By Amy Shojai
When the phone rings, does your cat come running? Many cat owners have experienced their feline friends becoming strangely obsessed with their phones. Whether it’s biting through phone cords or pouncing on the device, cats seem to have a love-hate relationship with our phones. But why is this? Are they jealous of our conversations with others? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide some insights into how you can manage it.
Why Are Cats Drawn to Phones?
A cat’s acute sense of hearing allows them to pick up on subtle sounds, including disembodied voices coming from our cell phones. While they may recognize some voices, it’s unlikely that they understand the concept of long-distance communication. Instead, the attention we give to our phones and the sounds they make pique their curiosity. For some cats, this curiosity may lead to aggression or a predatory reaction.
Cats are also quick to associate our attention and interest with their own benefit. If they discover that their actions prompt a response from us, they are more likely to repeat those behaviors. So, ask yourself: How is your behavior rewarding your cat? Have they trained you to respond to their demands?
For example, when answering a landline phone, your cat may realize that you are constrained to that location for the duration of the call. The coiled cord bounces and stretches in a way that is simply too tempting for any self-respecting cat to resist. With cell phones, if you tend to pace while talking, you become a moving target for your cat to chase. And when you spend a lot of time texting, your cat may feel ignored and decide to reclaim your attention.
Furthermore, when we speak on the phone, cats see us talking to no one else but ourselves. Cats are highly attuned to human communication, which is why they often meow to get our attention. So, when they witness us talking on the phone without anyone else present, they may assume that we are addressing them. Consequently, they respond with attention-seeking behaviors such as more meows, head rubs, and rolling.
How to Handle Phone-Obsessed Cats
Understanding why cats are drawn to our phones is one thing, but knowing how to manage this behavior is another. Here are a few tips to help you deal with your phone-obsessed feline friend:
Be Aware of Reinforcement: Pay attention to your reactions to your cat’s phone-related behavior. Any form of attention, whether positive or negative, can be rewarding to your cat. By reinforcing their actions, you increase the likelihood of them repeating the behavior in the future. It’s important to be consistent with your responses and set clear boundaries.
Provide Distractions: Offer your cat alternative forms of entertainment to redirect their attention away from your phone. Interactive toys, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders can keep them engaged and occupied.
Create Phone-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of your home as phone-free zones where you can spend quality time with your cat without distractions. This will reinforce the idea that your attention is not solely focused on the phone.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat for calm behavior around the phone. If they are able to resist biting or pouncing, praise and treat them to encourage the desired response.
Remember, it’s essential to remain consistent and patient when trying to modify your cat’s behavior. With time and persistence, you can help them develop healthier habits and reduce their phone-related obsessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I give my cat their own phone to play with?
A: While it may seem like a good idea, giving your cat their own phone can lead to further reinforcement of their phone obsession. It’s best to provide them with appropriate toys and activities instead.
Q: Is this behavior common in all cats?
A: Not all cats exhibit this behavior, but it is relatively common. Every cat has their unique personality and interests, so it varies from one individual to another.
Q: How can I prevent my cat from biting through phone cords?
A: To prevent your cat from damaging phone cords, consider using cord protectors or hiding the cords out of reach. Additionally, providing them with alternative chewing toys may redirect their biting behavior.
Conclusion
While it may be amusing to watch our cats engage with our phones, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons behind this behavior. Cats are inquisitive creatures, and the attention we give to our phones can be a source of fascination for them. By being aware of their motivations and implementing appropriate strategies, we can help our furry companions develop healthier habits and maintain a harmonious relationship with our phones.
This article was reviewed by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT