Carole is available for bi-coastal house calls, speaking engagements anywhere, phone consults nationally and internationally. She also sees patients by appointment at Westside Veterinary Center in Manhattan. Her latest book is The Complete Guide To Understanding And Caring For Your Cat. Her recently released CD of spoken cat advice and soothing music is Caring For Your Cat, The Wilbourn Way.
Come back to Carole's home page monthly for cat news and Carole's most recent replies to behavior inquiries from worried cat guardians. To have this home page emailed to you after the story update, click here. You will receive this exact page by email, and it will link you to the other pages in her site, and to the rest of the IDA web site.
CATS ON THE COUCH, July '09
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
Doesn't my Orion look comfy sprawled out on my appointment book? He’s reminding me to schedule prime time for him. What a cat!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE
(Orion, a former rescue, will represent cats and offer nuggets of wisdom regarding Beau, the rescued First Dog—a Portuguese Water Dog.)
BEAU CAN BE THE AQUA STAR AT MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Orion is pleased that the first family will vacation on Martha's Vineyard. It's an ideal spot for the Obama girls and, Beau, with his webbed toes, will be good and ready to take in many a swim. Orion suggests that the girls organize an aqua show where Beau is the solo and major attraction. During this gala event, the Obama girls can throw water-friendly objects in to the water for Beau to retrieve. This will be genuine fun for Beau, who by nature loves to swim, and retrieving goes with the territory. They may even discover that Beau likes to surf. He could become the champion of a West Coast Dog-Surf-A-thon, where admission is free, but contributions should be welcome to support the local animal shelter.
FLEAS HAVE TERRORIZED OUR DOTTY
Hi Carole:
I have a couple of two-year-old cats who have been the best of friends. They play fight a little bit but nothing serious. The last week or so, Dotty, who's normally very relaxed, is now acting terrified. Both cats have these horrible scabs on them that we think are from scratching fleas. Although they are indoor cats, they sometimes dart outside. Now Dotty has been hiding in the closet all the time, and we?have to drag her out to get her to eat. Once she is out, she will eat and stay for about 30 minutes before her return to the top of the closet. She looks and acts like she is terrified of something. The vet said he thinks she is having a reaction to the fleas or maybe dust pollen. We are very worried.
Katherine F.
Hi Guardian Katherine,
Dotty and her sis are probably very distraught and uncomfortable because of the fleas, but there was probably another incident that has made Dotty closet bound. You may have to give them, as well as your house, some kind of flea prevention for the summer. To calm Dotty, try some catnip. It usually peps a cat up, removes the tension and is soothing. You could also add a 1/4 tsp. of Brewer's Yeast to their food. It's high in B vitamins, good for the hair coat and reduces stress. Engage them in play when Dotty's amenable and available. My CD should help to relax Dotty. Click on to my site thecattherapist.com. If she doesn't perk up, a vet visit may be necessary to rule out any medical problem. Katherine, let's hope your cats are soon flea- and trauma-free very soon.
ROSIE ROSEBUD IS URINATING ON MY BED
Hi Carole Wilbourn,
I really need your help. I live alone with a sweet little seven pound rescued kitty named Rosie Rosebud. I've included one of her early kitten photos. I love and spoil her and give her all the attention her kitty heart desires. She's about two years old and has always been a little nervous and skittish of loud noises and company.
Her safe space is under the bed, and I have made a nice little world for her under there. She has always been comfortable and loving with me, even sleeping on me. But lately she has been urinating on the bed and is over-the-top nervous. My upstairs neighbor recently adopted a puppy, and I think the puppy's occasional barking has upset her. She did have an incident a while back when I was out of town and I took her to her vet and all the appropriate tests were run. There were no problems. Everything was normal. But now she’s even more terrified. She hides all the time. She crouches, hisses, and screams when she sees me. I have never even raised my voice or yelled at her.
I am really scared and worried. I also know that there is no way at this point that I could take her back to the vet. But when the vet examined her, he discovered that she had fleas. She's an indoor cat so I'm not sure how it happened. Anyway, I gave her Advantage. Could she have developed neurological problems from the Advantage? I'm so very upset and confused. I do hope you can help us.
Gratefully yours,
Stevie H.
Hi Guardian Stevie,
You don't mention if Rosie Rosebud is spayed. If not, this may be contributing to her terror and emotional sensitivity. So please contact your vet if she is still intact. As for her incidents on the bed, they appear to be definitely stress-related. You mention the vet did not find any medical problems. I agree that the neighbor’s new puppy startled Rosie. This is a symptom of her sensitivity to sound, new additions, and anything sudden. In addition, she may have become more traumatized because of the application of the Advantage. Yes, it can cause problems. Do consult the vet about this very important issue.
Here are some recommendations to increase her ability to cope with the unexpected:
- Continue to provide a cozy niche with all of Rosie’s comforts so she feels protected and secure.
- Whenever you hear the puppy bark, talk to Rosie. If you can’t stroke her, engage her in play. Distraction from the source is key.
- Tell her she’s becoming so calm and prettier than ever. Your verbal reassurance will increase her confidence. It’s the sound of your voice and body language that she picks up on.
- Let Rosie know that you’re okay. As you say this, your body and mind relax. This is another coup for Rosie.
- Add some lavender potpourri or flameless candle to the environment to calm her senses and yours. The more you do to feel good, the more Rosie will mirror your well-being.
- It may be that an anti-anxiety drug will be needed to defuse her anxiety. That could be discussed with your vet. My book, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING & CARING FOR YOUR CAT, will give you information on this subject. Refer to my home page on IDA — thecattherapist@idausa.org
Stevie, you may need some additional help for your Rosie. If so, I’m always available for consults.
POLLY HAS RECOVERED FROM HER MOURNING
Hi Carole,
A couple of months ago you did a therapy session with my two cats Polly and Mazal. Polly’s sister, Chicklet, had suddenly passed on, and Polly was very despondent. I thought it might be best to adopt a new kitten or cat immediately to distract Polly from her grief. Although Polly and Mazal are okay together, he tends to dominate, and I felt Polly might be lonely with only Mazal for a companion. Their photo could be a metaphor for Mazal’s presence and energy. You’d never think he was sweet sixteen. Anyway, you suggested that I give them some time together to learn to know each other in a new relationship before I increased my cat family. Carole, you were right. Mazal looks after Polly, and she has become more outgoing, a little like her late sister.
I'll be in touch when I decide to make any major changes. Of course, I would want you to introduce the new addition to insure a happy and peaceful union.
Many thanks,
Nicole E.
Hi Guardian Nicole,
I'm thrilled to learn that all is well with your guys. You are certainly a top-notch guardian, and I’ll be most happy to use my Wilbourn Way for any future introduction or other issue.
QUESTIONS TO CAROLE
Please consult with your veterinarian first to make certain that your animal companion's problem is not due to any medical condition.
If you have a question for Carole, you can email her at thecattherapist@idausa.org. We're sorry that Carole won’t be able to answer all questions, but the answers to many questions can be found in her IDA archives.
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, click here.
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