December 2004

» CAT PEOPLE

The Great Neck Library and the Huntington Library were two more of my library appearances on Long Island. Libraries are such a terrific place to congregate on behalf of cats. Such enthusiasm and shared camaraderie, especially at holiday time. Not only were there happy cat guardians. There were two cats, each in their respective Kittywalk Stroller. A sprinkling of catnip added to their happiness. With compliments from the Huntington guardians, it was a fine way to start their holiday. One of the guardians commented that her cat was always trying to run out the door and the stroller would be a perfect solution. She and her cat could stroll safely together. With the holiday bustle upon us, make sure that your cat doesn't run out the door when you accept a delivery or usher in company. May this be a peaceful, funfilled and happy holiday for you and your cats.



» EXCESSIVE LICKING

Dear Carole: 

I recently had my cat neutered. Since he returned from the vet, he has licked the inside of his thigh raw. When I brought him home, there appeared to be something on his fur that had been wiped off. Could this be the problem? Is there any home remedy I can apply that might make it heal safely?

~ Regards, Nancy

Dear Guardian Nancy:

Poor cat! Why not call your vet and find out what the residue was on his fur and if it contributed to your cat's licking? Frequently, a cat will over-groom out of anxiety (psychogenic alopecia). The stress from the surgery and his "coming of age" may have triggered his deviant behavior. Vitamin "E" capsules will help to stimulate hair growth. A homeopathic remedy, Arnica, from the flower Arnica montana, in the form of a pellet may help. Try one or two 30 C pellets daily for a few days. A cat food with Omega fatty acids also contributes to healthy skin. But you may find that your vet will want to treat your cat with medication that will stop the itching and inflammation. Give your cat extra affection and distract him before he starts to lick. Here's to healthy skin!




» CATS IN FLIGHT

Any advice for flying with my two cats? They will be with me in the cabin. I don't want to tranquilize them? What about natural remedies for their anxiety?

~ Jody

Dear Guardian Jody:

If catnip relaxes your cats, you could give them some the morning of your flight. A homeopathic remedy in the form of a tiny pellet called Arsenicum Album 300 can relieve anxiety. The brand name is Boiron. I would give one the evening before each flight. Also put strips of newspaper in their carrier so they can cover any call to nature. Be sure to tell them you'll all be together and have a safe trip. The more relaxed you are, the better they'll feel.




» RANDOM HOWLING

I have a cat, Ruel, who is almost 20 years old. This summer she began howling when she leaves the room I am in. This happens throughout the day and several times during the night. I brought her to the vet since she was a kitten. He said he had only heard of this behavior with cats who had hyperthyroidism. A blood test revealed that this was not Ruel's problem. She also had a thorough exam. When I asked him what I should do next, he suggested that he thought it best to euthanize her if she was preventing us from getting a good night's rest. Clearly, this was not acceptable. I also asked about an anti-anxiety medication like amitriptyline and he said he had no idea about its use in cats. (I should explain that I live in a rural area in northern Minnesota where vets tend to talk about "exceeding the animal's value" as one walks through the door. I doubt that anyone focuses strictly on pets.) This problem has continued. Do you have suggestions?

~ Sleepless in Minnesota

Dear Sleepless in Minnesota:

Ruel is very lucky to have you as his guardian. I agree that ending his life is not now an option. Yes Elavil or its generic form may ease his anxiety. You would probably want to start with a small dosage. Sorry that your vet is not more compassionate. Why not contact a nearby vet school for information and help for Ruel with medication. Renal problems can also contribute to random crying and of course, the fragility of the "golden years." When Ruel becomes overstimulated and starts to howl, you might sequester him in a cozy place with his comforts and a closed door. Do this with affection. It can be his security object. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, Quill will give you additional tips. Thanks for being such a caring guardian.


» THE LIBRARY CIRCUIT

I am very lucky to be able to have my work with cats and people be something that I truly love. The more I can help, the better I feel. A happy cat makes me a very happy person. 

My cat practice involves so many different areas. One of them is library programs. Last week I presented a program at the locust Valley Library on Long Island where a nearby rescue group brought some of their adoptee cats. There were a couple of people present who were cat-less and certainly the word would reach other people who were looking for cats. The adoptees received a lot of attention and I was able to donate half of my book sales to their rescue group. One of the guardians told me that her daughter had given her one of my books and it saved her life! She thought she would have to give up her two young cats because of their destructiveness and rivalry but my book, THE TOTAL CAT, gave her the solution she needed. So she now leads the life of a happy guardian and her cats reap the benefits.

Another one of my library programs was at the Western Sullivan Public Library in Jeffersonville, N.Y. My feline guest and co-lecturer was a young kitten named Caspian. He had been found by the side of the road with a badly injured leg. It was now in a splint. Caspian's leg would have to be amputated if the splint couldn't reverse the injury. Serena, my intern, suggested that we include Caspian in our prayers which everyone applauded. As I lectured and answered questions, he either curled up in my arms or on the lectern beside my cassette player which soothed him with the music of a flute, humpback whales and the ocean. What a brave and inspiring little kitten. It was indeed an honor to have him as part of my presentation. So many things to be thankful for!



» UNTOUCHABLE

Dear Carole: 

Our four-years-old Lilith was adopted two years ago from a shelter. Her behavior is fine but we can only pet her when she's sleepy. She doesn't dare to sit in our laps and will only snuggle with us in bed at night. She hates to be picked up. But the real problem is she's uncatchable when it's time to take her to the vet. Any suggestions?

~ B. Lieberman

Dear Guardian:

Try leaving her carrier out in a quiet place with some of her favorite toys. If she likes catnip, sprinkle some over her toys. When she's in the carrier, tell her how pretty she is. She'll relax to the sound of your voice. After the carrier becomes a hide-away for her, sit down next to her and slowly and gently stroke her. Just a few strokes! Don't over do the contact or she'll dart away. Patience and repetition can be your guides to her trust. Some soft background music will also help to soothe and relax her body. These are only a few tips to increase her contact with you. I assume that she's already been spayed because, if not, this would add to her fear of intimacy with you. Good luck!

December 28, 2004

» AN ODE TO CATS

With only a few days before the new year, it's time to remind ourselves of all the different ways in which our cats light up our lives. Yes, we've a lot to be grateful for. My cat Diana-Moon-Dust is forever a source of inspiration. I may be her guardian but she's, amongst so many things, my teacher and barometer of how I'm feeling. When I'm tense or anxious, she will frequently stare at me or let out a few meows to signal me to lighten up and let go. But when I'm relaxed and happy, her face will fill with bliss and her body will assume the feline cozy-curl. Sometimes when I'm in a dither, a glance at her or a stroke of her head will provide me with the comfort and relief I need to re-group and breathe freely.
This is the time of gift-giving and it's always fun to give holiday cat gifts. A handmade stocking with Diana's name and image was one of Diana's many gifts. What a great tribute!



» TAIL ANGST

Dear Carole:

My cat Allie has been growling and hissing at her tail. When I took her to the vet, she was treated for a urinary infection. The medication that was dispensed seemed to help for a couple days. When the behavior started again, I was told to give her another dose of the meds. But this time, no relief. Any ideas? 

 ~ Thank you, Susie Sprang


Dear Guardian Susie:

The discomfort from Allie's urinary infection may have triggered her aggressive behavior with her tail. It has become her tension target. Perhaps the vet can give her some medication to relieve her tension. Whenever she starts to focus on her tail, distract her with a toy or the tone of your voice. Catnip can often help a cat to work out its energy and then relaxation sets in. Play sessions will also take her mind off her tail. Diet is another important element. What she eats may affect how she acts. Good luck!

» WHY SUCH LICKING

Dear Carole:

I adopted a sweet female kitten that is so good in so many ways. My only complaint is that when I touch her her tongue goes into constant motion. Is there a way to keep her from licking and licking me? 

~ Renee


Dear Guardian Renee:

Her licking you is a sign of affection but it also makes her feel good and reminds her of her mother's care and contact. She's treating you the way she would interact with another cat or kitten. You might consider a playmate for her. My book, THE TOTAL CAT (Quill) will give you some adoption tips. In the meantime, when she starts to lick, stroke her under her chin to take her mind off licking. You kitten sounds terrific!





» For MORE INFO, ask the cat therapist