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Mindlessly petting a cat is like mindlessly washing a knife.
(sh.itjust.works)
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this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2023
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Showerthoughts
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It's never a good idea to go near any animal that has just given birth. Since they were vulnerable for a time, they likely kick it up a notch, plus babies to protect. It's even a crapshoot if the bonded person can come close.
It depends. If the animal really trusts you and knows you well, they might be comforted by you being there. But if that's not the case, or if they show any negative signs, you need to give them space.
When I was a child our cat gave birth, and she kept crying for my mom whenever she tried to leave her side.
One of my cats started to give birth while next to me. I was still a kid and thought she peed on the sofa so I went downstairs to get something to clean the mess, the cat followed me while having contractions. My mom realised what was happening and told me to leave her alone, so I tried to get away but the cat still followed me while having half a kitten hanging out. So I stayed with her the whole time. Rip little old Lisbeth.
True, although dogs are generally way better with their litter around humans than cats are
Dogs are friendly social animals. Cats are solitary murderers who put up with people because they get fed and massaged.
Domestic cats are actually a very social species, I read a couple studies on it, despite what the stereotypes make you believe. They're just very aloof and picky with who they choose to bond with. I've had cats who desperately needed other cats, and I've had cats who really don't like other cats, but those cats are extremely clingy with people instead.
It's also why feral cats are found in colonies and most vets and shelters will recommend having at least 2 cats because they actually need the companionship. It's pretty interesting!
That's true. I've been around both. None were particularly aggressive to me but I was a kid when our dog had puppies but I know she was mean to mom. It was well known she didn't like my mom though.