Our 7 month old Silver Mac MC has "selective hearing". He is an extremely intelligent boy. He understands everything we tell him but at times, he chooses to ignore us. Usually when he is getting in trouble. We DO NOT spank him. I have tried to "raise my voice", water gun, loud noises and even throwing crumbled paper at him. Nothing works. Any suggestions?

-- Anonymous, November 01, 1999

Answers

Ha! Don't you know that ALL cats have "selective hearing?" !!!!!! You can call a cat by it's name and it will sit there and look at you, as if to say, "You've got to be kidding! You want me to come over there when you call my name?!" And at other times, they come running! That's just the way cats are! Unless he is doing something "bad," such as jumping onto your table or counters (which is really normal!) I wouldn't disipline him for anything else, such as not coming when you call him. This "selective hearing" is just one of those silly traits that we love about our wonderful furry companions!

-- Anonymous, November 02, 1999

Selective Hearing? My kids had that when they were growing up and my husband has it now. I think I even have it sometimes. So does my 6 mo. old Silver Maine Coon (except at dinner time when I'm in the kitchen).

My suggestion would be to just live with it and enjoy him.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 1999