How to Pet a High-Strung Cat

Not all cats start off as friendly, tame felines. Some might be wild and high strung. But don't give up on having a pet that will curl up on your lap or follow you around the house. Your independent feline may find it is no match for your irresistible charm once you learn how to pet a high-strung cat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sit in a chair or couch or on the floor and gently pat your leg, motioning for the cat to approach you. Use a soothing voice to beckon your pet.

2. Stop patting your leg and look away from the cat. Stand up and slowly move toward your pet. The feline may leave the room, which is exactly what you want.

3. Read a book or some other periodical. Focus your attention on reading, completely ignoring the cat. Your cat may suddenly appear.

4. Pet your high-strung cat, but don't worry if it decides to leave quickly. Pretend that you're doing something important and can't be bothered it. Odds are the cat may end up right in the middle of whatever you're doing.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a companion for your kitten. Sometimes kittens get bored if they're by themselves, and they need playmates to run off excess energy.
• Don't do anything drastic to calm your cat such as getting it declawed. .
• Leave the cat alone if it's using the litter box. Cats see this area as territorial, and they may attack you if you approach them there.