Cranky Cat Looks Like She Is Going To Murder You, But The Truth Is That She’s Actually A Sweet Cuddle Monster

by Damjan

2 Mar 2020

Barbara may look like she is one bad mood away from launching a full-scale attack, but her story is a lot sweeter than her face suggests. The grumpy-looking cat has become an internet favorite thanks to her permanently annoyed expression and her intense attachment to her owner, Sarah Borok.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

What makes Barbara so memorable is the contrast, she seems ready to glare at the world, yet she is also a total cuddle monster who wants to be close to Sarah at all times. From following her around the house to curling up in bed, Barbara’s behavior has turned her into a perfect example of why cat lovers are so drawn to expressive pets.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

And once you see how affectionate she really is, the whole “cranky cat” act starts to make a lot more sense.

1.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

2.

"Occasionally, she'll obsess over a box or the laundry hamper and camp out there. Barbara's character fluctuates between being profoundly disappointed in everything I do and being an adoring ball of mush that I can manipulate into any position without resistance," the owner told Bored Panda. "She is up for affection and smothering any time of day. If anyone else enters the house, though, she basically threatens to murder them."

Sarah also says that Barbara "has a routine of falling asleep spooned into my arm and will follow me every single time I change position throughout the night. I don't think Barbara is capable of sleeping in any position that is detached from my arm."

3.

"The internet has fallen in love with Barbara's grumpy face, but mostly because it completely contradicts the extreme smothering affection they see in her with me. It seems to give her more complexity and also makes me the envy of, like, millions of women?" Sarah once again demonstrated her sense of humor.

When asked what could be done to help animals with unusual facial expressions get adopted, Sarah's opinion is that "ultimately, there's only natural chemistry that can really determine why one human gravitates to any particular cat, but being open to expanding your experience with cats who look all sorts of ways is key."

"Social media accounts are extremely helpful in allowing viewers to build a broader pool, but visiting local shelters or adoption events, especially those that have interaction rooms, is extremely important. I believe anyone who is looking to adopt an animal should take their time, put in a lot of research, and be very ready to commit to the life they're going to nurture," Barbara's owner said.

4.

Barbara, the constantly grumpy cat, started to attract people’s attention as soon as the story of how she met her human was posted online. When she came to her new home, she was hostile and used to assault her new mom, Sarah.

However, she ultimately grew to love her, and now they are very happy together.

Sometimes, a cat hurting its owners might be related to underlying medical issues, such as those that cause it to feel chronic pain. What’s more, health problems are in part related to a cat’s diet.

But if your cat is acting aggressively, you ought to speak with a veterinarian or another expert before making significant changes in your pet’s life. Qualified professionals can create a personalized treatment plan for your cat, which should improve their quality of life.

5.

However, there may be other explanations for violent behavior beyond health issues. It could be living in fear (a usual reaction if the cat was mistreated in the past) or protecting one’s territory (laptop, couch, etc.).

A quick and easy way to lower your cat’s stress levels is to get it a scratching post and a cat condo so the animal can engage in some stimulating activities.

And keep in mind to instantly stop playing with your cat if it starts acting violently-you shouldn’t reward bad conduct with encouraging actions. If not, your pet will think it’s acceptable not only to look cranky but to be cranky.