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Original poster

Is he incredibly stupid or incredibly stubborn?

16 replies

CarGirl · 21/06/2008 21:34

Our cat is on a diet, one of the recommendations by the vet was to put his food high so he has to jump (exercise) to get it.

So whilst in full view of the cat (who is starving due to being on about half rations) I lift up his bowl, put it on the side, get him a few biscuits out of the tin and drop them in his plastic bowl.

Cat still hasn't found/jumped up to them and is sitting begging for food from us

so MN jury thick or stubborn?

OP posts:

differentID · 21/06/2008 21:39

He's being deliberately lazy and manipulative- pretending to be thick so you take pity on him

NutterlyUts · 21/06/2008 21:41

Agree. If he hasn't eaten by monday I'd be inclined to put it on a lower surface, but not on the floor

Original poster

CarGirl · 21/06/2008 21:43

He is now sulking on the sofa next to us!!!! Back turned none of the usual I need stroking/cuddling etc.

I guess we'll find out in the morning if he's eaten it

He is very inactive. always has been, not really sure what you can do about a cat that has such little interest in the outdoors and would rather sleep or be cuddled 24/7

OP posts:

differentID · 21/06/2008 21:43

Does he have a thyroid problem?

Original poster

CarGirl · 21/06/2008 21:46

His bloods all came back normal.

He is a pedigree, DH both think he is incredibly thick. For example he hates having his bum cleaned/tail brushed etc. You pin him down do it, he walks off you call him, he comes back, you do more to him repeat repeat repeat.

He can jump to the surface it is where his bed goes overnight.

I've spoken to him so he's stopped sulking (guess he's not that stubborn then he can't resist attention)

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Hassled · 21/06/2008 21:48

Sorry - did you just say you clean your cat's bum?

Original poster

CarGirl · 21/06/2008 21:51

Yes very very rarely - he's long haired and sometimes there are bits stuck on the fur. If left of course he'll sort it out but it is far less smelly to get a baby wipe and deal with it.

Other examples of his stupidity - getting shut in bedrooms in the evening, child gets into bed adult leaves room and shuts door - why after 18 months has he not realised this mean the door will then be shut - argh!!!!

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Hassled · 21/06/2008 21:59

In that case - my vote is for both stupid and stubborn . And cats don't like changes in routine - the fact the food isn't where he expects it to be has thrown his few brain cells into disarray.

Original poster

CarGirl · 21/06/2008 22:08

Forgot to mention it is a bowl with 2 sections so we put the food in the larger bit (has seperate water bowl) dd4 put the biscuits in the wrong side last week - he sat and complained for a good 10 minutes that he didn't have any food in his bowl...........

I wonder if actually has any brain cells....

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Lovesdogsandcats · 22/06/2008 00:42

Aw god he sounds lovely

mashedup · 22/06/2008 00:54

Cats can be stubborn. My cat has his food bowls in the same place. If I move them, he sits in the usual place, waiting for me to put them back. We had a stand off one day, I lost. Now the bowls stay where they are. I read in a book that cats hate changes.

Joolyjoolyjoo · 22/06/2008 00:58

cats are so not stupid- they live to win! They keep people around just to open tins and doors, and sometimes they just like to keep us on our toes with the whole in/out/ open door for me NOW!!! routine. You will never win. Resign yourself to it. He will find the food, but find another way to punish you for your misbehaviour. Please make sure you are wearing slippers when you step out of your bedroom door tomorrow morning...

AngelDoll · 22/06/2008 01:00

It is amazing, but cats really do not expect to have to move themselves for food, they expect food to come to them.

Rather than laziness or stupidity, my theory is that it's more an inherent arrogance, ie they are surprised when the food does not land directly at their toes, in the spot they have parked themselves to eat!!!!

The only exception to this rule is if cats are properley hungry. Then they will trample you down for food. I guarantee if left long enough your cat would jump up to get to his dinner.

They ain't that "inherently arrogant"!

AngelDoll · 22/06/2008 01:03

I do believe very much in the expression,

"Dogs have owners, cats have staff"

But we love 'em to bits anyway. Furry faced boggle eyed whinging tiger wannnabes.

micci25 · 22/06/2008 01:05

my cat is a bit thick!! so could be that!

every summer we have the living room window open and every day at least three times a day my stupid cat trys to jump into the living room through the window and every single time he gets stuck!! yet he never stops doing it!!!

Original poster

CarGirl · 22/06/2008 10:09

well he ate the food last night, probably because it was right next to his bed so this morning he actually jumped up straight away to eat when we put some food in the new location. Perhaps I can do brain training for him by relocating it regularly

Fortunately because the breed is so affection needy he can't do the sulking/being aloof thing for more than 10 minutes he's much too needy of lurrrrrrrrrvvvve.

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