One night, you’re late on giving your cat a meal. And to make things worse, you accidentally stumble upon them. The next thing you know, the cute furball refuses to acknowledge your presence. They will sit near their food bowl, but they will avoid any contact beyond feeding time.
That sure raises the question of how long does a cat hold a grudge? Is it as long as you think it is? Is there any logical explanation for this fact?
Wait, is this a fact? Do they hold a grudge? Should you start living in fear? Well, let’s figure out how to peacefully co-live with our feline friends.
Dealing with a grudging feline
A cat that holds a grudge can be a formidable opponent. They will avoid you at any cost and may refuse to eat. If that’s the case, then you have no other choice but to make peace right away.
Keep in mind that humans are under their paws. They don’t have to do anything and our hearts will melt in an instant. Anyway, here are some facts to help you understand and defuse the angry cat.
Cats do remember, but not for a long time
Compared to dogs and goldfish that have a short memory, only mere minutes. Cats can remember a lot longer than that. Researchers even believe that our feline friends can remember things that happened almost 16 hours ago.
Some researchers at Tufts University even came up with a bizarre conclusion. Their report shows that a cat’s brain structure is similar to a human, specifically on the cerebral cortex.
This research explains some of the behaviors that we know so far. Such as asking for food at 3 in the morning, tapping or poking us to play, and other things. That also explains why they squirm after you accidentally kick them.
Apologize as soon as possible
Yes, it’s the same rules with when you make a mistake to a human. Apologize to your cat as soon as possible. Just like humans, they will appreciate a quick apology.
Remember that a cat is an adept creature. Felines naturally have terrible eyesight, but their ears are sharp. They can notice different noises and tones. Thus, rather than taking it as a joke, you should ingrain it to say your apology quickly. Besides, it’s also a good habit to have.
Better understand their behavioral issues
This may sound surprising to many people. But there are reports of them having attachment issues and showing behavioral problems. Considering the similar brain structures, they may have similar issues.
Some breeds can be very chill and love to cuddle. But keep in mind that their primary nature is as a hunter. Their type of playing and fun need to have some hunting elements.
Most of the behavioral issues stem from restlessness and having too much energy. When that is the case, then you have to give them toys to play with and see their preferences. This will help you know your cat better, as well as help them deal with their energy.
Regularly treat them
This may sound like cheating. But giving them treat work as a solution. However, you need to walk the fine line between spoiling and apologizing. Your cat may manipulate you to give a treat every so often. Yes, they can act out and expect you to spoil. You may feel like between a rock and a hard place when giving them a treat.
At the same time, you can use it for your benefit. Some professionals train their cats using treats. You can try giving your cat a treat after good behavior or after following a command.
Learn to manage your emotions better
Remember that the feline chooses you and not the other way around. All cat lovers can attest to this statement in an instant. Therefore, you must understand yourself.
One of the common misconceptions about cats is that they don’t care. However, they often show behaviors where they read the room. They can hear your heartbeat and sense when you’re in a low mood.
Also, their muscles naturally adjust to the hand that touches them. The gentle micro-massage can help alleviate stress.
Keep calm and meow-ve on
Stay calm is always a good tactic. An angry cat will not stay irritated for a long time. You two can return cuddling after you give a treat. They have a longer memory than dogs, but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t quick to forgive as well.
Whether you live alone with your cat, or there are other cats or dogs in the house. You can see how fast are the animals get along again.
So what else do I need to know?
Well, for starters, you need to know that cats can be very loyal companions. The main question is how to make them one. Many people choose dogs over cats because dogs are easier to train.
Sure, some circuses have cats as one of their performers. But those cats are trained from the kitten. And the trainers are professionals who already know the tricks.
Anyway, cats have distinctive personalities. Each breed differs from one another, but their primary nature is similar. Therefore, you can’t expect to have a calm Bengal or have a very playful Angora.
When it’s your first-time co-living with a cat, then you may want to spend some time alone. Get to know their habit and make sure that the process is mutual.
Now we know that cats can remember for more than half a day. But is it enough to hold a grudge? That depends on the incident. If it occurs once within the day, then your cat won’t remember a thing. You can still stay on their good grace.
Co-living with a cat has some challenges. But it’s rewarding at the same time. A cat is warm, cuddly, and a natural stress ball that can alleviate your tension and stress. All you have to do is to pat them on the head and run your fingers through their coat.
