Here are some cat tips we’ve learned over the span of Zero’s small life
CAT TIP #1 – Comfort is Key
Starting Zero in a harness young was very important. He was able to develop a comfort for the harness that I wouldn’t have expected. He reacts when I show it to him now because he loves going outside so much. I made a video about this. He will run to the door and wait for me to put it on him and open the door. He purrs when I snuggle him into it. He has so much positivity linked to this little piece of fabric that it has become comfortable and a symbol of outside.
CAT TIP #2 – Keep Your Energy Cool
This is a huge thing I learned from Random Guy. When we started dating, he campaigned for Zero’s freedom, while I was still afraid of the bad things happening to Zero (and to us). I realized later that I was projecting and telling myself Zero was scared when that wasn’t the case at all. Anyway, I learned that my anxiety and discomfort was something that Zero could feel. Once I had some support and the ability to recognize and control my emotions, everything honestly got so much easier. This is a tool I use to this day. Stay cool and your cat will believe that everything is okay too.
CAT TIP #3 – Allow for Growth
Zero really isn’t a fan of other cats. He’s only met a few dogs but I can tell he’s more of a dog person than a cat person. Either way, both make him uneasy. I used to pull him away when he came face to face with another pet, but I try to let him take his time to experience and meet new animals now. After thinking all this time that he was an innocent baby, I’m realizing he’s a bit of a bully. He gets growly and poofed and will even hiss at me if I don’t give him enough space. In these situations. I back off, move him away, set his sights on something else and then slowly reach in for a pet with a lot of notice (voice, visually showing him my hand). This technique has never failed me. Although he will grumble, after these steps I can scoop him up and take him somewhere else so that we can reset.