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Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Miki, the kitten who made me a cat person.
Due to my work commitments, I travel frequently for short periods of time. This is hard on me mainly emotionally as I need to leave my two dogs and Miki behind. They get the best care possible either from my mum or good friends, but it doesn’t make it any easier. It often feels like I am betraying their trust and can’t wait to be back home with them. Dogs have their own way of coping when I am away, and reacting enthusiastically to my return each time, but what about Miki? How does this impact him and what does he do to show me he is pleased with my return?
Does Miki Even Notice I Am Gone?
For the first few months of his life, despite being in good hands, I found leaving Miki much more stressful than I do now. One of the reasons for this was his age and specific growing nutritional requirements, as well as his safety and need for outdoor supervision in the daytime. But another cause for my worry was actually quite selfish. I wondered, was he gonna forget who I am, and bond more with his caretakers than me?
Soon I realized, Miki most definitely knows who I am and he is a very adaptable kitten. For the first few times I was absent and would return home, it would take him around 12 hours to “remember” who I was and to trust me unconditionally again. It would make me sad, when the only thing I wanted was to give him a cuddle, and he would be reluctant to approach me.
Does Miki Sulk?
Initially, I thought he must be upset with me. But soon enough, the logical vet brain kicked in and listed possible reasons for his sudden hesitation. I return home from a day of traveling, with unfamiliar smells on my clothes and shoes, bringing chaos and disruption as the dogs instantly get extremely excited as if they hadn’t seen me for years, doing zoomies which make Miki fearful and confused. Now I use a calmer approach and greet dogs separately in order to avoid their overexcitement around Miki. It’s literally a madhouse when I get back.
This approach made a world of difference, as well as changing my clothes. I realized that Miki does not sulk, he just needs some time to refamiliarize himself with my smell and voice. For the last 6 months, as soon as I get back, we begin our traditional set of tricks for making Miki forget all about my short absence.
Tricks For Getting On His Good Side
Cats are not dogs, which is something I need to keep reminding myself. So, unlike my two doggie girls, who love a fuss and will jump up as high as my face, with no respect for personal space, and I am lucky to avoid losing an eye with those big paws flying around, Miki requires something a little bit different. As soon as I get home and get rid of the dogs’ slobber, I entice Miki by playing with one of his favorite toys, a mouse on the end of a teaser wand toy. And he loves it! As if he waited for me this whole time, just so we could play, as nobody does it as well as me. After 15 minutes of playtime, he takes a break and allows me to cuddle him in my lap. And soon enough all is forgiven and forgotten.
During this time, I offer him his favorite pate treat, which he would do anything for. He licks it so eagerly, directly from the package as I am squeezing it, and our bond and trust just keep getting stronger. After this, it’s all purrs and headbutts, and no one, not even me, remembers I was ever away.
It Doesn’t Get Any Easier
Realizing that Miki knows very well who I am, despite my occasional absence, does bring me some reassurance. Having the dogs with him helps Miki have more of a routine, as he sees them as part of his family and seeks them out for playtime, walks and snuggles. Still, as hard as it was leaving the dogs behind during those work trips, having Miki enter our lives, made that even harder, seeing how he processes my absence so differently from them. This now plays a big role in my decision-making, after realizing how much this little cat imprinted on me, and I on him, without either of us expecting it.
This article is a part of Dr. Maja and Miki’s series.
