Disclaimer: Unless specifically stated, any expert comments quoted in this news piece have been taken directly from the video cited below.
If you have a feline friend in your family then you're probably well aware that cats are known for their occasional grudge-holding tendencies.
While behaviors such as excessive vocalization and scratching the furniture are hallmark signs your cat isn't getting what it needs to be happy, a grumpy cat may retreat altogether.
Thankfully, if you're concerned you may have done something to upset your cat the feline experts over at Tuft + Paw have put together a handy TikTok video in which they share their top tips to earn your cat's love back.
Read on to find out what they are...
@tuftandpaw ♬ Sad piano ballad (BGM / sad)(936782) - TrickSTAR MUSIC
1. Avoid getting mad: "Yelling at your cat for reacting naturally to uncomfortable situations won't improve their mood."
2. Don't comfort them: This one may sound counterintuitive, but according to the team at Tuft + Paw, if you notice signs of annoyance and you then attempt to comfort your cat by stroking or petting them, it could make things worse.
"Cats remain highly aroused for hours, so even if the initial trigger of the annoyance is gone, it can still have a lingering emotional effect. They might still react negatively to touch for hours after the initial incident."
3. Get a vet check: "If your cat's behavior changes without any obvious environmental changes, it could be a good idea to go and consult a vet. Changes in behavior could indicate illness, so definitely go and get this checked out, especially if your cat is hiding more often."
4. Seek professional help: How to calm an aggressive cat is very different from winning over a grumpy one and it's important you seek help if your cat displays consistent aggression. "Consulting with a clinical animal behaviorist through your vet can really help the situation," says the team at Tuft + Paw.
The above tips are well worth trying if you have a crabby cat on your hands. While all of our feline friends are different, implementing the advice shared by the team at Tuft + Paw is a great way to get yourself back in your fur baby's good books.
If you notice your kitty is soon spending time with you again and is chirping, purring, kneading and playing — congratulations! These are all great signs of a happy cat and suggest you've well and truly been forgiven.
