understanding what our new cat wants

understanding what our new cat wants

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Trustmeimadoctor

Original Poster:

13,507 posts

162 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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Previous cat not an issue didn't make much noise so was usually fairly obvious what she was after.

New one makes noise alot! Seems to announce everything so have no idea what anything means she walks around making noise so obviously wants something but no idea what other than attention but she can't have that all the time.
But oddly she is no bother over night she gets into her bed at about 11pm then stays there till about 7am (she obviously eats and things) where the previous one would keep visiting through the night walking over us etc


So any good ways to decipher cat?

Simpo Two

87,081 posts

272 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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Wants to go out? Food? Cuddle? Looking for a litter tray?

Any more clues other than 'walks around the house making noise'? Body language? Does she seem in distress?

Mr Pointy

11,840 posts

166 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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Get another cat for her to talk to?

Trustmeimadoctor

Original Poster:

13,507 posts

162 months

Monday 15th May 2023
quotequote all
She has food available but could be wanting tasty bits. She won't go out but maybe wants the door open to sit looking out, she doesn't seem distressed

It's just seems to be constant talking, alot sounds like moaning "I'm here, attention, attention!" Then other seems more urgent usually followed by her using her litter tray

Previous cat would go sit by a door and make a noise if she wanted it open

This one is like a needy kid with no inside voice biggrin

She is quite likely bored but she seldom plays by her self. We try to play as much as possible but calls get in the way and shd has to learn that so try to keep ig structured

If she'd go out she may be happier but she is terrified it seems of going out

She came with another cat when she was given up. They thought they were bonded but they realised they weren't and didn't really like each other. She is only about 16 months old so is very much still learning

Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Monday 15th May 10:18

dudleybloke

20,476 posts

193 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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Some cats are just noisy gits!
Mine is vocal when he wants fuss or food, my friends cat only shuts up when she's asleep.
Female cats tend to be more vocal in my experience.

TwigtheWonderkid

44,676 posts

157 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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Trustmeimadoctor said:
Previous cat not an issue didn't make much noise so was usually fairly obvious what she was after.

New one makes noise alot! Seems to announce everything so have no idea what anything means she walks around making noise so obviously wants something but no idea what other than attention but she can't have that all the time.
But oddly she is no bother over night she gets into her bed at about 11pm then stays there till about 7am (she obviously eats and things) where the previous one would keep visiting through the night walking over us etc


So any good ways to decipher cat?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu_pNeqAQ-U

C5_Steve

4,835 posts

110 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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I was going to ask what breed but assume just a normal "Cat"? Some breeds are far more vocal than others. I can have full blown conversations with ours and they actually make different noises for different things. From chirps to grumbles to full on meows.

Just remember that if you constantly jump at their requests they learn that's what works. So if they meow and you give them attention immediately, they'll do it all the time expecting to get attention. Try ignoring them, or at least just calling them to you.

Scrump

22,939 posts

165 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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One of Mrs Scrump’s cats became very vocal after his brother went missing.
Eventually the missing cat was found and the other cat went back to being quiet.

Maybe your new cat misses their siblings or friends.

Trustmeimadoctor

Original Poster:

13,507 posts

162 months

Monday 15th May 2023
quotequote all
C5_Steve said:
I was going to ask what breed but assume just a normal "Cat"? Some breeds are far more vocal than others. I can have full blown conversations with ours and they actually make different noises for different things. From chirps to grumbles to full on meows.

Just remember that if you constantly jump at their requests they learn that's what works. So if they meow and you give them attention immediately, they'll do it all the time expecting to get attention. Try ignoring them, or at least just calling them to you.
Yeah just a dsh nothing posh when she callms down and claims onho my desk she curls up on my laptop or in her rad bed next to me and sleeps untill the door goes then she goes to check them out and we go back to noisy cat smile


Simpo Two

87,081 posts

272 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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Trustmeimadoctor said:
She has food available but could be wanting tasty bits.
Could be. Felix 'Goody Bag' treats appeal to my cat when she needs titivating.

Trustmeimadoctor said:
It's just seems to be constant talking, alot sounds like moaning "I'm here, attention, attention!" Then other seems more urgent usually followed by her using her litter tray

She is quite likely bored but she seldom plays by her self. We try to play as much as possible but calls get in the way and shd has to learn that so try to keep ig structured

She came with another cat when she was given up. They thought they were bonded but they realised they weren't and didn't really like each other. She is only about 16 months old so is very much still learning
I think attention is the most likely thing. When mine is like that, if I sit down and put her on my lap she usually settles down.

If you get up does she try to lead you anywhere? For example, I have just been interrupted for yet another trip to the food bowl!

Trustmeimadoctor

Original Poster:

13,507 posts

162 months

Monday 15th May 2023
quotequote all
She follows me everywhere if she is up and if she is playing with the wife will usually stop and follow me

I'm sure both us and the cat will eventually settle in to routines it's only been 2 month so far

Freakuk

3,463 posts

158 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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We recently got 2 kittens (3 months ago), they'll be 5 months old in a few weeks.

Both are extremely quiet, one can pur for Britain when she gets attention, the other is just quiet but very friendly also.

Neither meeoww, which I am missing if I am honest as every other cat we have had used to be quite talkative.

Simpo Two

87,081 posts

272 months

Monday 15th May 2023
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Trustmeimadoctor said:
She follows me everywhere if she is up and if she is playing with the wife will usually stop and follow me
Being followed around by a cat is not too bad in the scheme of life problems smile

What happens if you pick her up - better or worse?

Trustmeimadoctor

Original Poster:

13,507 posts

162 months

Monday 15th May 2023
quotequote all
She doesn't like being picked up much, can handle it for a few then jumps down then starts meowing again

I gave her a treat earlier it sounded like I was trying to kill her! She then had a bit and left it after a few bites then ran up stairs again bleating

Simpo Two

87,081 posts

272 months

Monday 15th May 2023
quotequote all
Hmm. Did you follow her upstairs and if so what happened?

Have you tried playing with her - cat toys, catnip, laser pointer etc?

Trustmeimadoctor

Original Poster:

13,507 posts

162 months

Monday 15th May 2023
quotequote all
Lots of toys favourite is shoe lace and a feather and bags for life boxes and bubble wrap

She quietens down when playing then you stop it starts again

So it would seem it's play she wants but wants more than she can really have

Simpo Two

87,081 posts

272 months

Monday 15th May 2023
quotequote all
I think that's your answer; she's bored and wants to play/have attention.

The most valuable thing we have to give is time.

You said 'She came with another cat when she was given up. They thought they were bonded but they realised they weren't and didn't really like each other.' I'm normally very 'anti' getting another cat when one's already there, but do you think it would be worth considering?