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Cats/cat liking music

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Expert: - 5/13/2009


Question
Hi,
I was hoping for some insite into my rescue cat's behaviour. She is normally very shy and quite hostile except for dinner time. However I found by chance that she loves the song 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' from the lion king, particularly when I whistle it. When I do this she comes running and is really affectionate. She even lets me hold her. She makes little meeping noises in the gaps and purrs loads. She is like a different cat. any ideas? (It doesn't work for other songs)
Thanks

Answer
Hi Catherine,

I know cats love music. When I leave my house I leave the radio on. If I don't I find the house destroyed. And they like easy going music like soft rock, classical or country. There must be something good from her past that she associates with that song. Maybe a child touched her life who liked that song. She hears that song and is all happy.

You can use it to reinforce good behavior from her and you. Feed her some special treat when you hum it. Call her name in between the humming and the treats. Then gradually stop the humming. Just call her name and feed her treats. It will take a little time but but she should just respond to her name in the same way. Then you can use her song for special times. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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