Carole is available for house calls and phone consults.


January 25, 205

» LEARNING IN TORONTO

Gold star for Toronto-ite Guardians and their cats! Despite frigid below zero temperatures and non-stop snow, my learning Annex class was swarming with guardians who wanted to know HOW TO TALK TO THEIR CAT. Fredo, a young, handsome cat was my teaching companion. He had accompanied me on CFRB RADIO with Carol and Paul and again on BREAKFAST TIME and DAYTIME TV so he was a seasoned performer. There were moments when he stretched out his front paw in sync with my explaining “relaxed” cat body language.

A combination of mini therapy sessions, catnip and low tension music contributed to Fredo’s relaxation. His carrier became an object of security. Oohs and ahs from the class added to his mellow feeling as he hung out in his carrier.

Forrest, a ten-years-old, dashing Toronto cat, also assisted me on DAYTIME. He even demonstrated how a cat can make a break for it but also helped me to demonstrate how a cat can be “caught”. It’s a matter of quick reflexes. Instead of “watching”, reach out and grab the “fleeing” cat. Don’t be a voyeur. Time is of the essence!

Because of a NEW YORK snowstorm, my visit to Toronto was extended by a day. For those of you who missed my class, I will return in April or May when snow is usually out of the question. You might check with The Learning Annex for details. 
Please note the deadline for MAKE MY DAY contest is January 31. 



» INTRODUCTION OF A FERAL CAT TO MY CAT

Dear Carole:

I was able to humanely trap and rescue a stray cat that is feral. He is in my basement and fairly comfortable. Sights from a window interest him but he keeps his distance from me. I’d like to introduce him to my cat, who is up to date on all her vaccinations and spayed. How should I do that? I do plan to take him to the vet and have him examined. He appears to be neutered.

 ~ Debra I.


Dear Guardian Debra:

So good of you to rescue and care for a feral cat. Sounds like he’s off to a good start. Here are some tips to make the introduction to your cat: 

1) Try to make the intro during a sunny day. Cats usually are inspired and nurtured when the sun is shining—as most people are. 

2) It would be best to provide puppy or child expandable gates in front of a doorway to whichever room the feral cat is in. A couple of gates may be needed if either cat is a jumper. A screen door or half screens adhered to the doorframe with Velcro are other options which could serve as barriers. 

3) The object if for the cats to see and interact with each other without physical contact. If either cat ignores the barrier, place their food in line with the barrier so they can’t keep a low profile. Don’t be surprised if there’s hissing and aggressive body language. But it’s the ideal way for them to get out their angst without physical harm. 

4) Don’t remove the barrier until they’ve established a truce. This may take at least a week. If there’s still too much “upset”, you can always reset the barrier and remove it for short intervals until you’re all secure with this new relationship. 

5) Whenever you speak to the “newcomer”, mention your cat’s name. Whatever you do, you don’t want to “exclude” your cat. Don’t be dictatorial or sugary. Remember cats don’t like to be “controlled”.

6) If it is impossible for you to use a “barrier,” open the basement door during the day so your cat can wander downstairs. You might walk down with her. Entice her with a toy or catnip. Play with her for a while and this may entice the “newcomer.” But keep your focus on her. Repeat this for a few days. Eventually, they’ll seek each other out. There will probably be some initial spats. If they become too dramatic, distract with a loud noise or water. Don’t get in the middle!

Because the newcomer is a “feral” cat, he will probably be more wary of you than of your cat. This is an advantage because he’ll be more apt to ignore you and befriend her. This will prevent her from becoming resentful of your attention and interaction with him. Have patience and try to let them work things out without your intervention. Soft music and lavender potpourri will help to create a friendly atmosphere. Here’s to a happy duo!



January 11, 2005

» CANADIAN GUARDIANSHIP

Montreal was one of my stops during the holidays. I made a visit to one of my patients who is now a senior cat. I had treated Kiki several years ago for single cat syndrome. Her main symptom was aggressiveness. She frequently treated the family as she would another cat. Her nips and scratches were not pleasant. Also, she was not very affectionate. Anyway, I recommended a playful kitten to work out Kiki’s energy. Unfortunately, one of the family members had allergies so Kiki would have to remain the single cat. Some of my other recommendations included more play time to work out her energy, 1/2 teaspoon of brewer’s yeast in her food (helps to reduce stress), and not to continue to stroke or play with her when she became over-stimulated. A ripple of the back, twitch of the tail or flattened ears would often be a signal to stop. A toss of a ball or other distraction would redirect her energy. The audio cassette of Kiki’s session would relax her and continue to reinforce the desensitization of her session.

Kiki’s family had moved to a new house which was particularly sunny and roomy. They were particularly happy and Kiki mirrored their happiness. My therapy programs had chipped away most of her edge but she was still somewhat salty. When I entered the room, she was pleased to see me, and sat by my chair. I sprinkled some catnip on a piece of tissue paper and Kiki rolled back and forth with a smile on her face. 

When I told the family what terrific guardians they were, I was asked to explain what I meant by guardian. They were familiar with the word but admitted they never felt comfortable with it. “I’m so glad you feel that way,” I said. I explained that when a cat or another animal companion is considered as property or “owned”, the animal becomes a thing, a piece of property that can be disposed of at will, like a used car. Also, because ownership is implied, the animal can be euthanized at the “owner’s” request. Guardianship implies taking care of in the best interest of the animal and recognition that the animal’s life is respected. 

I must say that Kiki’s family thanked me for this new insight and remarked how their Kiki, as contrary as she sometimes could be, is too much a part of their family with her own very special needs and attributes to ever be though of as a “possession”. 

“Yes, Kiki is a cat,” I said “and a cat is an exquisite being who gives us unconditional love and companionship—many times more than we can return.” As I spoke, I looked down at Kiki who looked up at me in agreement. 



» ANNOYING URINATION

Dear Carole:

Can you tell me why my cat sometimes urinates on my sheets and comforter? 

 ~ Thanks, Barbra G.


Dear Guardian Barbra:

If your cat isn’t spayed, her incidents may be a symptom of her unsprayed status. Otherwise, it may be that these soft fabrics remind her of the comfort she felt from her mother’s fur and touch. These incidents may occur when she’s feeling uncomfortable or anxious. You could provide a second litter box with strips of paper towels or wee-wee pads that she can use when stressed. You may want to be sure that her diet is bladder-friendly and that you’re giving her the attention and affection she needs. A visit to the vet might be in order. (For additional information, you can refer to my archives.) Sometimes a catnip treat can relieve tension. Here’s to dry bedding!

» UNLOVING CAT

It’s now over a year that we received our cat as a kitten from some friends. She’s not affectionate and doesn’t care to have anything to do with us. We’ve had cats before but never one like her. What can we do to change this? 

~Concerned Kitty Lovers


Dear Concerned Kitty Lovers:

Your cat’s lack of affection may be because of a lack of trust. It’s not because of your behavior but it would have been a legacy from her parental cats—their well-being when she was conceived, gestation and her relationship with mother cat and littermates.


REMEMBER THE DEADLINE FOR THE “MAKE MY DAY’ CONTEST IS NEAR SO PLEASE EMAIL THECATTHERAPIST@IDAUSA.ORG TO ENTER AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR ONE OF THE PRIZES. Also, if you live in the Toronto area, you may want to attend my Learning Annex seminar on Saturday, Jan. 22. Log on to www.learningannex.com and click on “Other Cities” and then click on “Toronto” for more information.

» For MORE INFO, ask the cat therapist