polydactyl quirk or kitty just wants attention?

ellie501

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Ellie is our new kitty and the first polydactyl I've adopted but not the first I've known. The first was adorable but needed loads more attention and I'm very generous with attention when I visited. I wasn't sure what her deal was BUT, our kitty is less than a year old, I work from home, and although our home has plenty of toys and entertainment for this barn cat adoptee (she was 4-5 mos old, now approx 10 mos; spayed at 6 mos), she's making it almost impossible for me to do any work at the computer just by joining me at the desk and shredding any paperwork. I work from home so this can't continue. There are toys for her to hunt, a scratching post she loved after she learned it was great fun, training with treats, company with my senior dog, I take time to play cuz she's just so cute and I believe exercise and interaction is essential, but...we don't eat if I don't work!  Closed door isn't an option. Any tips on paper shredders and/or polydactyl (tabby) quirks?
 

MoochNNoodles

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It sounds like a kitten quirk to me!  Although my poly growing up was fond of stealing the pen right out of my hand if she wanted attention while I was studying and she didn't get it.  She was also very friendly.  My mother's current poly is a really cool cat; but she's not so friendly/affectionate.  She's very quiet; I've never heard her meow, just chirp on occasion.  She will come running at the sound of crumpling paper; but doesn't snuggle or demand much from anyone.  She is content to be nearby; watching from a perch usually.  I think once in 10 years she has put her paw on my lap and that was in the past year.  But then she has always been ok with my kids petting her.  

At her age she is similar to an adolescent.  She might enjoy the companionship of another cat that she can play and socialize with.  Not just "any" cat; but one matched in energy would be good.  An older cat isn't going to want to put up with that.  And too young won't be ready to play just yet.  Cat's need to be introduced slowly too.  It can take time; but be worth it in the long run.  

I don't know if that's an option for you; and that's fine if not.  I would suggest giving her a good hard play session, feeding her, and then sitting down to work.  You might have to train her that your desk is not ok to go on and that takes patience and consistency.  Basically, putting her down or in another room every time she gets up there.  If you reward her with attention or anything she will think jumping up gets her what she wants.  She needs to get the opposite.  Can you take regular breaks?  Perhaps if you even set a timer to go off at certain times and then play with her then; she will over time get the idea that if she just waits she will get you to play.  

She should outgrow this; at least to a certain extent as she gets older.  Good luck! 
 
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ellie501

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It's reassuring to hear it's her own kitten quirk and I can work with that, just as you've outlined. I've known just one other poly, same coloring, and she needed more attention and affection than average. She suffered a bit with her first family because of it; fortunately they found a home where she could get more attention and activity.

I'd love to have a second kitty but not able to do so. I travel a few months out of the year for work and Ellie's other home isn't up for it. Yet.


Thanks! 
 
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