CosmoGirl1391 Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 I have been dating this new guy for about 2 weeks. Nothing serious, we're just getting to know each other and hanging out. I like him pretty good, but I do have one concern. Everytime he comes to my apartment, my cat Giblet ducks down really low and hisses at him. And if he walks toward her, she will run under the coffee table or something. It's really wierd. She has never done that before to anyone. Not even guys that I have brought home in the past - just this one. She's usually a very loving cat, even to strangers, but it's like when he walks in the room, she is scared out of her wits! Is this a bad omen? Link to post Share on other sites
bluechocolate Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Did your cat do this the very first time she encountered this man? Is it at all possible that they were alone and he could have mistreated your cat in some way? But honestly, I don't think you should read too much into this. What does your gut tell you about this guy? Surely that is more important. Does he have any pets? Could your cat be smelling something on his clothes or shoes? Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Are there any animals where he lives or works? He's not a veterinarian, is he? If he smelled like a veterinary office, that could cause the cat's reaction. I agree it seems unusual and I wouldn't be that quick to dismiss it but first find out if it's something to do with a smell of some sort. Link to post Share on other sites
Author CosmoGirl1391 Posted May 2, 2004 Author Share Posted May 2, 2004 Originally posted by bluechocolate Did your cat do this the very first time she encountered this man? Is it at all possible that they were alone and he could have mistreated your cat in some way? But honestly, I don't think you should read too much into this. What does your gut tell you about this guy? Surely that is more important. Does he have any pets? Could your cat be smelling something on his clothes or shoes? Well, he isn't a vet - he's a computer programmer - he sits in an office all day!! ANd yes, she did it the very first time she saw him and every time thereafter. They've never been alone together, because everytime he is at my apt, I am always in the living room with him, watching tv or something and I can see the living room from my kitchen. So I know he's never hurt her. And he lives alone and doesn't have any pets. So I don't know what it is!!! But it's freeking him out too, he don't know why she hisses at him, but it kind of buggin me out, I am beginning to think it a bad omen, seriously!! C'mon, guys - I love my cat, and I know her better than I know this guy!! LOL!! Link to post Share on other sites
bluechocolate Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 What to say? I don't know really. My dog has a problem with men ( he's male & so am I ) when he first encounters them. And the taller the man the more suspicious he is. He was 5 years old when we adopted him from a rescue center. There is no way of knowing what went on in his life during those 5 years - my guess is that he was mistreated by a tall man - or simply that he finds their height intimidating. I'm inclined to think that it's mistreatment because he cowers when you move the garden house and he cowers if he see's you with a belt ( getting dressed or putting clothes away ). He has little problem with women he's never met before and no problem at all with children. You cat isn't a siamese is it? If you really like this guy encourage him to become friends with your cat. Have him around at feedling time and let him feed your cat and let him give her\him some of it's favourite tid-bits whenever he comes over. My dog had an ongoing issue with one of our friends. That was because he ( the friend ) doesn't like dogs and our dog demands some respect from people who come to the house. That is, once you acknowledge his presence, say his name and give him a pat or two he'll generally settle down quickly. If he's ignored by a new comer to the house he gets really shirty about it and follows them around closely, staring at them and mumbling the entire time. Link to post Share on other sites
heather&theboyz Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 but I trust my boyz' judgement and if they don't like you, you're out the door. Silly? Probably. Paranoid? Definitely. But that's just the way it is. I am such an animal lover I consider myself incompatible with anyone who is not and animals have a hell of a "nose" for bad people. Link to post Share on other sites
bluechocolate Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 he cowers when you move the garden house like I'm moving garden houses around all the time !! correction the garden HOSE ....... Link to post Share on other sites
magda Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Maybe someone passed away recently and their ghost is following him around. Or something more evil !!!! 'Cuase people say that animals do that stuff when they see "otherworldly spirits" especially DEMONS!!!!! Check and see if the cat is looking at HIM or whether it's looking AT SOMETHING ELSE!!! hehe Link to post Share on other sites
capitald Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Two weeks is kind of fast to have a boyfriend come over your apartment, maybe your cat is responding to that, animals are smarter than they may seem. Link to post Share on other sites
magda Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Unconventional date idea: Visit a psychic. Fun for everyone - maybe even bring the cat! Link to post Share on other sites
reasontosigh Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 .. Have him around at feeding time and let him feed your cat and let him give her\him some of it's favourite tid-bits whenever he comes over. ... This is an idea that may help. My brother's girlfriend's cats didn't really like me much till my brother and his girlfriend went away on a week long camping trip - I stayed to "cat-sit". I not only fed them, but apparently I was better at changing the litter box too! They not only turned out to be very happy cats that week, but after that point they would come to my room to sleep too! Link to post Share on other sites
reasontosigh Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Originally posted by magda Unconventional date idea: Visit a psychic. Fun for everyone - maybe even bring the cat! That could turn out to be quite interesting!!!!! Link to post Share on other sites
befuddled11 Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Having 5 indoor cats myself, and having previously belonging to various cat and dog health forums over the years, I can tell you that many people *swear* by their pets' instinct when it comes to a new partner. Animals, I believe, have a very sharp instinct when it comes to people. I recall reading with amazement, many people whose pets reacted "strangely" like yours has, when a new boyfriend came around.......but them not really paying much attention to it.....only to find out later (and sometimes not that long after) that the guy was bad news: an abusive type, someone who had less than noble intentions, etc. Does your new guy *like* cats? He may pretend to, but if he despises them like some guys really do, a cat can definitely sense that. You say you've never left your cat alone with this guy.....but even if you just the room for one minute...to go to the kitchen or the bathroom....this guy might have shoved your cat or swat at it, all because he truly doesn't like cats (or animals in general). It only takes one second. If your cat has truly never reacted this way before with any other guy you've dated, then I would maybe not write the guy right off YET...but I'd definitely be on-guard. Cats are very protective creatures, just in a different way than dogs. Also, if this continues and you keep subjected your cat to him, the "stress" your cat endures could affect his health. Stress puts a cat at higher risk for illness..such as urinary tract infections, litterbox accidents (cat reacting by peeing or pooping outside of the litterbox), etc. If the cat is over the age of 9, the stress can trigger more serious problems: diabetes, kidney disease, etc. My only suggestion would be......the next time the guy comes over, get out some of your cat's favorite treats. Let the guy offer some to your cat. NOT FOOD THOUGH.......and I say this because you don't want your cat to develop a negative association with food and stress/someone he doesn't like......which might cause him to avoid eating period. If your cat has favorite toys......such as little sponge balls or those feather toys, or catnip toys......have the guy sit on the floor and try to play with your cat.....you giving TONS of extra attention to your cat..........to try and relax kitty, and make him feel more at ease. And hopefully in time, your cat will come around. If not......then I'd seriously trust your cat's "problem" with this guy. What's this guy's history? What are your ages? Did you meet him online? Do you know for SURE he's got no criminal record? Or history of abuse? Link to post Share on other sites
Thinkalot Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Being into psychic stuff myself, and also an animal lover who believes they can have good instincts, I'd also be concerned about your cats behaviour, but I'd give the guy a bit more time yet. Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Why does your cat have to like him? Link to post Share on other sites
befuddled11 Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Originally posted by Bill Why does your cat have to like him? She didn't mention anything in her posts to indicate that her cat *has* to like her new boyfriend. She was merely wondering *why* her cat might be acting so stressed out and upset in the presence of this guy. But if you want to take it a step further.....what if for "some reason" her cat is so upset by this guy, and attacks him, or scratches or bites him? Then what happens to the cat? Is she willing to take the risk that this could happen, and her cat could have to be put to sleep? I sure as hell wouldn't take that risk. If this is normally a friendly cat who's never reacted this way to a guy, there's got to be a good reason the cat objects to him. Link to post Share on other sites
befuddled11 Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Do you know your cat's history? Did you get him as a stray? At the pound? If you haven't had him straight since he was a kitten, or there's every any chance in your cat's life that a MALE has been abusive to him, it could be that THIS GUY's voice or smell triggers something in your cat. I know this is very common among dogs who have had any history of abuse. For instance, in extreme cases, a dog that's been abused even as a pup, by a male with a deep voice..well even years later, if that dog hears a male with a deep voice, it can incite immediate fear and stress. My own example, sort of. Years ago I had a dear sweet cat named Mouse. Had him since he was 10 wks old. He was the kindest, most gentle, friendly cat. A real suck. One time my parents came to visit (they lived far away) and my Dad being the dingdong that he is, always trying to be funny, he playfully and lightly flicked Mouse on the nose. Mouse was not impressed. He HID for the rest of my parent's visit. And through the years, any time Mom and Dad came to visit, as soon as Mouse saw Dad, he'd hide and not go anywhere near him. And THIS was a cat who would suck up to anyone, even a total stranger. He just never "forgot".....either my Dad's voice or his scent (a particular human scent detectable only to a cat....my Dad doesn't stink you know LOL). Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Originally posted by befuddled11 Do you know your cat's history? Did you get him as a stray? At the pound? If you haven't had him straight since he was a kitten, or there's every any chance in your cat's life that a MALE has been abusive to him, it could be that THIS GUY's voice or smell triggers something in your cat. I know this is very common among dogs who have had any history of abuse. For instance, in extreme cases, a dog that's been abused even as a pup, by a male with a deep voice..well even years later, if that dog hears a male with a deep voice, it can incite immediate fear and stress. Investigating the "smell" trigger would be a good idea. Link to post Share on other sites
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