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Cats/Fixed Calico Cat Meowing With a Stuffed Animal

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Expert: - 8/6/2009


Question
Sometimes my fixed female calico cat likes to walk around with a stuffed animal in her mouth meowing. At the same time she walks like a raccoon and she kneads the bed, carpet with her paws. Any ideas why she is doing this? It's okay during the day, but sometimes she does this at night while we are trying to sleep. Should I hide her stuffed animal? Also, sometimes she meows without a stuffed animal in her mouth, since my boyfriend trained her to get up at 4:00 in the morning unintentionally. She wants him to feed her and to let her out in the backyard. I would like to train her to get up around 7:00 like she use to. Any answers for both questions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sincerely,
Ruzya

Answer
Hi Ruzya,

I had to laugh about this. I have one of mine that does the same. We say Toby has his kill again. I believe that it is just a residual behavior of being a little hunter. She is telling you that she has got something small and furry. Let her have her stuffed animal. Actually get a couple of others and make a game for her of it. Hide them, (but not too hidden), and let her "catch" her prey. The kneading is just her exhibiting her happiness and contentment.

To retrain her will just take a little time and patience on your part. When she comes to you at 4am you have to either ignore her or remove her from the room. Then at 7am you need to make a big deal of feeding her. Tap the can of food and call her with a special phrase. For mine I use "Breakfast Bar is Open!" They come running when they hear that. She will get the picture in about two weeks. Just make sure you don't give in and feed her at 4. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

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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!

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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.

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