So I deactivated Facebook & Instagram May 6th and so far no withdrawals which I find surprising. Because I spend so much time on FB, I expected to be freaking out in some way. But nothing. Nada. It’s actually felt like a relief to not have to think of things to post. I do miss the folks on Facebook and look forward to being back in touch with everyone. Have had a few phone calls which has been so nice. Real voices talking together. And I’ve missed sharing what’s going on in my life so thought I’d share it here. Heads up: Pretty laid back and uneventful!!
I’ve been enjoying more time with Tarzan the Jungle Cat. I walked to the barn with Happy Hank & Chloe Chub Chub yesterday. Tarzan followed us there and back. Pretty sure he’s half dog & thinks he’s full dog.
Here’s a funny thing. He just turned a year old and there had been issues with him being aggressive now and then. He’d be laying on my lap letting me pet him and all of a sudden he’d bite or scratch me and jump down. Totally unpredictable. Also unnerving and painful. So I did what any good jungle cat parent would do. I went to google & then on to You Tube which I’ve come to believe are my good friends.
Researching “Why is my teenage cat being aggressive with me?” I learned many things but the bottom line came down to: He’s unhappy about something so he’s acting out. “Mmmmm” I thought. “What could that be?”
Well it was pretty obvious. We have 3 dogs and when Tarzan was a kitten we tried bringing him in to sleep with us at night but he caused trouble and there had been scuffling between Tarzan and the dogs. Jealously, maybe? So at night he had been sleeping in the other part of the house with full run of the dining room, living room, kitchen, other bathroom etc. Every night he would cry and scratch at the door wanting to come in. I always gave him a special treat before I shut the door at night and when I opened the door in the morning, he would be right there. In we’d go to the kitchen where I would give him another special treat, hoping that would make him feel better. But in trying to figure out why he was sometimes aggressive, it occurred to me that might be the reason he was acting out. Perhaps he was lonely, sad and feeling left out. Could his emotionl cat pain be causing him to strike out??
It became my mission to find out!
It was time for Tarzan and I to have a talk. I explained he could come in with us at night, but no fighting or hassling the dogs or us while we slept. If he caused any trouble, I told him, he’d be out of the room to wander the rest of the house all night. Well believe it or not, he’s not caused a problem while we sleep and also hasn’t been aggressive any more. He’s a changed cat!! Just took a little research and cat psychology to find out what was bothering him and come up with the solution. He’s been wonderful and no bother at all. In the morning when I turn over, he comes up and gently taps my hand with his paw 2 or 3 times to let me know it’s time to get up and let him go outside to play.
I’m wondering if it isn’t like people in a way. So often someone may be acting out and we take it personally, and think it’s something against us. But really they might be feeling lonely, hurting, sad, feeling blue… and perhaps there’s a little something we can do to help them feel better on their journey home?
Because really, that’s what we’re all on. The journey home.
Would love to see a comment here so I’ll know you stopped by. And I can always be reached at beth@bethwilliamsmusic.com
Consider adopting or fostering a pet today. Our continued thanks to Jacki & Surface Creek Animal Shelter!
Wishing you well, Love from here xoxo tater
