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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/My Cat keeps trying to eat my hair
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Question
hi their my name is Ginevra and i have a 5 year old cat named
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Isis who is an absolute sweet heart however when ever i am holding her she keeps trying to eat my hair witch is very long i stop her by moving the hair out of her reach i try not to punish her to severely in that situation as i do not want to have her become scared of being held I'm curious to why she try's to eat my hair and am trying to find a solution that will get her to stop
hope U can hep Isis and i
Ginevra,
What a pretty kitty!
Hair eating is VERY dangerous! The cat can swallow it and it can wrap around her intestines and cause a blockage which can be potentially fatal!
Tie your hair back or put it inside your shirt when you are holding her. Distract her with a toy or hold her so she can't reach your hair. She thinks your hair is something to play with. You have to break her of the habit...fast for her safety. Cat's go by association and habit. Be firm that playing with your hair is a no-no. If she tries to play with it tell her "NO HAIR" an move her paws or mouth away from your hair. Say NO! a couple of times first then if she keeps trying, dump her on the floor (gently of course). Wait a few minutes and hold her again. If she tries to play with your hair again repeat until she associates getting dumped with going after your hair. You want her to be afraid to play with your hair, but NOT afraid of you. Distract her with something else that she CAN play with when you are holding her. And try to keep the hair away from her so it is not tempting.
Tabbi
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | ty very much ill deffenitly try your sagestion ty very much | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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