Tuesday, February 7, '06

» HARRY'S LEGACY

"Ok, Carole, I'll call you back in a few days," said Nilda. She had phoned to tell me that Benny, her beloved 20 year old Burmese had passed on his sleep. It was a combination of kidney and liver problems. Now, Harry, her Siamese teenager would be without his mentor and protector. Harry, a very dear but timid cat walked in Benny's paw-steps. Nilda wondered if she should immediately adopt a companion for Harry? 

I told Nilda she should see how Harry reacted in the next few days. It might be that he would take on some of his late Benny's extroverted and endearing characteristics. He might copy-cat him. Benny had been his role model.

"Harry crawled into bed with me and plopped himself on my chest," was Nilda's next report. This was Benny's spot. Harry had always slept by her feet. I told her that Harry may want to be the only cat for now. Day by day, he would become a new Harry. He might need a companion later but for now, Harry wanted to be the TOP and ONLY cat. Nilda agreed. 

"Yes, for now he's a little bit of Harry and a lot of Benny!" 

» SUPER CHUNKY

Hello!
We have a mixed-breed cat, James, who's about 3 1/2 years old. He's got to be part red-point Siamese and some tabby (he's got stripes!) and who knows what else. The problem is that he weighs about 24 pounds! We've tried diet food, special vet food, natural foods, and others. We follow portion sizes and nothing seems to work! He's an indoor cat, but he still jumps and runs (he's very fast) and plays and doesn't seem to have any issues getting around. (He does seem to have a hard time getting on higher places when he jumps straight up, but usually makes it somehow!) Any thoughts or suggestions on what we can do?

I wouldn't worry so much since he gets around but I don't want his life to be cut short. We love him to pieces and want him around for as long as possible! Thank you for your insight!

Nicole 

Denver, Colorado


Dear Guardian Nicole:

James could probably be your Guardian strengthwise! Why not have his bloods evaluated to rule out any underlying hormonal problem. Sometimes dry foods can contribute to weight gain—even if high in fiber and low in fat. 

A playful kitten may be his solution. One that would race and wrestle with him. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, would help you to get the right match for James and includes the introduction. Click on to my site. Also, check out single cat syndrome in my archives. May your James shed his useless pounds!

» BIZARRO CHEWING

Greetings. One of our cats is a semi-rescue. She had been "living" in back of our apartment building but several of us were feeding her on a regular basis. About a year and a half ago, we had room to bring her inside and formally adopt her as our own, due to one of our other cat’s demise due to kidney disease. Okay, here's the problem/question. Though she has more than enough to eat, she behaves as if she is constantly hungry. She has a food obsession. Could this be a sign of some health problem or do you think it is more psychological as a result of her spending years without a home and a comfortable, secure environment? Look forward to your answer.

Ron 

Oakland, CA


Dear Guardian Ron, 

So good you took her in and so sorry about your late cat. Yes, her love affair with food does appear psychological. It fills the void of her traumatic past. The food anesthetizes her residual pain. 1. Try to distract her with brushing, toys, hearty and caring stroking. 2. Tell her she's safe and secure. You could even make a cassette talking to her and play it back continuously to desensitize her. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, gives more information on this process. If she hasn't been checked out medically, schedule an exam to rule out any physical ailments. May she change her m.o.!

Hello Carole!
My parents have a tom cat. He is probably 2 years old now and he sprays all the time. It was my father who insisted on keeping him intact but now he is driving my mother mad, understandably. I have read quite a few pages about the problem on the net but it seems to be too late to do anything. Is that the case? Is there really nothing they can do? Thank you ever so much!

Alice 


Dear Guardian Alice, 

He is not too old to be neutered. Unless he has a medical problem that would be severely affected by the anesthesia related to the surgery, he should be a candidate. Your parents can schedule him for a thorough exam to address any medical problems. If he were a senior cat, he might be more of a surgical risk. So, go to it but remember, it may take a couple of weeks post-surgery for the spraying to stop.

» FABULOUS FELINES

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

If you have a question guardians, please send an email to Carole. Scroll down to see my column. I can't answer every email I receive, so please check the archives. Your answer may be already there.

» COLOSSAL CAT ENERGY EXTENDED

The Men And Their Cats Contest has been extended through February. So male guardians, send your cat's story as a tribute to Valentine's Day—or—just send it!

» REMEMBER THESE DATES

Hope to see you at my lectures.
Calling all guardians.

» MY SPEAKING APPEARANCES

2/26 
NAPPS (National Association Of Professional Cat Sitters) 
Hilton San Diego, Understanding The Feline Mind
1:15-2:15 PM, Sun. 
http://www.petsitters.org/annual_06/sessions.htm#sunday

» STROLL WITH YOUR CATS

There's a perfect and fun way to safely enjoy the outdoors with your
cats. Click on to thecattherapist.com and then to Kittywalk


» CAT TALK

CAT TALK is now available. Find out what your cat is TRYING TO TELL YOU. So guardians, lick 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.



DEFECATION OFF LIMITS

Dear Carole,
I have a 14 yr old cat named Missy who will not defecate in the litter box. She'll urinate in the box but defecates beside it. Please Help, Thank you
Angela 

Dear Guardian Angela:
Missy avoids the box because she's uncomfortable when she defecates. The discomfort causes her to detour her box to signal you for help. Chances are you've kept her box pristine, tried to find the ideal litter and maybe even two litter boxes. But if she's constipated, she needs more help. Even if her movements appear normal, it may be hard for her to evacuate. So, maybe a change of diet, stool softener, more fiber or some other supplement. A vet exam is the next step. Also, brushing and stroking will help to relax her body. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, will give you
more info. I know Missy can count on you to bring her relief. 

OUTDOOR PRIVILEGES

Dear Carole:
I have two wonderful neutered black and white cats. One is approximately 11-12 years of age and the other is 5 years old. The younger cat is able to go outdoors occasionally while the older one is unable to. This is due to the fact that he was declawed by someone else. The older cat, Buddy Boy, is extremely jealous of the younger one, Misty. My mother and I shower both lavishly with love and affection. Buddy Boy becomes extremely angry (as evident through facial expressions and withdrawal) at his younger sibling when Misty is on my mother's lap. He usually strikes out at him (even though he has no claws). Buddy Boy often provokes Misty needlessly. Although Misty is a patient cat, he occasionally retaliates by scratching or biting Buddy Boy.
Do you have any comments of suggestions as to how to alleviate this tension? Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Elisse 
Redwood City, CA

Dear Guardian Elisse:
Your Buddy Boy feels very deprived. Misty's outdoor privileges are a thorn in his whiskers. There is a way for him to enjoy outdoor jaunts safely. Kitty Walk Systems makes an outdoor enclosure that can be attached to a kitty door that Buddy can hang out in. For more info., click on to Kitty Walk Systems on my site (http://www.thecattherapist.com/kittywalk.htm).

Make a point of including Buddy verbally every time you interact with Misty so Buddy will feel connected. "Buddy I'm feeding Misty so he won't eat your food. Let me play with him so you can relax." He won't understand your words but your tone of voice and body language will deliver your message. The more Buddy feels in control, the less he'll be out of control. 


MY NEW CAT IS ANXIOUS

Hello,
While researching the internet for information, I saw you had an advice column for cat guardians. I need some advice. Two days ago, I adopted a beautiful six year old spayed, orange tabby from a local shelter. Her former guardian was an elderly woman who had passed away. She didn't adjust to the shelter and cringed and hissed at the other cats. I felt sorry for her and since she likes to be petted, although not held, I thought she could benefit from my quiet home.

Any little noise scares her and she hides under furniture. She shakes like she's having an anxiety attack all the time. Yesterday she'd warmed up to me a bit so I tried to pick her up to show her where the litter box was, since she hadn't gone to the bathroom yet. She freaked out and struggled out of my arms and has been hiding ever since. Sometimes she hides so well I can't find her, and my house is very small.

I'm worried that she has serious anxiety problems because of what she's been through. I want her to calm down enough to be able to eat, drink, and use the litter box soon so she does not get sick. What is the best way to calm her down and make her feel happy and safe? Please help! 
Thank you, Nikki V.

Dear Guardian Nikki,
So good of you to adopt an older cat. Never fear, she will slowly calm down. Her anxiety will fade. She's been through total culture shock and is thoroughly terrified. A small, cozy space will help to comfort her. Place her food, litter box and other comforts in a small room—sunny if possible. As she starts to feel secure in this small space, her body will relax and her anxiety will lift. She may respond to brushing. Sit beside her on the floor and let her approach you. Don't try to pick her up until she's more sure of you. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, will give you more tips. Click on to my site (http://www.thecattherapist.com/cat_store.htm#Total%20Cat).


LONELY MALE CAT

Dear Cats On The Couch:
This past October our beloved female tabby, Bonnie, passed away at the age of 18 1⁄2. We miss her terribly. Now we are guardians of only one male, Butch, age 13. Although he barely tolerated Bonnie, he now seems starved for attention. He used to barely acknowledge my return from work. Now I find him meowing at the door. I sense he is going through some sort of abandonment issue. He wasn't the closest of friends with Bonnie, but she was company. We tried to introduce a couple of neutered young males, but the aggression over territory was too great. (These are beloved companions at our Vets office, so they have been returned to their caregivers). I would like to try a female over the age of four. Kittens are not an option. 
Sioux 

Dear Guardian Sioux,
So very sorry about your loss. Yes, it sounds like your Butch is lonely and the right match will nurture him. A kitten would be the easiest match but not an option for you. So I would suggest that you adopt a spayed female that prefers cats to people. Such a cat would bond with Butch first. A cat of Butch's coloring would be a plus because a cat determines color by scent. A similar coloring would be a familiar scent—non-threatening. Try to find a cat who is low-key energywise so Butch isn't overwhelmed. A semi-feral adolescent is an option. You can use one of my introductions. Refer to the archives (http://www.idausa.org/cat_therapist/archives.html) and or my book THE TOTAL CAT. Good luck!