5 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Understanding a cat's memory

There is a delinquent pooping in the pergola, climbing on the car, claiming the shed, making dreadful noises outside my window when I go to bed. During the day he's stealing food, terrorizing birds, rubbing up against my legs, and purring.

Cleaning poop, washing the car, leaving the shed door open so he does not starve and ignoring the noise are one thing, allowing it to it rub against my legs is another (it even races me for my favorite chair, if I win it claims my lap).Truth is, I am scared of cats and whilst respecting, I am obsessing. How to be rid of the cat?

My daughter says cats think people are cats. Personally, I think cats think they are people. I am sure the pooping and walking on the car are willful, an explicit cat paw sign, so to speak, establishing power. I've no doubt the cat knows I'm nervous in his company and do not want him around me. The more nervous I become the more determined Cat becomes, he is quite atrocious. Yesterday he nipped me when I pushed him off my outdoor chair. I got such a shock I let him stay there, and scurried inside for safety, it is a power struggle that currently he is winning.

There is a photo of me somewhere, aged two or three, cuddling a ginger cat . I don't remember Ginger, but I do have a memory of a image of blood and ginger fur splattered on the snow. History recalls the cat was baited. Dad was digging a burial hole, his rifle beside it on the snow.

It's a shocking thing to say, but I have considered baiting the delinquent. It's a measure of my panic and distress. Of course, I could not do it, rather, I borrowed "Cat Matters" from the library to search for a rational solution.

"Rather than attribute full human feelings to cats, it is better to understand how cats perceive the world and to adjust our behaviour to accommodate their physical and emotional needs as best we can. The key to training is to make sure that whatever you want your cat to do is exceedingly rewarding and pleasurable. And, visa versa."

So, my plan in action is, I am transcending fear and making Cat feel welcome, giving lots of positive responses and rewarding his presence. The wonder of being human, I am tricking Cat into thinking I want him. Reverse psychology! I've not doubt this cat is so perverse he will disappear when his power over me is over.

Having made the conscious choice to take charge, our relationship is pleasant now. I even talk to Cat, about this and that, grit my teeth when he rubs against my legs and think warm and fuzzy thoughts, rather than recoiling from his belly softness. (I still see Ginger splattered on the snow.) Cat owns the chair, I have found another. He is purring more and taking all l I have to offer. Then, today Cat disappeared. Victory. Have I won?

I am keeping Cat's chair vacant, just in case his memories of a better me, better him, attract him back. Truth is, I miss him, which leads me to conclude, it may well be Cat who won.

Learn more about this author, Louise Marie Croese.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding a cat's memory?
We want to hear your view. Write now!