Razumevanje pomena vedenja mačk in primerno odzivanje nanj, ki ga ljudje pogosto označujemo kot neželeno, neprimerno ali nesprejemljivo, je ključnega pomena za vzpostavitev zdravega  in treznega odnosa med skrbniki ter njihovimi dragocenimi mačkami. Skrbniki mačk redno iščejo rešitve za t. i. “vedenjske težave” svojih mačk na internetu, v različnih forumih, skupinah na družabnih omrežjih, pri drugih lastnikih mačk in celo pri veterinarjih ali osebju v zavetiščih in društvih. Vendar pa obstaja tveganje, da bodo skrbniki prejeli nestrokovne, napačne ali zastarele informacije, ki bi lahko celo škodovale mačkam. Pomembno je poudariti, da mačke nimajo vedenjskih težav kot takih; gre za mačke, ki se odzivajo na suboptimalno okolje, bodisi socialno ali fizično.

Nekatere prakse, kot je kaznovanje mačk za vedenje, ki ga ljudje ne odobravajo, se morda zdijo učinkovite na kratki rok, vendar lahko povzročijo resne dolgoročne posledice v obliki telesnih in duševnih bolezni.  Ključno je razumeti, da je treba nam neželeno vedenje mačk obravnavati na način, ki je za mačko sprejemljiv in razumljiv.

V zavetiščih in društvih, kjer so viri omejeni – bodisi prostorsko, finančno ali kadrovsko – pogosto ni mogoče zagotoviti idealnih interakcij z mačkami. Zato ti kraji morda ne nudijo najboljših informacij za učinkovito in prijazno odpravljanje neželenega vedenja ali za učenje želenega vedenja.

Nekaj primerov neustrezne interakcije:

• Prisilna socializacija oz. družbeno učenje:

  • Odsvet: Ne priporoča se “socializacija” mačke, ko je v transportnem boksu, medtem ko se ljudje pogovarjajo skozi mrežo, rokujemo z njo ali ji ponujamo hrano ali igrače, saj lahko to predstavlja nepotrebne ali celo ogrožajoče dražljaje.
  • Nasvet: Bolje je, da mačka sama vodi proces spoznavanja v odprtem prostoru, brez občutka ujetosti in z možnostjo izbire za interakcijo.
  • Zaznamek: Socializacija mačk poteka v socializacijskem obdobju od 2. do 9. tedna starosti.

• Naša neuvidevnost:

  • Odsvet: Če mačka kaže znake umika ali odpora, se izogibajte rokovanju z njo ali vstopanju v njen osebni prostor, še posebej če veterinarski pregled ni nujno potreben.
  • Nasvet: Upoštevajte mačkove znake neodobravanja in počakajte, da se sprosti, preden nadaljujete.

• Nadvlada in ustrahovanje:

  • Odsvet: Uporaba teh metod pri zahtevnih mačkah lahko poveča strah in agresijo.
  • Nasvet: Pristopite k mački mirno z nežnim prigovarjanjem, v nižjem položaju in ohranjajte razdaljo.

• Posmeh:

  • Odsvet: Ni spoštljivo ali prijazno posmehovati se mački v stiski.
  • Nasvet: Ostanite mirni in zbrani ter mački dajte občutek varnosti in stabilnosti.

• Škodljivi in strašljivi pripomočki:

  • Odsvet: Uporaba pripomočkov, kot so škropljenje z vodo, lepilne in električne podlage, ovratnice ali majice za socializacijo, je nesprejemljiva.
  • Nasvet: Bolje je mačko (pre)usmerjati, spodbujati in nagrajevati za primerne odzive.

Mačke ne morejo prenesti prevelike količine neprijetnih dražljajev v kratkem času, znano kot ‘flooding’, zaradi česar so lahko izpostavljene velikemu stresu. Zato je naša naloga, da stresa in stiske ne povečujemo, ampak ju skušamo zmanjšati. Najpogostejše in učinkovite metode so bodisi neasociativne in asociativne, ki vključujejo navajanje (habituacija), postopno doziranje dražljajev (desenzibilizacija) in nagrajevanje želenih odzivov (pozitivna motivacija).

V akutnih primerih je najbolje, da na vedenje bodisi ne odreagiramo ali pa poskusimo preusmeriti mačkino pozornost na nekaj, kar je zanjo izjemno vredno. Kajti nasilni pristopi lahko mačko prisilijo v agresijo, beg ali otrdelost, kar zanjo lahko pomeni eksistencialno stisko. Ko mačka spozna, da boj nima smisla in da je beg nemogoč, se lahko zdi, da se je vdala, vendar to nikakor ne pomeni, da se strinja z našim vedenjem ali rokovanjem. ‘Vdanost v usodo’ oz. ‘learned helplessness’ je ovržena teorija, in tak odziv se imenuje pogojena nemoč oz. avtomatska inhibicija. Znan znak je hlinjenje spanja, čeprav se morda zdi, da mačka mirno počiva, je mogoče, da se le pretvarja, da bi se izognila neželeni interakciji. Pogosto so take mačke sčasoma celo vesele oseb, kar lahko pomeni, da so ti osebe edini način, s katerim lahko preženejo dolgčas oz. jim kljub vseemu prinesejo nekaj potrebnega, kot je hrana, in da nimajo veliko izbire pri popestritvi svojega začasnega življenja. Lahko bi govorili o obliki Stockholmskega sindroma, kjer se mačka vseeno naveže na ječarja.

Z majhnimi prilagoditvami lahko naredimo veliko, predvsem za blagočutje našega mačka:

• • Mačku postavimo na voljo številne, razpršene, ločene, dostopne in strateško postavljene dobrine (5 stebrov zdravega mačjega okolja).
  • Omogočimo mačku interaktivno (zanimivo in raznoliko) hranjenje.
  • Razvijemo pravilen pristop do mačka in z njim rokujemo na njemu prijazen način.
  • Spodbujamo njihove miselne sposobnosti z učenjem trikcev.
  • Vzdržujemo njihovo telesno pripravljenost z mačjo telovadbo.
  • Omogočimo jim stik z naravo (s sprehodi ali v mačjaku).

Mačke znajo biti neverjetno vljudne. Le mi se moramo naučiti brati in prepoznavati njihove odzive in kar nam z odzivi sporočajo. Le z upoštevanjem mačkovih želja in potreb bomo s svojo muco lahko razvili spoštljiv in zdrav odnos. To pa si želimo vsi, kajne?

Not all advice is in favor of cats

 

Understanding the significance of cat behavior and responding appropriately to it, which humans often label as unwanted, inappropriate, or unacceptable, is crucial to establishing a healthy and sober relationship between guardians and their precious cats. Cat owners are regularly looking for solutions for t. i. “behavioral problems” of their cats on the Internet, in various forums, social networking groups, with other cat owners, and even with veterinarians or staff at shelters and welfare societies. However, there is a risk that caregivers will receive unprofessional, incorrect, or outdated information that could even harm cats. It is important to emphasize that cats do not have behavioral problems per se; they respond to a suboptimal environment, either socially or physically.

Some practices, such as punishment, seem effective in the short term but can cause serious long-term consequences in the form of physical and mental illness. The key is to understand that we have to deal with unwanted cat behavior in an acceptable and understandable way to the cat.

Shelters and societies with limited resources – whether in terms of space, finances, or personnel – often need to provide ideal interactions with cats. Therefore, these places may need to provide better information for effectively and kindly correcting unwanted behavior or teaching desired behavior.

Some examples of inappropriate interaction:

• Forced socialization or social learning:

Do not: It is not recommended to “socialize” the cat while it is in the transport box, while people are talking through the net, handling it, or offering it food or toys, as this can represent unnecessary or threatening stimuli.

Tip: The cat should lead the learning process on its own in an open space, without the feeling of being trapped and with the possibility of choosing to interact.

Note: Cats are socialized during the socialization period from 2 to 9 weeks of age.

• Our invisibility:

Do not: If the cat shows signs of withdrawal or resistance, avoid handling it or entering its personal space, especially if a veterinary examination is unnecessary.

Tip: Pay attention to your cat’s signs of disapproval and wait for him to relax before continuing.

• Dominance and bullying:

Do not: These methods in demanding cats can increase fear and aggression.

Tip: Approach the cat calmly, gently talking in a lower position, and keep your distance.

• Sneer:

Do not: Mocking a cat in distress is not respectful or kind.

Tip: Stay calm and collected, and give your cat a sense of security and stability.

• Harmful and Scary Gadgets:

Do not: It is unacceptable to use aids such as water sprays, adhesive and electrical bases, collars, or shirts for socialization.

Tip: It is better to (re)direct, encourage, and reward the cat for appropriate responses.

 

Cats cannot tolerate excessive unpleasant stimuli in a short period, known as ‘flooding,’ which can put them under much stress. Therefore, our task is not to increase tension and distress but to reduce them. The most common and effective methods are either non-associative or associative, which include habituation, gradual dosing of stimuli (desensitization), and rewarding desired responses (positive motivation).

In acute cases, it is best to either not react to the behavior or to redirect the cat’s attention to something precious to her. Violent approaches can force the cat to act aggressively, run away, or become rigid, which can mean existential distress. When the cat realizes there is no point in fighting and that running away is impossible, she may give up, but this does not mean that she agrees with our behavior or handling. ‘Devotion to fate’ or ‘learned helplessness’ is a refuted theory, and such a response is called conditioned helplessness or automatic inhibition. A well-known sign is feigning sleep; although the cat may appear to be resting peacefully, it may just be pretending to avoid unwanted interaction. Often, such cats are even happy with people over time, which may mean that these people are the only way they can get rid of boredom, or, after all, they bring them something necessary, such as food, and that they have little choice in enriching their temporary lives. We could talk about a form of Stockholm syndrome, where the cat still gets attached to the jailer.

We can do a lot with minor adjustments, especially for the well-being of our cat:

• We provide the cat with numerous, scattered, separate, accessible, and strategically placed goods (The five pillars of a healthy cat environment).
• Let’s provide the cat with interactive (interesting and varied) feeding.
• We develop the right approach to the cat and handle it in a cat-friendly way.
• We encourage their thinking skills by teaching them tricks.
• We maintain their fitness with cat exercise.
• We enable them to come into contact with nature (with walks or in the cat litter).

Cats can be incredibly polite. We must learn to read and recognize their reactions and what they tell us through their responses. We can develop a respectful and healthy relationship with our kitty by considering the cat’s wishes and needs. That’s what we all want, right?