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20 Things Only Cat Owners Will Understand
Nat Berman
20件只有养猫的人才能理解的事
Seasoned cat owners know what they’re getting into before they bring a new kitten into their home, but it is well worth the headache because the rewards out weight the bad times.
养过猫的人在把小猫领回家之前他们就知道将要会发生什么，但是这是值得的，因为收获到回报比引起不快的时候要多。
If you are a cat owner, you understand precisely what we’re talking about. If you are not a cat owner, but are considering becoming one, then you should keep reading so you can find out what is about to happen to you.
如果你是猫的主人，你就能准确地理解我们在说什么。如果你不是猫的主人，但你正考虑领养一个，那么请您继续看下去，这样你就可以知道你将要面对的是什么。
Becoming the pet parent of a cat involves making a serious commitment and if done right, will require some significant segments of your time, but trust us when we tell you that owning a cat has the potential for being one of the best moves you’ve ever made. Here are twenty things that only cat owners will understand and appreciate.
成为一只猫的主人之前需要做出一个庄严的承诺，如果想做得好，那将会花费你大量的时间，但请相信我们，听我们的，拥有一只猫可能是你做过的最好的决定之一。以下是只有养猫的人才能理解和领会的20件事
1. Sunbeams and lasers are magic from the gods
1、阳光和激光是来自众神的魔法
Cats are usually very playful creatures by nature, especially kittens. There is little that is more entertaining for them than to watch light filter in through a window and then try to bat it with their paws.
猫通常都是非常好玩的动物，尤其是小猫。对它们来说，没有什么比盯着从窗户透进来的阳光，然后试着用爪子攥住它更有趣的了。
While this is more sedentary joy for them, the ultimate fun comes if you happen to have a laser pointer or a modern electronic cat toy that shoots out beams of light.
These fun-loving creatures could spend hours chasing lights, having the time of their lives. The added benefit is that watching them is entertaining as well as relaxing. We could all use a good laugh now and then and cats are great pets for making us smile.
虽然对他们来说，它们有着静静地伏在一边的乐趣，但如果你碰巧有一个激光笔或一个能射出光束的流行逗猫玩具，那么终极乐趣就来了。
这些爱玩的小生物可以花个几小时时间追逐着光束，享受生命中的快乐时光。带来的额外好处是在您休息的同时还给您带来乐趣。而且时不时还让您开怀大笑，所以，猫是让我们露出微笑的最好的宠物。
2. There is no animal cuter than your kitten
没有比小猫更可爱的动物了
You knew after just one glance that you had to take this cute little critter home with you. Honestly, there have been studies performed that reveal the face of a kitten has a round shape, with large eyes that reach into your very soul, and this is the grand design that nature intended to make us feel protective over kittens so they have a fighting chance of survival.
看到它的第一眼你就知道自己一定要把这个可爱的小动物带回家。说真的，曾有研究表明，小猫的脸是圆圆的，大大眼睛似乎可以深入到你的灵魂深处，这是大自然的伟大杰作，旨在让我们感到保护小猫，让它们有生存的机会。
They hook you with their super cute looks and once you bring your kitten home and get to know him, his cute little antics and playfulness make you believe that he is the smartest and funniest kitten on the face of the earth. This is a phenomenon that occurs with cat lovers. When you get two or more of the together, the effect becomes exponential.
它们用他们超可爱的外表牢牢吸引住你，一旦你把你的小猫带回家，了解它，它可爱而又滑稽的动作加上它的顽皮，会让你相信他是地球上最聪明、最逗人的小动物。这是爱猫人士的共同感觉。当你把两个或两个以上的小猫放到一起时，快乐就会呈指数般地爆发。
3. Cats love to stalk their prey, even if it’s you
猫喜欢追踪它们的猎物，你也不例外
This is another adorable things about cats that owners experience. Because cats love to play, they are constantly on the lookout for something that will keep them amused. This could include a mouse that rounds the corner in front of them, or the slipper that is dangling off the end of your foot.
这是猫主人们经历的另一件可爱的事情。因为猫喜欢玩，所以它们总是在寻找能让它们开心的东西。这可能包括一只在他们前面墙角游串的老鼠，或者一只穿在你脚上的拖鞋。
Watching the go into their instinctual “stalk mode” is highly entertaining. When a cat wants something badly, it suddenly gains the wisdom of the ages and sits back to wait so it can pounce at just the right moment. These behaviors are entertaining, humorous and also impressive because it’s amazing to discover how much patience your cat is capable of developing over time.
看到它们进入本能的“谧踪模式”时相当地有趣。当一只猫非常想要某样东西时，它多年的智慧会忽然汇聚此时，蹲在一旁等待，这样它就可以在恰当的时间里突然猛扑上去。猫的这些行为是既有趣，又好笑，同时令人也印象深刻，因为你会惊奇地发现你的猫居然会有那么的耐心。
4. Your cat will invade your personal space
4、你的猫会侵入你的私人空间
Unless you train your cat to stay of of tabletops, countertops and other items in the house, he is going to find the most strategic and comfortable places to take his nap. This includes your work desk if this is an area you sit at frequently. Cats are social animals and when the mood strikes them to be around their humans, there is almost no way to stop the short of placing them behind a closed door.
除非你训练你的猫固定待在家里的桌子、工作台和其他地方，否则它会找到最舒适的地方小睡。当然它睡觉的地方还包括你的办公桌，如果这是你经常停留的地方。猫是群居动物，当它们想要和人类呆在一起时，几乎没有办法把他们挡在门外面。
When your kitty feels lonely, he will snuggle near your feet or get right into your business while you’re trying to work. It doesn’t matter if you’re typing at your computer station or transplanting flowers in the garden, he’s going to be there, offering assistance.
当你的猫咪感到孤独时，它会依偎在你的脚旁，或者在你工作的时候直接进入你的工作区域。无论你是在电脑前打字还是在花园里摆弄花草，它都会跑过来进行“捣乱”。
5. You can’t be too thin skinned
5、不要过于敏感
Only cat owners would understand that their beloved feline pet can be dependent and clingy one minute and fiercely independent and not need you the next. This is just how it is with the temperament of most felines. They have distinct personalities and they often show a wide range of emotions.
只有养猫的人才会明白，他们深爱的猫咪，有时前一分钟还很依赖人、黏人，而下一分钟就完全不理你了。大多数猫科动物的性情就是这样。它们个性鲜明，情感丰富。
This can change at any time so you should be prepared when the moment comes when you want to snuggle and your kitty isn’t in the mood to spend time with you. Try not to get hurt feelings over the incidents, instead, just realize that this is the feline nature at work and understand that there are more good times coming for you and kitty in the future.
这种情况随时都可能出现，所以当你有时想要抱抱猫咪，而你的猫咪没有心情陪你的时候，你要做好心里准备。试着不要因为这种事而烦恼，相反，你要意识到这是猫咪的天性，要明白你和你的猫咪在未来会有更多的美好时光。
6. You may enjoy the company of your cat more than you do some people
6、你可能比其他人更喜欢和你的猫在一起
When cats are not in a moody phase, they offer loyal companionship, tremendous amounts of affection, and all they ever ask of you is to be fed, watered, sheltered and loved. They offer in return years of entertainment and affection.
当猫咪性情正常的时候，它们会忠诚地陪伴你的左右，给你无限的爱，它们对你的所有要求就是你所给予吃的、喝的、庇护，还有爱。而它们用带来的欢乐和友情来作为回报。
They don’t complain about the neighbors or tell you that you need to be a better person. They accept you just as you are and this is one of the purest forms of unconditional love, which is a bit harder for some people to find in human circles.
他们从不抱怨邻居，也不会告诉你要做一个更好的人。他们接受你本来的样子，这是最纯粹的无条件的爱，这种爱对某些人来说在人世间很难寻觅得到的。
7. Keep the swag ties out of sight
7、猫咪会把偷来的东西放在你看不见的地方
One of the most annoying things about cats is that they love to play with things that dangle down. This includes the ties that are used to hold your draperies back. The longer and the more ornate your tie backs are, the better your cat will enjoy playing with them.
猫最让人讨厌的事情之一就是它们喜欢玩那些晃来晃去的东西。这包括用来拉动窗帘的绳带。拉动窗帘绳带越长越华丽，你的猫就越喜欢和它们玩。
Don’t be surprised to awake and find that the neatly braided cords have been reduced to a pile of shredded thread because batting them around and chewing on the bottom knot can be too much for your cat to resist.
当你醒来时，不要惊讶地发现那些编织整齐的绳子已经变成了一团乱糟糟的线头了，因为你的猫实在是无法抗拒和它们玩耍并周围打转和咀嚼底部的绳结
8. Tiny pawprints on your car
8、你车上留下小爪印
This usually only happens after you wash the car of course, but cats love to jump up onto parked vehicles and sun themselves. They don’t stop to consider that walking through a mud puddle first will cause them to leave an even pattern of itty bitty kitty paw prints wherever they walk on your vehicle.
当然，这通常只发生在你洗完车之后，猫咪会跳上你停着的车上自己晒着太阳。但他们绝不会有停下来的想法，无论他们在你的车上走到哪里，路过的地方都会留下一条整齐的小猫咪脚印。
We’ve seen cars that look as though a stripe of kitty paw prints is dividing it evenly in half. It’s difficult to keep your kitty off car hoods on a sunny day because it makes the perfect place to take a nap.
汽车中间的那一条猫咪爪印，就像把车平均分开成两半一样。在一个阳光明媚的日子里，你很难不让你的小猫离开汽车引擎盖，因为它是一个完美小睡的地方。
9. You had better keep your kitty entertained or you’ll be sorry
9、你最好能照顾好你的猫咪，否着你将会后悔的
Cat owners understand what we mean when we say this. Cats are by nature curious animals and most of them are very smart. This means that they like to be kept entertained. If there is not enough to keep your cat amused, he is far more likely to do things that meet with your disapproval. This is why it’s important to have his favorite toys within reach. Cats enjoy playing with toys that they can batt around at will.
当我们这样说的时候，养过猫的人能理解其中的含义。猫是天性好奇的动物，它们大多数都很聪明。这意味着他们喜欢玩耍。如果没有足够的东西来逗你的猫开心，它很可能会做一些你不喜欢的事情。这就是为什么把他最喜欢的玩具放在你可以触手可及的地方。猫喜欢玩那些它们可以随时摆弄的玩具。
They also like to chew when they’re teething, but not as much as their canine counterparts. Choose toys that are safe for your pet. If you go with a squeak toy, make sure that the squeaking mechanism is deeply recessed into the toy so it won’t pop out and present a choking hazard. If you go with stuffed animals, they must be made of sturdy materials that will hold up under intense clawing and biting without splintering off into smaller pieces.
它们在长牙期间喜欢啃东西磨牙，但不像狗那样频繁。为你的猫咪选择一种不怕坏的玩具。如果你想要一个发出吱吱声的玩具，一定要确保发出吱吱声的装置深深嵌入玩具的内部，这样它就不会被啃出来，造成窒息的危险。如果你选择布偶玩具，那必须是由坚韧的材料做成的，在激烈的抓咬下不会被撕碎。
10. Your cat may seem bipolar
10、你的猫可能看起来像是得了躁郁症
Cat owners understand that the Jekyll and Hyde personalities are just par for the course when it comes to cat ownership. Your cat will be the queen of attitudes which will reflect the snobbiest of all elitist behaviors one day and a humbler version of the pet you love on another day. This is understood by experienced owners who sign on for the gamut off attitude and mood swings that their pet is likely to experience.
养过猫的人都知道，在养猫这件事上，你会发现猫的性格多变。有时你的猫咪像女王般的高傲，一整天都表现出高贵般的优雅，而有时一天都显得卑微谦逊。有经验的主人都理解这一点，他们的宠物在不同时期，情绪上会有波动。
11. Your cat will wake you up at midnight
11、你的猫有时会在半夜把你吵醒
Cats are notorious for waking their owners up in the middle of the night. Actually, this could happen at any hour, because they are nocturnal creatures who prefer to prowl around at night and sleep during the daylight hours. This is a natural instinct that is inborn with felines.
喵星人最喜欢在半夜把主人吵醒。事实上，这种情况时有发生，因为它们是夜行动物，喜欢在晚上四处游荡，白天睡觉。这是猫科动物与生俱来的本能。
It comes from the times before cats became domesticated and needed to hunt at night for their food. Their eyes are especially keen when it is dark outside which is another design of nature to promote the survival of the species. So, don’t be surprised to hear your cat exploring the house at night or playing with his favorite squeak toy, or even using your feet as a toy while you’re sleeping.
这种情况在猫被驯化前就已经存在了，因为猫喜欢在晚上捕食。他们的眼睛特别敏锐，尤其当四周处于黑暗的时候，这是大自然的另一个让物种进化生存的设计。所以，当你发觉你的猫在晚上探索房子，或者他在玩最喜欢发出声响的玩具，甚至在你睡觉的时候把你的脚当玩具玩时，请不要感到惊讶。
12. You become your cat’s servant
12、猫会变成你的主子
While not all cats have bossy or needy personalities, some are prone to letting you know when they want something. Siamese are a breed that can be extremely vocal and they will follow you around the house, offering their commentary on what isn’t going the way that they expect. Don’t be surprised if your cat nags you until you refill his food or water dish, or until you change his litter box or let him outside to get some fresh air.
虽然不是所有的猫都有专横或黏人的特性，但有些猫会在需要什么东西的时候会让你知道。比如暹罗猫就是一种特别会表达的一种猫，它们会跟着你在屋子里转来转去，会把对不顺心的事表达出来。比如你的猫一直在缠着你，就说明你应该给它喂饭或他的水碗里添水了，或是该换猫砂，或者让它出去呼吸新鲜空气了，所以，请不要惊讶。
Some cat owners have gone through these struggles when their kitties have been in a particularly needy stage and it can be enough to drive you batty, but they usually pull out of it when you have rendered due benevolence and see that they have everything that they need.
猫咪在处于一个特别需要照顾的阶段时，猫的主人会受到这种困扰而抓狂，但当你应当表现出应有的慈爱，要发现他们的需求，进而帮助它们摆脱困境。
13. What’s theirs is theirs and what’s yours is theirs too
13、它的东西就是它的，你的也是它的
Cats have a way of taking over the household and in their opinions, everything in the house belongs to them. Even your most prized possessions could end up in their kitty bed or under the furnishings of your home. If something turns up missing, there is a good chance that your kitty saw it, wanted it and the rest is history.
猫有一种接管家庭的方式，在它们看来，房子里的一切都属于它的。即使是你最珍贵的东西也可能被它们叼到自己的宠物床上，或者把它放在你家中家具下面。如果有什么东西不见了，很可能是被你的猫咪发现了，这个东西在你的生活中或许也只剩下回忆了。
Nothing is sacred when it comes to household belongings. If the obxt of their desire is shiny or interesting in some other way, it is fair game and if you want to keep it safe, it’s a good idea to keep it out of your kitty’s sight and out of his reach.
当涉及到家里的财产时，没有什么是神圣的。如果他们想要的东西是亮晶晶或是好玩的东西，游戏是公平的，如果你想要保存它的话，最好让它远离你猫咪的视线和它所能寻觅到的范围。
14. You may have a new bed buddy
14.你可能有了一个新的床伴
It won’t really matter that you spent a small fortune to purchase the very best and most comfortable pet bed for your cat. Sleeping on your bed will always be his preference. While this can become an issue under certain circumstances, it can also be a benefit on chilly evenings and mornings.
你花了一点钱为你的猫买了一个最好、最舒适的猫窝，这并不重要。睡在你的床上永远是它的首选。虽然在某些情况下这可能会成为一个问题，但在寒冷夜晚和清晨，这或许能给你带来一丝好处。
15. You really need a scratching post
15、你真的需要一个可以挠痒痒的地方
Cats have a natural urge to sharpen their claws and there isn’t much that you can do to stop them. Your home furnishings and draperies make excellent materials for raking the old claws over for a good sharpening. If you want to prevent your cat from shredding the draperies and making deep grooves in wood furniture, it’s a good idea to give your cat a sturdy scratching post.
猫天生就有磨爪子的*，你无法阻止它们。为让自己的爪子更疯里，你的家具和窗帘就是猫咪摸爪子的目标。如果你不想让你的猫撕破窗帘，避免在木制家具上留下深深的爪痕，你最好给你的猫弄一个结实的抓抓杆。
There are some great ones available for sale, but if you don’t want to spend the money, all you really need to do is mount a wood post onto a heavy duty and sturdy base, then cover the entire surface with leftover carpeting.
你可以买一个质量很好的抓抓杆，但你若不想花钱，那你真正需要做的是把一个木杆插到一个又沉又坚固的基座上，然后用毛毯的边角余料包住整个木杆表面。
Cats love to use scratching posts to satisfy this natural urge. In most cases, cats prefer these to the furniture. You can even train your cat from a kitten to get into the habit of using a scratching post, so start early to protect the contents of your home.
猫喜欢挠东西来满足这种本能冲动。在大多数情况下，猫更喜欢的是家具。你甚至可以在猫咪的小时候开始培养使用抓抓杆的习惯，趁早保护你家里的东西。
16. Tomcats like to mark their territory
16、公猫喜欢标记领地
This is one of the nastiest smells on the face of the earth. Often referred to as tomcat spray, this is something that tomcats who are not neutered will begin to do in order to let other male cats know that they are coming into their territory and it serves a warning to stay away.
猫尿是地球上最难闻的气味之一。这通常是未被阉割的公猫为了让其他公猫知道它的领地范围而做出的事情，这其实是个警告，让其他的猫走开。
Once this substance sinks into the fabric and cushions of furniture it is nearly impossible to remove so prevention is the recommended action. It helps to have your young male cat neutered as soon as possible. Allow them to have outside time and if they feel a need to mark territory, let them do it outside as opposed to inside.
一旦猫尿渗入到家具组织和坐垫中去，基本上就无法清除了，因此建议采取预防措施。让你的公猫在小时候就进行绝育手术。允许他们有户外活动的时间，如果觉得它们有要标记领地的强烈意愿，就让它们远离屋内放到室外吧。
17. Sometimes all you need is a paper bag
17、有时你只需要一个纸袋
Cats absolutely love paper bags. They like to bat them around because of the cool crinkly sound that they make. Your kitty also enjoys crawling inside of the inviting darkness that the brown paper provides them. Because cats are bent towards being nocturnal, they like dark places almost as well as well lighted situations.
猫绝对喜欢纸袋。它们喜欢把纸袋拍来拍去的，因为它能发出很酷的声音。你的猫咪也喜欢在牛皮纸掩盖的下的黑暗中爬行。因为猫喜欢夜间活动，所以它们像喜欢明亮的环境一样，喜欢黑暗。
For some of the best entertainment in the world, bring a large sized paper bag into your living room and set it on the floor with the opening facing on the side near the ground, then stand back and let the fun begin. Your cat will keep both you and he entertained for long stretches of time in one setting.
想要体验世界上最有趣的娱乐活动，那就把一个大纸袋放到客厅里的地板上吧，袋子口朝向地面一侧，然后退回来，开始享受乐趣吧。在这种环境下，你的猫会让你享受很长一段时间。
This is perhaps the purest form of simple fun. The bag action will drive your cat crazy and this is why they are willing to spend so much time climbing in and out of it. This may be a good way to wear your feline friend out just before it’s time to go to sleep at night.
这也许这是最纯粹最简单乐趣。滚来滚去的袋子会让你的猫发疯，这就是为什么它们愿意花这么多时间钻来钻去的。这也可能是在晚上睡觉前的你把你的猫朋友骗走的好方法。
18. Cats are the smartest idiots you’ll know
18、猫是你认识的最聪明的傻瓜
It is true that most cats possess an above average level of intelligence. While each kitty is an individual, as a species they rank high on the smart scale. This is why it’s important for you to find ways to keep your kitty intellectually stimulated and challenged to avoid boredom. Cats are so smart that you can train them to do many things that a dog does, but there is one trick that absolutely takes the cake.
的确，大多数猫的智商都超过了一般物种的平均水平。虽然每只猫咪都是个个体，但作为一个物种，它们在智商排名中很高的。这就是为什么你要想办法通过刺激和挑战来让你的猫咪避免无聊保持智力是很重要的。猫很聪明，你可以训练它们做很多狗能做的事情，但有一个技巧绝对是它的拿手好戏。
They don’t always land on their feet as the myth suggests. When a cat is feeling playful he is the most likely to throw caution to the wind and let his hair down. He’ll really act like an idiot if he’s had a dose or two of catnip. Cats are a wonderful mixture of smart and dumb that makes them the smartest idiots on the face of the earth.
他们并不总是像神话中所说的那样怎么也摔不到。当猫觉得好玩的时候，他绝对会谨慎抛到九霄云外，甚至会让他的毛发掉下来的。如果他吃了一两剂猫薄荷，它就会变成了个白痴。猫是智慧和愚蠢的完美结合，这使它们成为地球上最聪明的傻瓜
19. Your cat is not easily impressed
19、你的猫有时会很冷漠
When your cat has a bad attitude, it can be over in a few minutes or last for days. During these times, it seems that nothing you try will impress him. You can make a few attempts to cuddle or play with him only to be treated as though you are an irritating subordinate that has about gotten on his last nerve.
当你的猫心情不好时，这种状况很可能会在几分钟内消失，或者持续几天。在这段时间里，似乎你做的任何事情都不会为它带来好感。你可能想通过抱抱或和它多玩玩来逗它，但结果却被当成是一个让它烦躁的手下。
The family dog may try to be friendly and play with him, but when he’s like this, it doesn’t really matter how good your relationship with him is, he’s not going to give you the time of day until he feels like it. When will that be, you may wonder? The answer still remains, not until he feels like it.
家里的狗都可能都和它玩到一起去，但是当它处于这种状态的时候，不管你和它的关系有多好，它都不会找你玩，直到它来了什么兴趣。你可能会想，那将会是什么时候?答案很简单，在它来兴趣的时候
It’s best to not make eye contact so you can avoid this whole messy affair. Besides, your cat needs to learn that there are times when the answer is no, and you can’t do his bidding on a twenty-four seven basis. Teach him early or pay the price later.
最好不要与它进行眼神交流，这样可以避免出现混乱的局面。此外，你的猫需要明白什么是拒绝，你不能一天24小时、7天里都对它唯令事从。要么早早训练好它，避免以后付出代价。
