quietly.
Great tips! I feel cats are more complicated than dogs, they require more depth from us. But when they love and trust you it's unparalleled! I really enjoy the videos on this channel.
I’ve learned to look whenever I move my foot 1/4 of an inch because they are always right by me 😂
Yes train yourself to look, especially if you’re about to roll back in a chair with wheels on it. My cat would sit in the worst places but thank God I’m naturally paranoid.
I always apologize verbally and then rub whatever I stepped on. I love my cat! Good advice! Thank you for the share!
🐾♥️🐾
I have a beautiful stray cat who is the most loving, forgiving, sweet boy who trusts me and is so grateful and happy to have a home. He reacts with fear to many things and is very jumpy but has learnt to trust me even when scary things happen near him, as long as I reassure him that it's ok and he's safe.
He loves most people who visit, if they are quiet and patient with him. It seems that even though he's wary at first, his default is to accept love from people who show him kindness.
However, as much as he likes our lovely home visiting mobile vet, he greets her at the door with a hiss. He then immediately 'apologises' by smooching her as if to say sorry, it's not that I don't love you but I would just like to express that I don't like the things you do.
It's like he forgives her because he doesn't think she means him harm when she jabs him with needles (once a month for a chronic condition) but wishes she'd take the hint and stop doing that. Sometimes I think he tolerates her 'bad behaviour' because she is 'obviously a bit dim witted' and doesn't know any better. Lol.
As a cat, myself, I respond well to jewelry, tuna and lots of groveling. 🐈
Nice. :)
If I am fed something that isn't the one brand of kibble I will RIOT
Tuna works every time
So back in the 90's I was renting a small room. The landlord, who's house it was also had his own apartment in the house, He had 2 cats. 1 Bermise and the other a strange coloured blue-gray cat called Roz (named after his ex wife 🙀). He decided 2 cats were too much so gave Roz away to a family in the city. About a week later he gets a call from someone who found Roz. The cat still had my landlords phone number on its collar. When he brought Roz back, the first thing it did was ignore all of us and jump up on a wall-side table and stare firmly at the wall, back facing to us. For hours. It wouldn't acknowledge any attempt to give it affection and if you leaned into her face, she would turn and look the other way. That was one unhappy and pissed of cat. Understandably.
You are 100% my fave vet to watch on TH-cam. More than any other, to me, you really seem to like cats for who they are.
Really loved you said cats are very forgiving here - because I’ve found it to be so true but it’s not the reputation they have. If you cat is bonded with you they’re so forgiving.
What always amazes me about my boy is he will be so distressed if I have to leave him with the vet or in boarding but the moment he sees me again he will yell at me the whole way home but as soon as we are there it’s no hard feelings just pure happiness to be with me.
What a privilege it is to have a cat in your life!
Yes, cat mad at me for bath yesterday. This actually went well, I wasn't bleeding this time.
Please, why are you giving your cat baths? They can groom themselves very well
But what if they overgroom
@@bobbyugi No , once a year
@@TimefortheApocalypse we don’t know the reason, cat could have flees or be covered in something toxic. Let’s not assume the worst in people ❤
@@tomgreen604
Of course If those are the reasons, but it appears that's not the case. My mom used to give her siamese cat a bath just because she felt he needed one. Very unnecessary
Domestic cats are incredible animals.
I once sheltered a small, abandoned dog for a few days, and one of my indoor/outdoor cats was so mad that she refused to come inside the first night. Every few hours she'd come to the window, and as I tried to sweet talk her, she would curse at me then hide in a bush. Only tuna got her back.
Her sister went to a corner and faced a wall for about 15 minutes after I dared apply her earmite medicine. She would inch closer to the corner everytime I talked to her (didn't even move towards her).
They were both born in my apartment. Their semi-feral mother and her sister walked right in and had kittens in my cupboard and closet (respectively), within a week of one another, after a year of rarely coming inside.
Great tips. We had one cat that became very aggressive if taken to the vet. We solved that by having a traveling vet come to our house.
Did he drive a horse and buggy, and prescribe a tincture of laudanum?
My kitter likes the vet, and she says he is a wonderfully gentle creature. All the receptionists like him...he steels their pencils...lol
Yeah I wish that was an option where I live. The vets at the big animal hospital in town scared my cat at one point(probably nobody's fault) and now he gets upset as soon as we walk through the door. He's fine going to other clinics, but only one place in my town has all the equipment
3:52 It always breaks my heart when a kitty makes that sad low meow!!! 😿 Thank you for these good tips! ❤
My cat has only ever made this sound whenever we have to give him a bath. It breaks my heart! I have to remind myself that he’s just sitting in water lol
@@cinbeano Awww poor sweet baby! Mine makes that meow when he's in the car on the way to the vet and it makes me feel terrible! As far as a bath though, he freaks out if the slightest drop of water lightly touches his fur, so a bath for him is out of the question! 😹
Thank you for the video. I am a natural putz and my home is fairly darker type of environment due to constant migraine headaches due to a Traumatic Brain Injury. (TBI) I have accidently walked into or onto my cats tail and paw more than a couple times and I feel like a horrific parent when it happens. At least I know they forgive me now.
You big dummy!
Is it possible to fit kitty with a blinky light collar?
i always apologize sweetly in a nice soft tone and give kisses and pets and treats. they always seem to forgive quickly. especially my lil dude named zorro. he's just super clingy to me and i'm grateful to have him. very often sitting on me or next to me or near me. i'll sit at the kitchen table and he comes and sits in my lap a lot while i'm eating lol. i feel so loved.
I once stepped on my cat's tail by mistake. I know it hurt because a sound came out of her that I had never heard before. I felt so bad--I ended up cuddling her for what seemed an eternity and letting her have all the treats she wanted (ok, so I felt guilty). In the end she was okay.
When I accidently hurt my cats (stepping on tail/toes, kicking them because they get in front of me as I walk, smacking them with an arm when I don't know they're at my elbow, etc.) I immediately call out to them, get down on their level (on my knees if they're on the floor) and call to them until they come to me for reassuring pets. I tell them how sorry I am and give them lots of cuddles. They respond very well to this and it soothes my heart to know they forgive me for my sin.
My son found a vet that his feral rescue loved, despite having to have surgeries. A few years after that cat died, an abandoned kitten came into my son's life, and the kitten loves that vet as well. Some months later, a wandering cat walked into my home to come live with me. He's recovering from a bite injury that caused infection, possibly got into the bone, and possible separation of vertebrae at or near the base of the tail. I haven't stepped on his paw, but we've mistimed our steps so I end up kicking his paw, and I feel just terrible because he's already in so much pain. But he's quick to forgive that. He goes to the same vet my son goes to, and he absolutely adores her and her staff.
Some vets just have an amazing way with animals. I had one that could hold my cat in his arms like a baby, even after treating him, and my cat won't even let me do that!
How I love sentences that start with "My cat" ♥️
My cat has been mad at me... 2 times.
First time I had the AUDACITY to give her a B brand wet food instead of A quality. She looked at me in disgust 'how dare you give me this u peasant!'
And second time... We live in a area where it is safe for the cat's to go outside and have fun. No natural predetors, open fields with grass. Basicly heaven for my spoiled little princess. And she wanted to thank me by giving me a dead mouse. Only I don't eat dead mice because I'm vegetarian. And again... those eyes. She went through all that trouble to bring me a present. To do me a service! And I don't even accept her gift. Luckily after some food and cuddles she came arround.
My cat sees a cat veterinarian and that really helped our relationship. She has megacolon so she does have to visit the vet more than she would like so this calm area where there's no barking and everything is quiet has really helped. Calming treats are life changing too!! Love your videos! Thank you!
What is the name of the calming treats? My kitty also has to go the vet a lot and gets very stressed, so anything that could help him would be appreciated!
@@mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat VETRISCIENCE Composure Calming Treats for Cats. She really loves them!!
@@mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat they say COMPOSURE right on the front. They smell horrible but she thinks they are delicious!
@@raptureready3015 Thank you so much for letting me know! Kitties do usually like things that smell horrible! 😹
@@raptureready3015 Amazing what cats love to eat that we find just awful!
The cats ability to forgive me never fails to touch me. Build a relationship with a lot of love and the forgiveness come with it. So they forgive me for stepping on their paw or tail like I forgive them for scratching me.
The absolute best thing to do is to establish a great baseline relationship. Clearly demonstrate consideration for their comfort and the things they like. Cats aren't as deferential as dogs. They're generally more anxious, and as such they are more easily scared or offended. When my Emma would cuddle with me and I needed to get up, I would always try to gently move to minimize the inconvenience to her, while speaking in a gentle voice to apologize. She learned that my intent with her was always to be gentle and kind. An apology for something unpleasant will be more easily accepted if the cat has formed an opinion of you as someone they can trust.
Am I missing something? This video doesn’t tell me how to apologize- just gives me tips on how to avoid pissing my cat off.. which I already knew. I was hoping for some fun loving apology tips…
My cats respond well to a simple I’m sorry- snuggle and then give them their fave treat. I used to have a kitty that as soon as I started singing “You are my Sunshine” would turn around and come maul me. Every cat is different.
Sameeee, I take care of some stray cats, one of them is kinda injured (she has a wound) she's the most affectionate one out of the "colony" well, I sprayed a solution to disinfect the wound and guess who hated me for a few minutes, she looked at me like I betrayed her trust lol.... I know how not to piss a cat off, it's just inevitable sometimes...I needed to know how to apologize
what i got from the video: you apologize by asking your vet how to apologize
My takeaway is "if you piss off your cat, give them some physical and emotional space to cool down." Which, yeah, wasn't what I was expecting, but I guess that's decently useful information.
This video does NOT help me.
But... they are cats. Forgiveness, grudge, culpability, (malevolence and revenge especially even though it's not the subject here) etc. are human concepts they mostly don't grasp. A cat would not understand something we would consider an apology. Giving the cat space and letting it cool down is the way to apologize (to most cats, not every one of them of course). The advice is : give the cat some space and try to minimise its discomfort, then the cat will understand everything is fine and will have had some time to cool down and done, voila.
(One of my cat does not respond well to this as she will not come back to a sympathetic mood if I don't come to her and slowly pet her head, leaving her alone just makes the brooding going for days, so, for her, petting the head is a way to apologize, but the vet here can't cover every possible situation and just talked about the most common one)
7:00 - I love how Mallory seems to enjoy playing with the cat toy more than Wessie does.
I have accidentally stepped on my cat before (he is a tuxie and I was walking into a very dark room so I didn't even see him). When he yelped, I felt like the worst human on the planet. I tried to go after him at first, but I knew he needed to chill out. He came back about 20 minutes later, meowing at me like nothing happened. Of course, he got treats and plenty of pets.
Thank you for making this video. I don't have cats, but these things are very good to know.
Our cats very vocally tell us when they are displeased. Nail trimming is always full of small growls and the occasional hiss and some minor swatting (though rarely bloody ones). Same with brushing. Our ginger is inbetween Short/Long hair status and sheds like crazy. . .he doesn't like brush time so I try and keep it fairly short but it does need done.. . .They're both really quick to 'forgive' though. . .they run off for a moment and loaf at the end of the hall staring. Within five minutes they're either begging for pets/attention or chilling in their favorite spots.
Biggest thing definitely seems to be learning your cat. . .their boundaries and how they react to thing and observing how they destress.
My cat has cancer. I've been crying and smothering him a lot recently, makes me glad to know he may somewhat like it
I have noticed with my cats that they stretch their hind legs as they approach me as if they are signaling an effort to be friendly or wanting something from me.
All of this information is SO TRUE! I have had cats all my life, my first she lived from (my age) 7 to 27. Now my oldest is 17 or so. They all react differently. My oldest is particularly sensitive and cannot deal with vet visits (probably because I adopted him from a vet waiting room).
My cat is so chill the vast majority of the time. Like he’s playful and friendly, but very little phases him. He doesn’t love the carrier and the vet makes him a bit nervous I think, but as long as we give him a few minutes to walk around the exam room and check things out he’s usually fine. And the vet who’s been seeing him is usually very gentle and calm with him so he just kinda chills. And then he usually recovers within a little while of being home as long as we leave him be. Truly he’s one of the friendliest most go with the flow cats I’ve ever met. He has his boundaries that he enforces, but as long as you let him do his thing and listen to his body language he’ll be your friend forever.
Watching this before planning to bring my cat for grooming and the vet. It helps to be prepared.
I love all of these videos! I just want to be the best cat parent that I can be ❤️🙏🏻
Wow Valerie, you are so incredibly beautiful!!! (I have 6 cats, BTW)
My cat is upset because when I got up for water at 4AM I didn't want to play with her. 😿
I watered the mint with a bucket of water. The cat was snoozing underneath it. Boy, was he mad.
The fact that ur watching this makes u the most wholesome person on earth ❤️
When I have to travel with my cat anywhere, giving her space to hide helps her calm down. I bring her fav blanket and she lives to dive under it once we reach our destination, like a hotel or a friend or family home or even when we go camping. I bring the same blanket n the car and she burrows need it and takes a nap for several hours. Sometimes she stays in the carrier with it covering the carrier but I always give her space to get out of the carrier though still bungeed to the carrier where she can safely curl up with the blanket completely cradling her on all sides. Which seems to calm her and she will eventually get back in her carrier and continue to nap. It’s a heavy cotton quilt and sometimes she needs it like a weighted blanket to help her calm down. But after we have been at a destination for a few hours she usually doesn’t need it anymore snd she is queen of the house. So thanks for confirming to me why she needs this
My 17 y/o cat has a chronic ear condition and he hates having to get his ears cleaned and medicated. He usually makes up the same day, but I still feel bad.
Have you tried using a lick it mat with a favorite treat to distract him during?
I don't know if you've ever had ear medication, but you can actually taste it at the back of your throat. I'm sure your cat's medication tastes horrible, so can you ask your vet if they can put flavoring in it, like they do some other meds for animals? Even humans can get flavoring in some medications. Just a thought. I understand that there's a lot more to consider when it comes to medicating the ears, not just the fact that you can taste it, such as the need to confine your cat while you medicate them, plus the whole weird sensation of something wet in your ear, and all that. But, maybe making it taste better can keep him from getting mad at you as much. I hope that your poor cat doesn't have to go through this much longer. BTW, have they considered allergies? If it's allergies, they can give him medicine for that, and that might be the end of the chronic ear condition. All the best to both of you!
@@Andrea-xs4ny I had a parakeet once who flipped out because the vet sent his heart medication in banana flavor instead of the usual strawberry.
@@imzadi83fanvids7 Awww. Poor thing. I'd flip out, too. DId your bird take his meds without any fuss?
@@Andrea-xs4ny No, he just fussed a little less with the right flavor, lol. He used to round his back, stretch out his wings, and kick his feet. He looked like he was trying to hatch out of the egg.
You're a small animal veterinarian but you're great, helping us with your valious info. and tips, dear doc!
Thank you!
Greetings from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
You're an amazing vet Dr. Wooten. TY SO much for helping me to better understand how to deal with Elsee, my little 1 year old sable Bombay cat. She's a hand full alright! 🐈⬛Great video.
Thanks for the great tips, all the best Doc. Take care.
I'm a dog person by nature, but people have always dumped their cats on me, and I've had amazing success with them. They train easily, adapt and interact readily, and are very affectionate. I have no idea what trauma in my current cat's past might have caused him to be petrified over nail clipping. He fights me and holds a grudge for a couple of days after each pedicure, and no amount of apologizing will prompt forgiveness. I've had to just learn to accept that's how it's going to be. He's an amazing companion in every other respect but he's a guy, and he's always going to insist on having things his way.
Can you please do a video on how to stop a cat from bullying another cat 😢
You are going to have to separate them and re-introduced them. Look for "Jackson Galaxy" videos or other videos here in youtube that explain how to do that 🐱❤️ Play with both of your cats, you can use pheremones, etc. there is a lot of information. Don't give up on your Kitties, it can be done with love and patience 🐱❤️🙏
I second the vote for checking out Jackson Galaxy’s videos. He is a true cat whisperer! 😺
I am moving with my cat from the UK to the US. I already sorted out the logistics, but there isn't a lot of information to calm my cat and myself down for the long journey ahead. We have a 2hr flight and then 8hr. She will be flying in the cabin with me, but removing her from her case in security is my biggest concern. I have considered a thunder shirt, calming spray and catnip, but hoping to learn a few more tricks which will make it a smoother journey for the both of us!
Oh boy… I have no useful relevant experience, but wishing you luck! Some ideas though:
- I don’t know if this is an option (or if security will make you remove it too) but how about also putting her in a harness and leash for when she comes out of her carrier, as an added way to give you (both!) peace of mind that she’s safe and secure and doesn’t need to bolt? (If that’s part of your concern!).
- I’ve used valerian drops in their food to calm my cats in preparation for NYE fireworks - they were *terrified* on Bonfire Night (having a Feliway diffuser going for about a week beforehand didn’t seem to help… though maybe it would have been even worse without that? 😨), and since they’re so scared of all kinds of noises already, from thunderstorms to heavy rain to just the wind, fireworks in the park right outside are on another level! The valerian drops definitely helped them be calmer and sleep more on NYE than on Bonfire Night, so I’m totally recommending this! The ones I got were called “Calm Pro” from Amazon - they initially turned up their noses at the unexpected smell/taste, but adding some strongly flavoured digestive paste to mask it did the trick, and they’ve been fine ever since then when I’ve deployed them for storms etc!
- this might only really be useful on your stopover (Schipol? 😊 I spent a few years flying to and from the PNW in the mid 00s!), but maybe on the longer plane ride too - have you seen those carrier cases that expand and open out to a bigger (still contained) area? Something like that might be a good way for your cat to stretch her legs a bit in a safe way! Not sure if they have this feature in cabin-approved carriers, but it might be worth having a look.
- Also, this is probably something you’ve already thought of because it’s in a lot of cat related advice and tips, but just in case - I’ve had great success in getting my cats to be totally chill about their carriers by leaving them out all the time for them to sleep in. I’ve heard so many horror stories over the years about cats who scarper as soon as they see the carrier come out because they know it means a trip to the vet, and then are even more traumatised by the time it comes to going anywhere from having to be chased and stuffed in, so I decided right from the start when I first got my cats nearly a year ago that carriers were just going to be another furniture item/cosy place to sleep with soft blankets inside etc.
- Last totally random one - as an autistic person with various sensory sensitivities, I’ve often thought that I have a lot in common with some of the things cats find scary and stress-inducing, and their coping mechanisms to get through it. One thing I find totally invaluable while travelling (whether it’s by train/plane/anything else) = headphones. Partly to drown out some of the general noise of the surroundings (people talking, babies crying, transportation engines etc), but also to provide an alternative source of audio to tune into, whether that’s some kind of interesting podcast/audio book, or some familiar music, etc. Both of these things make me feel more in control of the situation and makes the process less overwhelming, and also provides a way for my mind/consciousness to almost be transported to somewhere else. Now I’m not suggesting you put headphones on your cat 😹 And I don’t really know how this would work logistically… but I’m wondering if there’s a way to play some sort of familiar soothing music or sounds to your cat while she’s in her carrier on the plane? Something you could get her used to hearing when she’s at home in a safe and cosy spot (maybe also paired with treats), then maybe something you could play on your phone at a low volume but right next to the carrier (you could theoretically play something at a low enough volume that your cat could hear it right down next to them without annoying your fellow passengers)? This one’s a bit out of left field, and maybe not as practical as the other tips, but in your position I’d totally consider all the possibilities so maybe this isn’t totally wild 🙃
- also, serious suggestion here - maybe talk to your vet/doctor (depending on how serious the anxieties are on each side!) about literally prescribing valium/xanax/etc? Even to just have on hand as a backup if the stress levels keep going up and up and you’re facing down 10 hours of yowling and at a total loss, rather than necessarily something to take preemptively (though maybe that would be the more effective way of doing it… I’m neither a doctor nor vet so this bit definitely isn’t advice!)
Mega long comment, but maybe something in here comes in useful ☺️ bon voyage to you and your cat ❤️
You can ask to do it in a quiet or private room. I (briefly because it killed my feet) worked for the TSA and saw this offered. A TSA agent took the gentleman and the cat (in carrier) to a private screening room where a) the cat might be more calm and b) he couldn't get lost if he bolted.
Feliway pheromone spray helps. I have flown across US with cat & traveled by car cross country multiple times - both with one cat & up to 3 cats at once. For the airport venture I did use a harness & leash as well- better to be safe than sorry. Took her out of her carrier & held her whenever possible. ( in between flights & such). But I never had to go thru customs with one- have all your paperwork handy so the process is not prolonged ! The private room idea sounds great! Mine all were great travelers as it turns out- the main thing they don’t like is being in the carrier - ones ok by airlines for the cabin are fairly small as to fit under the seat is required ( removing them from carrier was not allowed in flight when I went- best I could do was unzip it a little & put my hand in there so she could smell me & be petted some) - a lot depends on the airlines & your seat assignment- a bulkhead seat is usually preferred as it tends to be a bit more private. I had no crying or noise of any kind from any of mine on my trips- they usually just need to see or be near you - but the Feli away spray inside the carrier ahead of time is good. One vet gave one of my “something to calm them” glad I tried it in advance- it was a No Go! awful! Never again!! She made the cross country trip with no meds - perfectly calm into hotel at night & out the next day - multiple times. None of mine would eat or drink a lick while traveling & I pulled food up a few hours before we left house- no problems. You can put on old tshirt or something (NOT just washed) - that has YOUR smell ON IT in carrier with them too - that is calming imo. ( current one likes one of My used bath towels best) good luck- safe travels for you both!
Let me save everybody 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
Just give them treats. Treats erase everything.
My cat is the cutest towards me during and after the vet, or the two times we had to move and she found herself in a new place. It is like she is just grateful that I stuck and stick with her during hard times instead of blaming me for putting her through them.
Thank you for this actual informative video. I've seen far too many auto-voiced click-bait videos and it's refreshing to get informed advice presented by an actual real person, and an actual Vet to boot.
I thought this would tell me how to apologize for accident stepping on a paw or tail. But then again i already know the answer: endless cuddles and treats
Thank you for the reassurance that being human and making mistakes is normal
Lots of amazing advice thank you!
Also, very important, apologize to your cat. They know from your voice, your words, and your smell that you're remorseful. Mine are pretty "bomb proof" but I've spooked my boy a couple of times and he got me a little bit (teenage dagger claws don't care how much you trim them) and by partner laughs at us apologizing profusely to each other; both verbally I might add.
Thank you for linking the article.
Please do a session on cats behavior issues when they DONT get the food, treats they want.
Yes, this. Mine is so stubborn
😂 sorry but I had to laugh- story of my life with many cats over the years…
There was a woman who wrote about how she gave her cat some salmon one day as a treat and now her cat has the audacity to climb her and beat her up every time she smells fish in the kitchen until she gets some too. 😭😮💨
Ha, I spent today going to three different shops trying to find the one treat one cat loves and some wet food another might eat. Yep. They own me.
We’ve recently acquired a stray male cat who wandered out of the woods. It took me 4 long months of working daily to get him to trust me. and he shows that he has tons of love to give and used to live in a house. He wants in badly! But I have a single white female…lol literally. A Turkish Angora, spayed and my stray is a pure black male not neutered! Yikes. I don’t want to lose the hard work with the trust I’ve earned by taking him to the vet. He needs to go! Check up, shots, bloodwork, neutered before he can come into the house with my Lumen. They get along splendidly between the screen door. She cooos, he falls on his side and rolls. Then they touch noses through the screen. Couldn’t ask for more!! We’re just getting our game plan together! Fingers and paws crossed!
I love your channel. Thank you for the helpful info! 😻
Thanks for these tips, Doc
We left on a long vacation almost a month and when we returned our cat was furious with us. He stomped around the house, wouldn’t look at us, wouldn’t sit on our laps, later if you put him on your lap he stayed but wouldn’t purr or acknowledge you. This lasted over one week before he forgave us and returned to normal. The tail tip would twitch, he was not amused.
I genuinely find it helpful to explain to my cat if I'm going away. For example, I tell him and picture in my mind someone else is coming to feed him for a while and then I'm coming back again.
Thank you so much!!!!❤❤❤ Very clear and helpful
Thank you so much. You have been very helpful. 😺
Thank you for recommending a mobile veterinarian service. The Mobile Vet made a HUGE difference for my dear Ellie cat, especially at the end.
Even as a kitten she absolutely hated being picked up, so putting her in a carrier to go to the vet was a terrible experience for her. The mobile veterinarian service had a van where they could perform some basic procedures if needed. During her battle with kidney disease and then failure, it was such a relief to have them come to her to minimize the stress. And home visits were only slightly more expensive and well worth it.
Although she didn't like to be "handled", she was a delightful diva! And every night she used to settle onto the pillow facing me and we would gaze into each other's eyes for about 10 minutes. Then she'd get up and head to the foot of the bed to sleep. How I miss the fabulous Miss Ellie-Bug!
While she was going over the things that stress out cats or that cats prefer my first thought was, "Am I a cat?"
Outstanding video 2 mega thumbs up
The cat at 7:19 did the most cat thing of all: totally ignoring the ball, leaving mom to play by herself!
Things that upset my cat include 1) me leaving the house, 2) him having to leave the house, 3) other people coming to the house, 4) the mail carrier putting things in the mailbox. He gets comforted for all of those, even his daily beef with the postal service, lol.
I have 3 cats. One of them, Mina, has her way of being a cat to me. She jumps in the sink and will let me pet her all over as vigorously as I want. She also jumps up on my bed to say good night. She doesn't like being picked up. Very playful.
Spectre is my boy. He loves Mina very much. So much so, when I took Mina to the vet for her spay, Spectre must have thought when I didn't come home with her, I got rid of her. He was upset, and became a royal pain in the ass. He'd flip his ears back at me, growl at me, hiss, run away from me and so I let him be mad, and I went to clean out their litter boxes and as I was walking to one, I saw him look right at me, squat in a cat bed and put a little quarter-sized puddle. Oh lord, he was just mad. I took the cat bed into the laundry room and treated it for cat pee, and then the vet called and Mina was ready to go. Oh thank god!! I left and picked her up, brought her back home, and Spectre did a full 180 when he saw her in the carrier. He started licking her and rubbing up against her, and then went to lay down in one of the many cat beds I have around. About 2 hours later, he jumped up on my desk, bunted my hands climbed up to be held like a baby, gave me kisses, everything was the right way again.
But then, I have Bandit. He was formerly Fafo, but I don't like that name, because it suggests he is a bad cat, and his former guardians are morons. If you don't know why, look up "fafo". But he is my problem cat, and I know exactly when it all happened, and why. I was cleaning out my fridge one day. I had a full jar of pickles on the counter, and he knocked it over onto the floor. It put pickle juice and shards of glass everywhere and I wasn't wearing my shoes. I picked him up off the counter, and I cut my foot, so, I took him to the garage and put him there until I was finished cleaning the mess up and dealing with my foot, to which I would let him back in. Well, when I went to the door to get him he flew back inside, and now won't let me touch him. He loves being petted, but he didn't get the memo when I let him back in that it was not me throwing him out. Now, don't get me wrong, he follows me everywhere I go in the house, and like Spectre, when I leave, or even just get the mail, they watch for me at a window to come back. He sits near me constantly, always chatters to me, I mean, he must have some affinity to me, just not enough to let him let me pet him.
I have no idea how to mend this particular fence, but I do want things back the way they were.
Thank you!!!🙏 I've spend many hours worrying about this so very helpful to have your professional advice!! 👌
thank you so much, now I can sit down with my cat and really get to the bottom of what shes going through emotionally ✌🏻✌🏻💕💕🙏🏻🙏🏻
What a wonderful video. Thank you!
Thank you, that was very informative and helpful 💖
Thank you, Doc...
Rescue Remedy and the Feel away are both great!
Several decades ago my family adopted a beautiful young lady who meowed piteously outside. We all loved her and the inevitable litter she presented, and enjoyed watching a mother cat raising her little fang- and clawed-babies.
One day, though, I watched momma cat walk across our living room and said, "Gypsy has big ears." She did, in fact, but the next time she came through she took a course as far as possible from me. I was stunned and apologize and held her and petted her.
Did she really understand? Don't know -- but ever since then I've made a point of never making jokes at a cat's expense. And when I meet strange cat I give them a slow blink, a sign that I am friendly. That always works.
Once in a while I will accidently step on my boi...he knows it's an accident and we cuddle a little get some treats, he is forgiving and understanding.
I have three cats and they all have very different personalities. One of my cats is so attached to me, he sits on my lap and follows me everywhere. My other cat doesn't want to be bothered. He won't sit on my lap and he usually runs behind the couch if I go to pick him up. He will sit on the edge of the couch close enough to scamper off if I try to hold him. Yet, he's affectionate in his own way. The third cat is lovable. She'll sit on my lap as well and is affectionate. Cats have very unique personalities and I find that respecting their boundaries is the best way to handle them. Yeah, they get pissed off if their box isn't clean or right after a trip to the vet but if you give them treats and some fancy feast, they usually forgive me.
My cat had about the most traumatic day of his life today and is still hiding. He was sick, so we had to get him to the vet. While putting his carrier with him in it, in the car, it came unlatched somehow and it fell open and he fell out and ran out of the garage. The neighbor was out with her dog letting him go potty and the dog started going after the cat, and barking. My cat was totally freaked and ran and hid on their patio behind their grill. I finally was able to corner him and get him out and managed to get him back in the crate and to the vet. Turned out he had pancreatitis and needed lots of tests and treatment which meant he was there most of the day. He's been traumatized all day since we picked him up. Hiding in our bedroom. I don't expect he'll come out tonight. I feel so bad.
It’s not your fault. First forgive yourself if you are feeling guilty. I know I feel bad if I feel I let any animal down as default.But you’re of no use to anyone beating yourself up.If you just feel bad for them,then give them space to have quiet alone to calm down in a safe space.Then after a day if they don’t approach you try a soothing voice of a high pitch,stroke them softly the way they like,and give them their fav treats. Play is also a great distraction with a toy. If none of that coaxing works,then ask the vet what could be wrong.
Wow thanks for this x 🙏
Thank you!
I am blessed with a very chatty cat and always talk to her whilst encouraging her to express herself. For example I always wait a second or two for her to give me a quick double meow just before setting her food plate down. :)
Talking sweetly and giving treats goes a long way to heal hurt feelings
I once ran through the dark house corridor late at night and accidently kicked my dear tabby in the face. I immediately realized what I did, and the poor kitty was so afraid of me he ran to the kitchen and hid from me. I was so sorry to my cat, and hated seeing him afraid of me. It took a little while, but I managed to scoop him up in my hands and gently hold him, and talked to him. His racing heart beat eventually subsided.
Aww, poor kitty. Sounds like you did the right thing.
My vet sold me a plug-in pheromone dispensers - no required meds, but changed the atmospheric vibe with no scent perceptible to me.
I know my cat knows when I apologize for something that I did. When I tell her I'm sorry, she runs back to me and instantly starts licking my hand!!!
Great video, thanks a lot!!❤❤❤
TY !
I have guilt about a cat I had that died 14 years ago. I moved from a place with a yard she loved to a place that didn't have as wonderful a yard, and had a dog next door. The guilt is still devastating.
Pls forgive yourself, your cat is now in cat heaven and knows what your challenges were and forgives you xx
I dragged my babies to WY with me last year we spent three days in my car, in a hotel and in my apartment. Those girls hung in there. I had to board them for two weeks for a business trip. During that time my town was under a wildlife watch and I was half way across the country. I flew home, was stranded in Denver and flew up to Casper then had to drive back down to Cheyenne to pick em’ up and back home. Three months later I packed em’ back up and we went across the country again. Stress city! They sit on me every night. Love em. They are already 13 so I know its coming but I’m loving every day