Like most cats, my cat, Pipig (the name is Swedish for "squeaky"), is generally self-sufficient but, when she wants my attention, she can be very demanding. If she's ignored, she tends to act out. When I'm working at my computer, that may involve repeatedly sitting or walking in front of my monitor, or putting her paws on my shoulder and attempting to lick my face. A few days ago, when I continued to ignore her, she took out her annoyance on the flowers sitting on my desk.
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| The stems of these blue and green Eustoma grandiflorum (aka Lisianthus) snapped in the wind so they ended up in a tiny vase next to my PC monitor. This photo was taken after I'd already rebuked Pipig twice for nibbling on the flower. |
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| She stopped nibbling but didn't move away |
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| After a few more repetitions of "NO", she tried to stare me down. I picked her up off the desk and put her on the floor. |
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| She was back in a flash to retaliate against the flower |
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| After another talking to, she pulled away and gave me the stink eye before curling up behind the monitor |
We've had repetitions of the same behavior since; however, there's no sign that she's gone after the flowers when I'm not sitting right there. Is she simply trying to draw my attention by whatever means possible, or is she actually jealous of the flowers? If you're a cat behaviorist, let me know what you think.
All material © 2012-2017 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
