June, 2004
» THE YOWLER
Dear Carole:I have two neutered cats of around six-years-old. I've had the female for five years and the male for two years. They're best of friends. But, Chino, the male, yowls at night. He was an outdoor cat four years ago, but has been an indoor cat since. He yowls at the top of his healthy lungs at the front door which leads to the apartment hallway. I've tried squirting him with a bottle which usually does help because he'll come to sleep with me. But soon he's knocking things off the dresser for attention. I've tried to ignore the yowling for six months but to no avail. Playing extra with him doesn't tire him out. I'm scared my neighbors are going to complain. Help!
~ Anna
Dear Anna:
Chino needs to join a choir where his "vocals" can be appreciated. In the meantime, he's going to have to be on sabbatical. His yowling may very well be related to his "outdoor days", but now he's an indoor cat and we need to make him a happy one. Try the following suggestions:
- Include a hide and chase interlude in Chino's playtime. The more he runs and gallops, the better.
- Maybe a tunnel of paper bags would satisfy him.
- A video for cats might give him some vicarious amusement which will wear him out. It's very important to work out his play energy, especially because he's a former outdoor cat.
- Maybe you can get a cat-friendly dog to visit. Such an encounter could help to release some of Chino's high energy - even if they only stare at each other. The dog should be on a lead held by his or her guardian.
- At bedtime, add ¼ teaspoon of camomile tea leaves in a small amount of food, if Chino is a hearty eater.
- If necessary, it may be best to give Chino his "own room" with his comforts at bedtime. Do it in a friendly manner so it becomes his security haven instead of his discomfort haven. Soft music may help to soothe him. The less space he has, the less noisy and anxious he'll be. His friend may want to accompany him.
~ Carole
» SCAPECAT SYNDROME
Dear Carole:
My three cats have suddenly started to attack my fourth cat. She's so frightened and bullied that she won't go in the litter box they've all used for two years. It's a Littermaid, one that cleans itself after each use within ten minutes. I've put another box in a separate area which she uses. The other cats do, too. I've had a natureopathic vet visit to check her out. She's OK. His suggestion was to add Bach Flower Essence to their water. There are less attacks, but still bedlam. The pet therapist suggested more individual attention which I am now doing. The therapist also suggested the friction might be started by the oldest male, who is possibly senile, and the other two cats follow his lead. Any suggestions?
~ Kat B.
Dear Kat:
What a dilemma! Sounds like she's the scapecat! Please make sure you oldest cat doesn't have an underlying medical problem that's manifesting itself in "aggression." Physical discomfort can lead to emotional anxiety and your female could become the tension target. Make certain that your senior cat doesn't have a problem with the automatic cleaning litter box. This could be a potential stress area. Catnip can sometimes help cats to release energy so that their body relaxes. The more relaxed a cat is, the looser the body and the better the cat feels and acts. Try to engage the cats in communal play so they can slowly interact near each other without a disaster. You can distract them when you see the start of an attack. Throw a toy in the opposite direction. A healthy diet is a big plus and perhaps some vitamin supplements. You might want to log onto my web site, http://www.thecattherapist.com, for more information.
~ Carole
June 1st, 2004
» SEPARATION ANXIETY
Dear Carole:I recently had to give up our dog, Paco, to a very humane shelter for small breed dogs. He was so very sweet and gentle but my husband and son barely acknowledged him. I miss Paco terribly bout our spayed cat Pee Wee misses him more. Now she's sleeping in Paco's old spot and sprawls out on her back, just like Paco. I'd like to adopt another cat but it's not an option for now. How can I make Pee Wee's life more exciting?
~ Victoria
Dear Victoria:
So very sorry you had to part with Paco. Let's hope he's now very happy in a home with ultra dog-lovers!
As for Pee Wee, you might be able to arrange dog-dates for her. A cat-friendly dog could visit Pee Wee and help to ease her loss of Paco. Even an hour a few times a week would be a relief. Perhaps you could even arrange for a few dogs to visit at different times. If Pee Wee is a bird-watcher, you can set up a cozy perch in a window, where she could have a perfect view. Tell Pee Wee she's safe, and that Paco is too. As you say this, you will feel better and Pee Wee will mirror your feelings. Surprise her with a new climber or scratching post. I do hope that Pee Wee will eventually have a new cat companion. In the meantime, these suggestions should ease her separation anxiety.
~ Carole
» For MORE INFO, ask the cat therapist
