Expert: Tomay - 6/20/2006

Question
Hi Tomy,
How are you ?
I have a 4 month old Persian cat. I have 3 questions :  

1- I'm crazy about her, every one loves her at home, we carry her, hug her and kiss her alot, is that okay ? do you think she doesn't like that ?!!

2- sometimes I feel that she becomes irritable, anxious, running away from us never let us touch her, as if she is scared of something ?!!
this happens frequently, everyday,  all of a sudden, not preceded by any alarm, she is not hungry, no one hurts her, we are unable to explain that

3- I feel that she doesn't like her special food, is it advisable to give her portions of our own food ?

lastly : any special advice ?

Thank You soooooo much,
Fayza

Answer
Hello Fayza,
I am sorry for the delay aswering your question.  It seems it didn't make it to my mailbox, and I have just now gotten a reminder!  So, again, so sorry for the delay.
Persian cats are known to be a bit more aloof than other breeds of cats.  Sometimes, when they are handled excessively, they can become even more stand offish.  I think you are right in your assumption that she doesn't like all the carrying her around and holding her alot.  Because of this, she may become alarmed that someone is going to pick her up again, so she runs away to escape.  It might be a good idea to let her be for a while. Just ignore her for a while, and let her come to you, on her terms and in her time.  Again, persians are known to be cats that are very much 'on their terms'.  As far as feeding, it is not a good idea to feed her human food, as her body requires the nutrition available in cat food.  Try getting her higher quality foods, such as Precise or Innova or the like.  Offer her canned as well as dry to munch on through the day.  She will not allow herself to literally starve to death, so just be a little insistant with her diet.
Hopefully this will help, and again , sorry for the delay.
Thank you for your inquiry and your intrest in this site.

Tomay