Carole is available for bi-coastal house calls, speaking engagements anywhere, phone consults nationally and internationally. She also sees patients by appointment at Westside Veterinary Center in Manhattan. Her latest book is The Complete Guide To Understanding And Caring For Your Cat. Her recently released CD of spoken cat advice and soothing music is Caring For Your Cat, The Wilbourn Way.
Come back to Carole's home page monthly for cat news and Carole's most recent replies to behavior inquiries from worried cat guardians. To have this home page emailed to you after the story update, click here. You will receive this exact page by email, and it will link you to the other pages in her site, and to the rest of the IDA web site.
CATS ON THE COUCH, April '09
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
A SMITTEN DOG BUDDY
Orion is clearly dog friendly. Why not? This quality is so apparent in his poise and general demeanor that his dog buddy had to move in closer. He was completely smitten. Orion didn't object because it showed how powerful he was with a strange being six times his size.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE
(Orion, a former rescue, will represent cats and offer nuggets of wisdom regarding the future rescued First Dog—a Portuguese Water Dog.)
FIRST PUPPY BO ARRIVES AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Orion is thrilled that the Obama Girls now have their new puppy. But he is disappointed that Bo isn't a full-fledged rescue, because there are so many. Moving forward, Orion has figured out a way that Bo can help. He can appear at fund-raisers for shelters and rescue groups. Bo could even co-author a book about his life as First Puppy, and the proceeds could benefit homeless animals. Also, Bo may need a rescue cat like Orion to groom his white bib and paws—unless his namesake cat cousin, Bo (of Bo and Diddley) can do the honors.
WILLIE'S LOST HIS MEOW!
Hello Carole Wilbourn,
Does a cat's meow become smaller with age? My cat Willie is fifteen, and his meow is hardly there. But he is very happy and content. Sometimes he opens his mouth, and a little squeak comes out. On the other hand, I don't want there to be something wrong with him that needs examining. Willie eats, sleeps, and plays very well. So what do you think?
Paula M.
Hello Guardian Paula,
I do know of cats whose meows became less audible with years. It may have to do with conserving energy and fragile body parts. If your Willie appears to be fine in all other respects, accommodate his soft-spoken meows. Why should he exert himself? He may be leaning toward the "silent meow."
MY CAT'S TAIL WAS AMPUTATED
Hi Carole,
My cat had to have his tail amputated, and now he only wants to hide under a chair and never come out. Is this normal?
Thanks,
Joseph
Hi Guardian Joseph,
I'm so sorry that your cat had to lose his tail. His current post-op timidity isn't unusual—the loss of his tail has affected his balance. He feels different and perhaps a bit discombobulated, which is why he feels safer under a chair. But a cat is quick to adapt. Your cat will soon be able to function comfortably and gracefully without his tail. The following recommendations will ease and speed his recovery:
- Soft music will help to relax both your cat and you.
- Talk to him softly. Reassure him. Tell him he's handsome and extraordinary - a cat of great distinction. He won't understand your words but will be relaxed by your tone of voice and body language.
- Distract him with a favorite toy. Play-concentration will ease his loss.
- Brushing may soothe his body, but brush gently.
With your caring support, your cat will adjust to his new and very personal configuration. Joseph, if you feel there are any medical issues or any other questions, don't hesitate to call the veterinarian who performed your cat's surgery. Thanks for being such a caring guardian.
CALI'S LOST HER LITTER BOX SENSE
Hello Carole,
My cat, Cali, and I recently moved into a three-story townhouse with my friend and her eleven-year-old boy. I occupy the lower level with my own bedroom, living room, and 1/2 bath. This is the same place and family where I would drop off Cali when I was away on business or personal trips. Cali is familiar with the third floor bedroom where the young boy sleeps. I thought it would be a piece of cake. But no! She urinated on the boy's jacket and book bag that he had left on the couch. She even threw up on his bed. Now she doesn't come when I call her. I think she realized that this is a permanent move, and she won't be going back to the 800-square-foot apartment where she roamed by herself with me by her side.
Yesterday, she tinkled again on the couch where the boy’s things were. That's when I moved her litter box, food/water bowl, and her toys into my lower level room. She did use the litter box there and slept with me on the bed during the night. I told the boy to stay out of the room and not to let her out until she has time to settle and learn that it is her room. My guess is that he has been terrorizing and teasing Cali, and that is why she chose his things to "decorate."
Am I on the right track? Is there anything else I need to do for my Cali—for her to be the sweet, loving, well behaved, and happy cat she once was at our old home? Please help.
Sincerely,
Quyen
Hi Guardian Quyen,
- Do continue to sequester her in your room, where she has all of her creature comforts and where she can feel safe in this small space.
- When you're home, you can take her on walks with you outside your room. But remember to stay with her, and do a little at a time so she doesn't become overwhelmed. Cali will feel extra special with you as her guide.
- Concentrate on Cali while you’re on these walks and return her to your room when you can't be with her.
If Cali's behavior continues to be odd, you could have her checked out by the vet.
You want to rule out any medical problems. My CD would help her to relax and provide you with many behavioral tips. (Scroll up to the top of my home page for more info.)
Celebrate your move with an "I Am Your Guardian T-Shirt". You will find more information at www.idausa.org. I'm confident that Cali will soon be at ease in her new digs.
QUESTIONS TO CAROLE
If you have a question for Carole, you can email her at thecattherapist@idausa.org. We’re sorry that Carole won’t be able to answer all questions, but the answers to many questions can be found in her IDA archives.
Oscar the Cat Predicts Death
Oscar is the feline resident at a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island who seems to have predicted the deaths of 25 of the residents. In case after case, when he has curled up next to someone, it usually means they have less than four hours of life left. I was interviewed about Oscar by NBC-TV. Read all about Oscar on their site. To watch my video, click here.
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