Carole is available for bi-coastal house calls, international phone consults and her current book is THE TOTAL CAT (Quill). She also sees appointments at Westside Veterinary Center in Manhattan. Subscribe to Carole's free newsletter on her website by clicking onto www.thecattherapist.com/wilbourn_way.htm
February 14, 2005
Valentine's Day is a terrific day to celebrate living with your cat. Fat chance there's anyone else who's less judgmental of what you do and is you constant confidante. So why not plan to spend some extra private time with your cat and indulge her (him) in her favorite requests. You might also want to add to her toy collection, an additional scratching post, a new cat carrier or stroller and what about an extra long brushing? You can tell all the different ways she lightens up your life as you brush. (Log on to my web site, www.thecattherapist.com for some gift ideas.) This might also be a time to take some current cat photos. To remind yourself that you're her guardian, why not order a Guardian t-shirt (click on to www.idausa.org/marketplace.html) in her honor. I hope you and your cat share a happy Valentine's Day.
» APPEARANCES
CAROLE APPEARS ON "THE GASTINEAU GIRLS" STARTING FEBRUARY 15TH!
Carole appears in Episode One of Entertainment TV's new reality show, The
Gastineau Girls, which premieres at 10:00 PM on February 15th, and will air
a number of times that week. Check it out. Visit http://www.eonline.com/On/GastineauGirls/Schedule/index.html for the
schedule and show information.
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2005, 2:00 PM
Carole and feline assistants will present a free introductory session of "How to Talk to Your Cat", at the Cliffside Public Library, New
Jersey.
"HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CAT" AT 92ND STREET Y IN JULY
Carole will present her seminar "How To Talk To Your Cat" at the 92nd Street
Y in Manhattan, on Wednesday, July 13, 2005, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. This class was just agreed upon, so it isn't on their web site yet, but
should appear there shortly. Visit http://www.92y.org later for tickets,
location, etc.
» NEW CONTEST - "MEN AND THEIR 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. Entries should not exceed 100 words. Deadline is May 1.
1st prize - "I am my cat's guardian" short-sleeved t-shirt, IDA commuter mug, IDA greeting cards set.
2nd prize - "I am my cat's guardian" short-sleeved t-shirt, IDA commuter mug.
3rd prize - a black canvas IDA logo tote bag, IDA license plate frame.
Email your entries to THECATTHERAPIST@IDAUSA.ORG.
»
A PUPPY FOR POGODear Carole: Dear Carole: Dear Carole:
My ten-years-old, Tonkinese, cat Noodles has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and may have only a few weeks more to live. His ten-years-old Burmese companion, Pogo will be devastated. They are such good friends. I've always wanted a small dog and wonder what kind of dog that I could adopt that would be cat-friendly? Also, what can I do to help Pogo through the loss of her companion and to accept a puppy when the time comes? Thanks and cheers,
~ J. Kennedy, Sydney, Australia
Dear Guardian J.:
I am very sorry about your Noodles. I'm sure that you're making her as comfortable as you can. A cat can usually sense when a companion is ill before the illness is obvious to humans. Sometimes a companion will avoid the one who's ill, unlike Pogo, who continues to be Noodles' friend. To ease Pogo's loss, arrange to spend more time with her and repeat that you're o.k. and Noodles is now at peace. Although she won't understand your words, your body language and tone of voice will help to soothe and reassure her. Try to do some healing things for yourself and Pogo will mirror them.
After some time has passed, you can start to consider the adoption of a puppy. You could invite a friend to visit who has a cat-friendly dog to see how Pogo reacts. A few visits should reveal Pogo's attitude toward dogs. If you decide to seek out the right puppy, it would be best to adopt one that is cat savvy. There's also the possibility that Pogo may bind well with a puppy but could still crave a cat of her own. My book, THE TOTAL CAT (Quill) will guve you additional information. All the best to the three of you.
» SENIOR YOWLS
Except for a cataract on one eye, our twenty-years-old Russian Blue is quite healthy. But her periodic yowls puzzle us. A yowl occurs when we separate from her and at other times for nothing that appears obvious. The sound is very piercing. What to do?
~ Dan and Kathy
Dear Guardians Dan and Kathy:
Twenty is a terrific age. Your cat must be really living the GOOD life with you. As for the terrible yowls, they're a reaction to change or transitions. So when you separate from her to go to another room, alert her with your voice. Tell her you're going to another room so she's in sync with your motions. She's at a time of life when she gets confused easily and doesn't integrate change of actions as she did before. The more you reassure her, the less anxious she'll be. A cozy, warm spot to ease and comfort her senior body will help to relax her mind and spirit. Whenever you leave home, soft music will soothe her in your absence. You could also try a homeopathic remedy if needed. Here's to serenity!
» TOILET FIXATION
Why does my cat, Sunshine play in the toilet? He sticks his paws in and plays with the water. I've been trying to change this for three whole years. What do you think?
~ PUZZLED
Dear Guardian PUZZLED:
Why not keep the toilet seat down so Sunshine doesn't have entry. You can satisfy his love of water with a bowl of water in the bathtub or other water-friendly spot in which he can pursue his aquatic activity. Sunshine sounds like a fun-loving cat.
» For MORE INFO, ask the cat therapist
