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Clawing Ritual question & update
Some of you might remember my semi feral kittens Dobby (formerly Shirkan) and
Cajun. In any event, I have noted a strange ritual. Every am, when I get up, the very first thing that Dobster does is run straight to the scratching post and claw it. He does it every day. We did not train them to use the sisal post, they did it on their own, and when they used to be caged at night, the first thing they did in the am when allowed out was run for the post. Is his post clawing as soon as he sees me a dominant thing? A submissive thing? We have never treated them for using the post, though we do throw in a "good kitten" word now or then, so he's not doing it for praise. (prefers I don't talk to him, that makes him look worried.) They are doing great, growing into handsome boys, and insisting on being petted more and more often. (Especially my dh, who they have a preference for) Dobby still flees in terror if someone walks up to him, but we just walk quietly, talking to him and explaining we are not chasing. I continue to work on the "touch" command, where they touch my hand with their nose, and are then allowed to retreat. (no force, just me holding my hand near them and saying touch. Part of the time they are fed cat treats) Even when frightened, they do this willingly, and quite often will decide to press their ears against my hand for an ear rub. Cajun will usually then make a cat flop and insist on being petted for half an hour. It has been an adventure watching them grow into cats, and become more socialized, all on their terms. They enjoy life on their own terms, not mine, and that's okay even though sometimes I feel sad when they run from me, but stay for Dh. Strange critters.. Angela (Aol.com doesn't hop!) www.rabbitadoption.org Rabbits & small animals for adoption--worldwide links, including vet referrals & other rescues, care tips, mail order products, etc. |
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in article , Angela at
op wrote on 8/12/03 7:00 AM: Some of you might remember my semi feral kittens Dobby (formerly Shirkan) and Cajun. In any event, I have noted a strange ritual. Every am, when I get up, the very first thing that Dobster does is run straight to the scratching post and claw it. He does it every day. We did not train them to use the sisal post, they did it on their own, and when they used to be caged at night, the first thing they did in the am when allowed out was run for the post. Is his post clawing as soon as he sees me a dominant thing? A submissive thing? We have never treated them for using the post, though we do throw in a "good kitten" word now or then, so he's not doing it for praise. (prefers I don't talk to him, that makes him look worried.) I think they just like to scratch and stretch first thing in the morning just like we do because it feels good. Mine do it too. It's also why it is advised to put posts near their sleeping places. They are doing great, growing into handsome boys, and insisting on being petted more and more often. (Especially my dh, who they have a preference for) Dobby still flees in terror if someone walks up to him, but we just walk quietly, talking to him and explaining we are not chasing. I continue to work on the "touch" command, where they touch my hand with their nose, and are then allowed to retreat. (no force, just me holding my hand near them and saying touch. Part of the time they are fed cat treats) Even when frightened, they do this willingly, and quite often will decide to press their ears against my hand for an ear rub. Cajun will usually then make a cat flop and insist on being petted for half an hour. It has been an adventure watching them grow into cats, and become more socialized, all on their terms. They enjoy life on their own terms, not mine, and that's okay even though sometimes I feel sad when they run from me, but stay for Dh. Strange critters.. Angela (Aol.com doesn't hop!) www.rabbitadoption.org Rabbits & small animals for adoption--worldwide links, including vet referrals & other rescues, care tips, mail order products, etc. Thanks for the update! Karen |
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