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

TUESDAY, January 8, 2008

Orion's Message Was in His Sub-Text

One evening while I was preparing a holiday dinner, my cat, Orion, my faithful voyeur, interrupted his steadfast gaze. In half a heartbeat, there was a subtle tilt of his head, towards the apartment door. His break in concentration was for a reason. Could it be my dinner guest had arrived? My pondering was followed by a knock. Sure enough, Serena, my intern, was at the door. Orion's behavior was certainly a testimonial for "less" can be more. I thanked him for his acknowledgment of Serena's arrival. His behavior is only one more example of how very helpful our cats are. It, too, points out how a cat is a medium for fluctuations in energy.

Why does our cat Random yowl and yowl?

Dear Cat Therapist:

Two years ago we adopted a young cat and named him Random. The shelter workers said he was about two years old. He is a neutered, very playful, handsome, healthy and robust cat.

We adore him but there is one glitch. He is extremely anxious and meows loudly most of the day. He is especially noisy when we go to bed. We shut the bedroom door because he crawls all over the bed and keeps us awake at night. He and his older companion, Danger Grrl, each have their own pillows on chairs in the living room. Danger Grrl, sleeps fine on her chair

But Random is another story. He scratches at the bedroom door and meows half the night. After he finally goes to sleep, he awakens at dawn and begins screaming all over again. They have food in their bowls & clean water at all times. They both go outside in an enclosed yard.

Random's yowling started soon after we adopted him. When I called the shelter, I was told his previous guardians returned him when he was about a year old. It might have been an anxiety related issue then. We love him. But although he adores Danger Grrl, she couldn't care less.

Baby, our other cat, died at age 16. Danger missed him terribly which is why we got Random. She sometimes bats and hisses at him but otherwise simply tolerates him. I retired this year and hoped my being at home would calm Random down. But he is horribly anxious especially when doors are closed. He even yowls pitifully if my husband or I go into the bathroom! Should we ask our vet for tranquillizers?

Dixie & Peter

Dear Guardians Dixie and Peter:

You have certainly been very patient. Random sounds like one very anxious cat. I'm sure you have ruled out any medical issues and it does appear to be anxiety provoked.

Separation anxiety may be one of the triggers. He may have lived with a kitten or cat with whom he had bonded, and the loss has unnerved him. His relationship with Danger Grrrl is a cause for major frustration. She doesn't want to be bothered with him. He needs a positive and fun distraction to ease his residual angst.

Here are some suggestions to ease his angst:

• Consider the adoption of a male kitten who is extremely playful and prefers cats to people so the kitten will only have eyes for Random and Danger. Eventually, it will be your turn for kitten interaction.
• Try to adopt a kitten with the same coloring as Danger. A cat can determine color by scent and a familiar scent will be a plus match-wise. Refer to my book, THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR CARING AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAT for The Wilbourn Way of Introduction and other important steps. The right kitten will give Random the diversion he needs and Danger the peace and tranquility a senior cat so often needs. Please follow my program so you don't end up with the triangle syndrome—two cats against one.
• Make sure their diet is a healthy one. You might consider a multi-vitamin.
• My bi-species CD will help to relax your two cats

Bedtime Sanctuary

Random should be given his own small, cozy, room at bedtime with all of his comforts—including my CD. Do this in an upbeat manner. If you're stern, he will be upset and rebel. He may yowl the first few nights but he will soon come to feel that this is his private sanctuary. When a cat is upset, he seeks a small space (e.g., under the bed, in a closet). You are providing the small space. See also my November 2007 column

As for a tranquillizer, that is an option but he should have his blood chemistries evaluated first—to avoid any liver problems. You might want to consider a homeopathic remedy—such as Pulsatilla for his separation anxiety—but consult with a practitioner for administration and dosage.

Good luck, and you should enter Danger Grrl in my contest for senior cats. May Random have a serene and happy '08. What's good for him will be good for your family.

Do Cats Need Company?

Dear Cat Therapist:

I have a one-year old male cat whom I adopted from a shelter at eight weeks old. I work all day during the week but play with him at night and weekends. He tends to be a nipper. Could it be he needs a friend or would he be too territorial? He is a large and long Maine Coon mixture. Should I get a small dog or a kitten, or just let him be? He is a great cat but I feel bad he is alone so much. Thank you for your advice.

Nancy

Dear Guardian Nancy:

It sounds like your guy may have a touch of the single cat syndrome. I'm glad you're so aware of his needs. If you were to adopt a suitable, husky kitten, adolescent or somewhat older cat-oriented cat, you wouldn't be the object of his nips. A feline companion would be able to handle sporadic nips and reciprocate.

Gender isn't a priority but the adoptee's catsonality is. You will find The Wilbourn Way of introduction and the best match for your cat in my latest book. A new feline friend for your cat will make your catdom a happier one.

I can't answer every email I receive, so please check the archives. Your answer may be already there.

Prevent The Ebb And Flow Of Stress With My New CD

Remember that your cat can mirror your stress. My CARING FOR YOUR CAT—THE WILBOURN WAY CD will help to relax both you and your cat. Listen with your cat/s for instruction, relaxation and increased good guardian-companion energy. Click on to my site and order now.

The Fabulous 13 and Older Cat Contest has been extended though February l4, Valentine's Day—so your older cat can be remembered.

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: or to CATS ON THE COUCH CONTEST c/o IDA at 3010 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, California 94901.

• 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.

Guardians, Learn to Think Like a Cat!

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 has now finished their annual national tour. If you were 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.

Feed Homeless Cats for Free

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."

» CAROLE'S NEWSLETTER--THE WILBOURN WAY"