Are Cats Really Devious or Just Misunderstood?

Besides the feline related groups to which I belong (many of which have been created to take on some rather complicated and difficult challenges aimed to improve the wellbeing and health of felines), one of the things I enjoy most about the Internet is meeting some of the most amazing people from all over the world. Many of the folks I have met through Facebook and gaming have become close friends and I treasure every moment I spend with them.

Of course many of my typing pals are cat lovers and totally enjoy sharing stories about their kitties, sharing feline health and behavioral information, and on occasions seeking advice about how to handle a situation which may drive them “bonkers”. Cats are marvelous critters, but from time to time some of their strange behavior can drive even the most passionate kitty-lover up the wall! Many times, our cats are just misunderstood, even though we may construe their actions as seeming devious.

As an example, out of the blue the other day, Whitney, a very dear friend, a registered nurse and a devoted, highly responsible cat lover who is owned by two beautiful kitties, sent me a message about how Tommy, her three-year-old mackerel and white tabby, was “getting on her last nerve." She continued writing, “Don’t get me wrong, I love him! But at times he drives me nuts.”

I inquired about what Tommy was doing that was getting her so upset. Whitney replied that he was digging through papers on her desk. After several moments of silence, my Blackberry started chiming that a text message had just arrived. Attached to the messages was a photo of the “culprit” lying on her papers, with an unmistakable mischievous gleam in his eye. From looking at the photo it was obvious to me why she thought he was up to “no good” and was plotting to make life miserable for her.

Cats are not devious, in spite of what some folks think. They are really very upfront about what they are feeling and what is going on in those little heads. So the translation of his behavior is really very simple. This cat adores his purrson! He is thinking, “My Meowmy is spending way too much time on her computer, time she should be spending paying attention to ME! I am bored . . .  I want a snack . . . I want to play. Let me think of ways to get her attention!”

After a brief conversation, we came up with a simple solution to keep Tommy occupied when she cannot play with him. Since he loves playing with paper, providing him with a cardboard box liberally filled with the stuff may offer him just the distraction he needs. Of course, as all cat lovers know, sitting on just about anything with which their human is interested always gets a rise out of them.

On the other paw, purrhaps she should just give up the ghost and hire him as her office assistant!  What do you think? Leave a comment and tell us.