My Siamese cat, Poniu, is undeniably adorable, with a charm that can easily win anyone over. However, her playful and mischievous side often leaves me both amused and exasperated. Among her many quirks, her tendency to bite and her love for “redecorating” the house through her destructive behavior are the most challenging aspects to deal with. But through patience, training, and a lot of love, I’ve learned to guide her and ensure her healthy growth.
One of the most troublesome habits of Poniu is her biting. She seems to think that biting is a way to express herself or get attention. At first, her bites were relatively light, leaving no visible wounds. But one day, she bit me hard enough to break the skin on my arm. As a first – time cat owner, I didn’t fully realize the potential danger. It wasn’t until the next day, during a conversation with a colleague, that I was jolted into awareness. When my colleague asked about Poniu’s vaccination status and whether I had received a rabies vaccine after the bite, I was filled with anxiety.
Searching online, I was bombarded with terrifying information about rabies, such as its 100% fatality rate. Panic surged through me. My arm began to tremble uncontrollably, and in my fear, I rushed to the hospital. Despite the chaos of a dead phone and the overwhelming sense of dread, I managed to get the rabies vaccine in time, and thankfully, everything turned out fine. Later, my boyfriend also got bitten and had to go through the same process. Many Siamese cat owners have shared similar experiences. To address this issue, it requires a great deal of patience. I started by gently pushing her away when she tried to bite and firmly saying “no.” Over time, with consistent training, I hope she will understand that biting is unacceptable.
Poniu’s love for “redecorating” the house is another challenge. She has a knack for getting into everything, from toilet paper and small clips on the clothes rack to hairpins and houseplants. When I caught her in the act, I would take her to the “crime scene,” give her a stern scolding, and lightly tap her. Through repeated training, now that she’s a year old, she no longer knocks things off the table. However, I’m still cautious about leaving toilet paper or plants within her reach.
As Poniu has grown, we’ve also had to deal with issues related to her heat cycles, vaccinations, and deworming. At one year old, she has experienced several heat cycles. The frequent and loud meowing, especially at night, can be quite exhausting. We’ve decided to have her spayed, which is beneficial for both her physical and mental health, as well as for our own peace of mind.
The rabies vaccine is a bit more of a personal choice for indoor – only cats. Although I was initially hesitant due to the scare of her bite, I understand that the risk for indoor cats is relatively low. For deworming, I have her treated every six months. This helps prevent various parasites, including ear mites and ringworm, ensuring her overall well – being.
Raising Poniu has been a journey filled with both challenges and joys. Each day with her is a new learning experience. Through all the bites, the messes, and the worries about her health, I’ve come to realize that being a cat owner means more than just providing food and shelter. It requires understanding, patience, and a commitment to guiding and caring for our furry friends as they grow. Despite her flaws, Poniu has brought so much love and warmth into my life, and I’m grateful for every moment spent with her.
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