For some cats, keyboards are just unbearable

#Middlebury #Cats #Keyboards

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m writing in regard to the article on the keyboard-loving cat. My cats often react as if they’re disturbed by many specific sounds: voices from my phone speaker, noise from the radio or iPad, or clicking from typing on the keyboard. My cats are uncomfortable and confused. I believe that the sounds are not pleasant to them. When they paw at the phone screen or at me, I think it’s an attempt to stop, control or try to understand these noises that are bothering them.

I’ve found that if I wear earbuds when using my cellphone or iPad, my cats don’t react. I silenced the “clicky” sounds when writing a text message on my phone. When I need to type, I put the cats in another room with a tasty treat to hold them until I’m finished.

Our kitties are trying to adjust to our lifestyle, with all the technology we use today, and much of it is antithetical to their way of being! We need to compromise a bit and make adjustments that help them to be more comfortable. Thank you for your informative column each week – Patricia D.W., via email

DEAR PATRICIA: What a great observation! Most of us think that when a cat walks across our keyboard, they are just seeking attention. But it may be something more. With their keen hearing, all that clickety-clacking may be driving them nuts – and they’re jumping onto the keyboard to put a stop to it.

Your solution speaks to the importance of observing our pets and their behavior to learn what is normal for them versus what makes them anxious or annoyed. Observation can give us the answer to many problem behaviors.

Send your pet care and training tips to ask@pawscorner.com.

© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

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