My prayers are with you, your families and animals who, have been struck by Katrina. My sister, Emily, husband and dog were able to leave Biloxi in time. You can help the rescue efforts for the ANIMALS with a contribution to: IDA's Hurricane Katrina Animal Relief Fund (www.idausa.org/hurricane.html), NOAH'S WISH (www.noahswish.org), and The Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org).

» CONTEST EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY -
DON'T YOU MEN WANT TO WRITE AND BRAG ABOUT YOUR CATS?

More and more men are becoming smitten with cats. They are no longer just a female or family companion. I'd like to find out from you guys why you decided to live with a cat and how your cat inspires you and makes you feel good. Click here to learn out about the new contest.

» CAT TALK

CAT TALK is now available. Find out what your cat is TRYING TO TELL YOU. Click on to http://thecattherapist.com/cat_store.htm.

» CAROLE'S NEWSLETTER--THE WILBOURN WAY"

The Wilbourn Way Newsletter is Carole's free email newsletter, which brings you Carole's personal view on cat culture monthly. Click on to her website for more details.

» CISCO AND HIS CHRISTMAS TREE

Cisco radiates fun and happiness as he hangs out by HIS Christmas tree. His fur is thick and glossy and he has a sense of self-importance. In March he’ll be ten, senior cat status and Cisco can only become stronger and happier.

I met Cisco in March of '01. Yes, he was one of my patients. His body was almost bald and covered with sores and scabs. Poor Cisco! Self inflicted mutilation (psychogenic dermatis or alopecia) was the reason his guardians contacted me. He'd been pulling, digging and biting at his skin since he was a year old. He had many vet visits, medications and various other treatments with no substantial success. His guardians were about to give up. I was perhaps their last hope.

During Cisco's session, I especially noticed how his two older female companions gave him the brush-off when he tried to engage them. It was when his expression and body language cried out in desperation for feline play that I knew what he needed. 
1. His cure would be a playful kitten that preferred cats to people. A feral kitten would be the easiest solution. Such a kitten would instinctively ignore Cisco's guardians and reach out to Cisco. This would cut out rivalry for the guardians' attention. Later on the kitten would accept them. First things first! 

2.My other recommendations included change of diet to a food rich in the omega fatty acids to aid his skin, coordinated with a vet visit for medication to ease his itching and discomfort

3. I also instructed his guardians to continuously play the audio cassette of his session (which consisted of our discussion and low tension music with whale sounds) to reinforce the relaxation that he and his companions experienced during the session.

His guardians weren't thrilled about adopting another cat but agreed to consider it.
Two weeks later Cisco was less self abusive but still bothered. So a feral black kitten was introduced using my introduction. The kitten was dubbed Poncho. Within a week they were a duo, I explained to Cisco's guardians that his self-destruction was a symptom of his loneliness, insecurity and low self esteem. His destruction was a form of anxiety attack. He had some minor annoying symptoms that would slowly disappear as he became even more self-assured. 

Cisco has certainly rallied. His guardians recently had a gala holiday party and it was Cisco who, despite the noise and festivity, who chose to hang out by the tree. Wouldn't you say such Cisco behavior calls for a celebration. May you and yours have a joyous and healthy holiday! 

(For more info. on feral cats and my introductions, refer to my book THE TOTAL CAT. Click on to my site (www.thecattherapist.com) There is also a photo of Cisco before his cure under testimonials.)