Harrow Chronicle: More than half of cat owners think their pet ignores them – so they resort to treats to win them over.
More than half of cat owners think their pet ignores them – so they resort to treats to win them over. Six in 10 (63 per cent) say their feline dictates interactions, underlining their famously independent nature. But 49 per cent try to gain their approval with tactics such as extra treats, giving up their bed, and talking to them in a baby voice. Other tactics include cuddles, doing ‘slow blinks’ at them (25 per cent) and upgrading their food (22 per cent). A quarter of the 2,000 owners polled said their pet snubs them all day, only to demand attention the moment they sit down to relax. The research was commissioned by SHEBA, which teamed up with Brit-nominated musician Cat Burns to launch its Ignored to Adored campaign as she understands the silent treatment all too well from her cats, highlighting how even chart-topping success did not guarantee feline affection. Cat Burns said: “It’s so funny to me – I’m about to go on tour, singing my songs to thousands of people, and our cats will literally just walk past me. They do not care. At all. I could be anybody. “Nothing will humble you faster than a pet you’re trying to win over. All they care about is how you make them feel, nothing else factors in. “I’m still a new person to them, so earning their trust and affection is my mission right now.” Pet behaviourist Dr. Tammie King, from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute said: “Cats tend to be more subtle, observant and will express their love towards us in unique ways. “The programme is driven by our science-based tips to empower cat parents to build stronger bonds, support their cats’ well-being and help them identify overlooked signs of feline affection.” The study also found 20 per cent said their cat even leaves the room when they enter, whereas six per cent choose to leave the house completely. For 18 per cent of those living with someone else, the aloofness felt even more pointed, as their cat doesn’t behave the same way with other household members. Reasons cats ignore owners include their independence and preference for doing their own thing (47 per cent). The study also found 10 per cent have spent a ‘significant’ amount of time researching ways to make their cat love them, according to the OnePoll.com figures. Rakesh Narayana, chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe, added: “We know cat parents crave a deeper sense of connection with their cats, even if that means speaking their language or mimicking their behaviour. “This campaign is grounded in our understanding of both cat and human behaviour, celebrating the distinctive bond.” THINGS CAT OWNERS DO TO TRY AND GAIN THEIR CAT’S APPROVAL: 1. Giving them treats 2. Playing with them 3. Buying them toys 4. Giving them extra cuddles 5. Letting them sleep on/in the bed 6. Giving them space and letting them come to you 7. Brushing or grooming them 8. Talking to them in a soft or “baby” voice 9. Doing ‘slow blinks’ at them 10. Upgrading their food