Cat's acting different

bbusbee1

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Yesterday, my cat was scratching the couch, and as I usually do, I yell at her saying no. So she ran away to the next room. A few minutes later, she comes into the kitchen, where I was, and then she comepletely froze, staring right at me. She acted like she was scared, and was low to the ground, but standing. This lasted for almost a minute until I finally decided to walk over to her to see what was wrong. As soon as I started moving towards her, she ran off, as fast as possible.

So, I thought I scared her somehow by yelling at her earlier, for scratching the couch, and I gave her a treat. She wouldn't eat it, she froze up again, she was sitting down this time, ignoring me, and the treat, which she usually loves, and practically does anything for one. I left her alone for about an hour, then checked on her again. She seemed fine and acted normal, but acted like she's never seen me before.

Could this be a problem? I've scared her before by yelling at her, but this has never happened before. She'll be 2 years old in May. Any opinions on what to do will be appreciated. Thanks.
 

larke

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Cats are VERY sensitive, and maybe if you stop yelling at her, find another way to express yourself, she'll be less traumatized in future. I have a 2 yr old who I yelled at when he was a baby (terror!) and even now, though I make a point of not yelling, he scrootches down as if I'm going to hit him or something if he knows he's been bad and I tell him so. Maybe he's just being a drama king, but it bothers me and I wish now that I hadn't yelled so much when he was small.
 

cheylink

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Yeah, cats are sensitive.....but if you can't yell or loudly express a command to them........Cats are also extremely smart! They know how to make you feel guilty for making them feel uncomfortable, lonely, ignored. Think about how your fuzzy butt may go about getting attention when needed, or ask for food. After you firmly vocalize a command and they respond, just make sure to acknowledge it and keep talking. "Good kitty, you just shouldn't do that." Whatever works for you and your kitty.
 

mamakitties

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If my cats are doing something bad, I just say a firm "NO!" and they were able to get it. Sometimes I just stare at them, and they some how know they shouldn't be doing that. It's just so cute when they try to talk to me while I scold them. I bet they know and it's just so difficult to get upset at them.
 

mooficat

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I clap my hands loud and say a firm 'no' at the same time - you have to be consistant in what ever method you use and they will soon get the message
 

proudkittiemom

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Originally Posted by mooficat

I clap my hands loud and say a firm 'no' at the same time - you have to be consistant in what ever method you use and they will soon get the message
Thats what I do, I usually either clap my hands or say no and they stop (sometimes)
what can I say mine are so spoiled and can get away with murder if they wanted too
 

bruce&sheila

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Another good one is "Sssssss" - that's a good telling off in cat language!
 
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