#bodylanguage can be so subtle.
Dash is one of those cats that is often conflicted when it comes to pets. He has a quick paw and is not afraid to use it when you cross his #threshold of comfort.
He is very particular where he likes to be pet and gives the most subtle cues that he is finished.
Can you see the cue he gives me?
If you noticed the #eartwitch you are a winner!
Noticing these subtle cues and obliging his request keeps him under threshold and me from being scratched. Everyone wins! #happycat #whatyourcatwants #ilovethiscat
We ended with a belly flop and tail curl. #success #happycats
Continued from the last post...
In this clip, Gadou is choosing a quick full body pet.
I love how she enthusiastically chooses different areas of her body to rub on my hand. It is all about #whatyourcatwants
#fearfreepets
This cutie pie is Gadou.
She was not conditioned to petting as a kitten. She also has a bit of back pain. Consequently, she has what most would label as a low petting tolerance.
My answer to that, "no problem! Here is my hand, how about you guide me!"
Now she can have a #fearfree experience and can choose where and how long she wants to rub on my extended hand.
She can take breaks and come back for more at her own pace.
#happycat
Continuing the #enrichment conversation...
Here, Pico is showing me how much she loves her #zoomgroom from @kongcompany
I let her guide me instead of giving her a full brush in this exercise. This is her time and she is telling me what she wants. I have no agenda other than for her to get to do something she enjoys.
#giveyourcatwhattheywant #happycathappylife
#enrichmenttip :
#playtime with your cat doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Cats don't care where you got it or how much it cost. They want to know how it feels and moves, smells, and what sounds it makes.
Here, we are using some #free packing paper from a delivery box and a $2 #catdancer from @catdancerproducts
As you can see, we have one #happycat.
Let's talk consent.
Just like humans, cats like to be asked before being touched. Even though I know my kitty LOVES touches and pets, I still ask for permission first and I check in frequently. It is just common courtesy.
#whatyourcatwants #consent #fearfree #catbehavior #catbodylanguage #happycats
The usual Friday night around here.
#cattricksfortreats #cattrainer #seniorcat #enrichment #hifive
#enrichment for Moose! He is so happy right now.
Bon and I are working on trust. While some days he is all about the pets, other days he is hesitant of me. So in this clip, I am rewarding him for just choosing to be in my space and not retreat.
Join us live this weekend! ๐ป
This Saturday at 4pm PST, Iโll be chatting up Lea Fronterhouse with @catspajamasconsulting to pick her brain about safety and cat care tips on choosing a pet care professional and helping your cats to be happy and healthy while youโre away from home. Lea owned and operated an in-home pet sitting business for a number of years, before deciding to specialize in cat behavior. I canโt wait to learn some tips from her! ๐พ๐ค
Reposted from @thekindredcat
Today, Otto and I worked on desensitization to grooming and touch in general.
As you can see in this clip, he is relaxed around the brush and even shows mild interest in the event.
We kept it brief, I went very slow and we ended while it was still a positive experience for him. No pressure just some sweet purrs and a few delicious treats for his willing participation.
Have a safe weekend!
#makeadifference #notnoise #savealltheanimals #animalwelfare #animalrescue #petloversofinstagram #petsrule #forthekitties #forthedogs
Give Big starts tomorrow!๐ธ