Charlee has never been an affectionate kitten. I think a lot of it stems from her horrible "breeder."
Last night I felt what seems like a hard "pimple" under her left jaw. I tried to look at it but she was having none of that! I admit, I am a weenie when it comes to being stern (for lack of a better word) with her. I thought that when I go home tonight, I would put her in a towel and have hubby hold her while I try to investigate. I am terrified that she will squirm, meow, etc., and if I stand my ground and make her stay, what effect will this have on her? Will she be so upset that she will become even more aloof? I will be devastated if she becomes upset with me.
I would love your suggestions / advice on how you handle things like this? I read all the time about how you all give your furbabies baths, clean their bottoms, etc., and I can't even imagine givng Charlee a bath! She would FREAK! Thank goodness we don't have any potty butt problems, but I just know that's coming! LOL!
Thanks!
Any mass needs a vet check anyway, so you may just do that instead of trying to figure it out yourself.
It's just like a child! You have to be firm and show you're boss! I hold Stormy in the crook of my arm on his back when I wash him and hold his two back feet with the same hand. He usually cooperates. They just have to learn.
Most cats will calm if they are scruffed. Hold them so that they are well supported and grasp the skin over the shoulders firmly and gently move it. This is intended to feel like the mother cat carrying them and instinctively they will become quiet and limp.
JanH, that was my first thought was to take her to the vet and have it checked out. I like your suggestion of holding her like her mother would have, and will try that.
Designs, do you bathe Stormy in the sink holding him that way? You are absolutely right when you say you need to show them who's boss... problem is, in our house she IS boss! LOL!!
Thank you for suggestions.... I will let you know how it goes... keep your fingers / paws crossed!
(07-20-2010 10:40 AM)Charlee Wrote: [ -> ]Designs, do you bathe Stormy in the sink holding him that way? You are absolutely right when you say you need to show them who's boss... problem is, in our house she IS boss! LOL!!
Yes, usually we've had to wash his back end/tail. So that leaves one hand to use paper towel/wash and rinse with the facet.
Kathy, let us know what the vet says about Charlee bump.
Hopefully she is ok.
Paws crossed
Linda, will do. I bet it's all her "orneriness" coming out! LOL!!
Don't be afraid to be stern. I am with Solo. He has accepted that what I say goes, so most of the time now I just have to raise my voice a little bit and then he cooperates. When he was younger though, I would hold him firmly if he would not sit still and basically not let him get his way until he calmed down. Yes it made him mad at me, for about 5 minutes. I would also praise like crazy and give treats out when he calmed down too. Then he was back to his regular self!
Anyways, if you are a little fearful, usually animals can sense that. It may be best to let the vet figure it out, then Charlee can be mad at the vet instead of you
I agree with the vet suggestion for the bump, hopefully it won't be anything too serious. I'm sorry that your Charlee isn't yet able to be the affectionate baby that you want but that could easliy change with time and trust. I know that it doesn't really relate but as someone who rescues and rehomes Giants Schnauzers, a breed known for aggression, I tend to take the same "alpha" approach with all animals. I had friends over this weekend and they commented that they have never met such affectionate and "dog-like" kittens. Fair but firm treatment has always been effective for me. When the kits would initially squirm for grooming, I just continued to hold them firmly while stroking and praising, they both now LOVE to be groomed. Dex squabbles a bit when I clean his heiny but when he realizes that I am not going to let him down, he always relaxes and lets it happen.
I understand that cats are very different than dogs, but I have seen that the same approach has yeilded the same trust and that's important. Always take the position that you are in charge but accomplish things in a loving way and your baby will know that you are there to be listened to and to be loved. I hope that in time, you and your Charlee girl will be in perfect harmony!