Cats and Audio Gear Don't Mix or Can You Forgive Your Cat

[DSJR]

One of my mottos is, "Service to Cats, "It's not just a religion. It's a way of life." I don't speculate too much on cat emotion because it requires assuming that they work like humans. I think that although they probably don't experience gratitude, they get something from their humans. They mark them and sometimes groom them.

My feline soul brother expressed emotion alright, believe me If we pee' d him off, he'd let us know in NO uncertain terms and he'd take some bringing round... His sidekick just looked happily bewildered for much of his life, however...

 

[Petrushka]

My feline soul brother expressed emotion alright, believe me If we pee' d him off, he'd let us know in NO uncertain terms and he'd take some bringing round... His sidekick just looked happily bewildered for much of his life, however...

To be perfectly socialized, cats must be handled before their eyes open.

Mother cats are ferociously loyal to their kittens, and adult cats can continue to regard human as their surrogate mother.

Some cats have an enduring friendship with siblings. Sometime they can regard the family dog as a sibling.

 

[Pareto Pragmatic]

I train our cats to stay away from certain things by acting like I am scared and concerned when they first explore the thing. Not mad, not angry, just concerned, and gently keeping them away from the "danger". Cats pick up on that an leave cords and other things alone. Assuming they trust you.

Spay/neuter, that reduces spraying a lot. Use enzyme cleaner on any spots that do happen.

Cats get more territorial when resources are scarce. Food, attention, spots to hang out. Usually behavioral issues can be reduced by giving the cat more attention. More play, seek them out and give them a few pets then walk away, invite them on the lap. Make some more cat friendly spots, cat trees, beds on windows so they can look out. Make sure they know the spot is for them. They might not take you up on it, but they will appreciate the offer.

Make sure if you have N cats you have N+1 litter boxes and keep them scooped. If you do have more than one, make sure everyone gets treats/pets, because cats think things should be fair. They will protest unfairness.

Spraying can be a sign of health issues. Cats do try to hide health problems, but when they suffer they try to let you know. Being stupid humans, we don't pick up the signs and they escalate to things we can't ignore. It can be hard, if you don't see it happen, to know if a spot was sprayed or just peed on. If this is new behavior, then maybe a vet check is in order.

Redirect. If speakers are anywhere near a door, the door is a boundary for territory. A scratching post near the door might help, giving them someplace closer to the door to mark with claws and cheeks.

My cats are very good, but I still have speaker grills on when not in the room.

Good luck!

 

[Sokel]

Karita never had and interest in audio gear thankfully.
She does lie down in front of the speaker during playback sometimes though with her eyes semi-open,I think I have to measure to see her effect down low

Trees in the garden don't have the same fate though,particular one of them will have her scars forever.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

View attachment 426830

Incredible!

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Decades ago, when I had a serious surround setup, my wife’s cat decided my power amplifier was the perfect spot to relieve itself. The damage was impressive -pee stripped the paint off the sheet metal and corroded the circuit board traces beyond repair. In the end, since the cat came with my wife, it was the amp that had to go. The feline lived out its days and eventually passed of old age -through no fault of mine, I swear!

 

[Andysu]

Sooty standing on end game THX surround speakers very high end game
Sooty paws all over end game expensive cinema processor , i allow it , after all its just pack of electronics

 

[KLi]

I train our cats to stay away from certain things by acting like I am scared and concerned when they first explore the thing. Not mad, not angry, just concerned, and gently keeping them away from the "danger". Cats pick up on that an leave cords and other things alone. Assuming they trust you.

Spay/neuter, that reduces spraying a lot. Use enzyme cleaner on any spots that do happen.

Cats get more territorial when resources are scarce. Food, attention, spots to hang out. Usually behavioral issues can be reduced by giving the cat more attention. More play, seek them out and give them a few pets then walk away, invite them on the lap. Make some more cat friendly spots, cat trees, beds on windows so they can look out. Make sure they know the spot is for them. They might not take you up on it, but they will appreciate the offer.

Make sure if you have N cats you have N+1 litter boxes and keep them scooped. If you do have more than one, make sure everyone gets treats/pets, because cats think things should be fair. They will protest unfairness.

Spraying can be a sign of health issues. Cats do try to hide health problems, but when they suffer they try to let you know. Being stupid humans, we don't pick up the signs and they escalate to things we can't ignore. It can be hard, if you don't see it happen, to know if a spot was sprayed or just peed on. If this is new behavior, then maybe a vet check is in order.

Redirect. If speakers are anywhere near a door, the door is a boundary for territory. A scratching post near the door might help, giving them someplace closer to the door to mark with claws and cheeks.

My cats are very good, but I still have speaker grills on when not in the room.

Good luck!

Spot on!