If you have or had a cat 13 and older who is fabulous, and even if he or she is no longer with us, you are invited to enter IDA’s Fabulous 13 and Older Cat Contest. Just tell us what makes your elder cat a winner and a cat that cannot be forgotten in 50 words or less! Please include a photo with your entry and send it to: thecattherapist@idausa.org or to CATS ON THE COUCH CONTEST c/o IDA at 3010 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, California 94901.

CONTEST HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 15th, 2008

1st prize: "I am my cat's guardian" short-sleeved t-shirt, IDA commuter mug, and IDA greeting cards set, and phone consult with The Cat Therapist

2nd prize: "I am my cat's guardian" short-sleeved t-shirt and an IDA commuter mug.

3rd prize: IDA license plate frame and black IDA logo lanyard.

This contest is in memory of Diana-Moon-Dust, my 18 year old cat who was very, very FABULOUS.

My cat, Orion, and I were speakers at the NYC Cat Acatemy that was overflowing with feline guardians. It was a fun-filled catmosphere.

The Cat Acatemy is now on national tour. If you’re unable to attend the Acatemy in person, you can learn to think like a cat with cat napping and my other online lessons. Score well on the aptitude test and you can get your online degree. The more you think like a cat, the better your feline relationship will be. You may need a little help from your cat. But won’t your cat be proud of your choice in higher education where the tuition is free? Click here to participate in the fun.

Find out how you can help feed homeless animals for free with a simple click.

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, scroll down the right and click “cat therapist.”.

My Cat Urinates On My Boyfriend's Belongings

Hello Carole Wilbourn,

I have a three years old female cat. She has sometimes urinated in the house, particularly on my boyfriend’s belongings. We have been living together for almost two years and my cat was already over a year when I moved in with him. It may be because she doesn’t like him. She started to urinate on the bed a few weeks after I brought her home. She also urinated on a moon chair that was owned previously by somebody with a dog. I had to get rid of the chair. We recently moved to a bigger house. She hasn’t had any incidents so far but this may not last. What should I do to help her?

Thanks so much for your time and for you great work,
Karin

Dear Guardian Karin,

If your cat isn’t spayed, this may be one of the reasons she is not routinely using her box for urination. Please schedule an appointment to have her checked out medically. A urinalysis will reveal any bladder problems. You want to rule out any medical issue before you concentrate on behavior modification. Her diet is another important factor. It’s important that her diet is bladder friendly.

The following recommendations should improve her relationship with your boyfriend:

• Your boyfriend can give her a daily brushing if she’s receptive.


• Catnip might sweeten her feelings.


• Arrange for him to do some of her feedings.


• Try to interact with her when you have your conversations with him. She can hang out next to you or on your lap—or maybe his.
• Be sure to mention her name now and again when you talk to him so she doesn’t feel neglected.

When your cat feels anxious, this may cause her to have an anxiety attack in the form of indiscriminate urination. The more relaxed she is, the better she’ll feel. My CD and new book should help to relax the three of you. Check out my IDA home page and my site http://www.thecattherapist.com/cat_store.htm.

May you all feel better for the holidays.

My Cat Drools

Dear Carole Wilbourn,

One of my cats, an ex-feral, who is semi tame now and allows me to pet him, drools whenever I give him lots of love and pets. I have taken him into the vet and there's nothing wrong with him, yet he continues to drool during long petting sessions. I call it "Happy Drool" because he seems to only do it when he's rolling around and totally happy and enjoying the whole touching and pet experience. Is this normal? Have you heard of this kind of behavior before? Once I stop petting him, the drool stops too.

Chris

Dear Guardian Chris,

Sounds like your once feral cat has really blossomed—thanks to you. Evidently, when you pet him, his energy builds up, happy energy, and his salivary glands join the “happy parade.” His salivary glands appear to be very sensitive, but not to worry. You might cap this reaction off with a bib for a healthy blot. Otherwise, enjoy your “happy” sessions together.

Weird Face Interactions

Dear Cat Therapist,

May I please ask you a question? My cat Elmo, rubs his face on the right side two or three times a day and he will also chew on the right side of his mouth, trying to get at something. His appetite is fine and he seems fine other than the chewing on his right side and rubbing it. What could be causing these symptoms?

Thank You,
Gina

Dear Guardian Gina,

Your cat may have a sore in the inside of his mouth or right jaw. It might even be a tooth that bothers him. Please have a vet examine the inside of his mouth and give him a thorough checkup. It could even be a reaction to another physical problem.

If it turns out to be an obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety may be the root of his weird behavior. Good luck!

A Generation Gap

Dear Guardian Kaitlin,

Your older cat is in his golden years, a senior cat or you could even say, geriatric. Play is not first on his agenda. This is not true for your younger cat. There is a generation gap. It would be best to fix up a spot that your senior cat could hang out in without sneak attacks. Unless you arrange feline play dates for your younger cat, he needs a suitable companion. A kitten or adolescent cat would be a good match. Refer to the introduction of a new kitten in my new book, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AND CARING FOR YOUR CAT. Refer to my IDA home page for more information.

Amazon Continues To Look The Other Way

Why is it that Amazon continues to sell books on ANIMAL FIGHTING? Can their business be that bad?

TESTIMONIALS

Thank you for sending along your testimonials. It lets other guardians know that their cat questions can be solved and lets me know that my column is helping cats to leave the couch.

Fabulous Felines

Don't miss out. You owe it to your cat/s. Scan photos to thecattherapist@idausa.org

Click on to Fabulous Felines and you'll see why this is a Feline Must!

Testimonials

Cat guardians, There is a new addition to CATS ON THE COUCH. Click on to TESTIMONIALS and read all about Winston and his rescue.