Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 8/27/2009

Question
Hi,

I was wondering what it is that makes my cat want to be around me while I'm reading or doing homework. At first i thought it was because he wanted me to pay attention to him and not my books, but now I'm starting to realize that he is sleeping or in a completely different part of the house when i start to read or do homework and that as soon as i sit down to open the book he comes running. After wards he won't leave me alone no matter how many times i push him away. Is there a reason why he does this and is there a way to stop him doing this?

Answer
Hi
this is a simple case of wanting attention from you. you are paying more attention to your book  etc then him. This is normal behaviour, I should know my own cat was exactly the same.

You have to make the decision to either stop what you are doing for a few minutes, give him lots of fuss and attention and even perhaps a little food and then hopefully he will settle down. or to ignore him completely (hard i know but they do get the message eventually and give up) or even shut him out and ignore him until you have finished what you are doing then go and give him lost of fuss, this may help him to understand that he will get attention from you but when you say and not him.

i was a push over and gave my cat what she wanted when she came to me, but i found that this quietened her down.

best wishes Kate
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