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 newly-released book (Dec. 2007) 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.
Tell Us Your "Tail"
Many of us have wonderful stories of how our pets have
enriched our lives. Has your cat helped you deal with the loss of a loved one? Have your children learned to be more responsible by caring for their cat? Studies show there are significant physical, emotional and developmental benefits that come out of the pet/human bond for both pet parent and pet, and we want to hear your heartwarming, funny, touching and compelling stories about the positive impact your cat has had on your life!
The Power of Paws™ Patrol will be coming to Animal Haven (251 Centre Street in SoHo) on Tuesday, June 17 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and we would like to videotape you telling your story about the unique relationship you share with your cat. We recognize the mutual value of that special bond and continually marvel at how a pet’s unconditional love translates into powerful emotional and physical benefits. You are even welcome (but not required) to bring your cat with you to help tell your story. Please ensure that if you bring your cat, he is in a carrier and wearing collars and tags.
Your videotaped tail might be posted on PowerofPaws.com, a new website celebrating our fourlegged friends’ selfless acts of kindness!
For taking the time to share your story, we’ll give you a goodie bag filled with samples and coupons for Meow Mix® Wholesome Goodness® cat food, as well as make a food donation to Animal Haven.
If you have a story you would like to share, please contact Tracey Shechtman at (212) 253-8777 or email tracey@grandcentralmarketing.com to schedule a time.
Thank you!
CATS ON THE COUCH, June ’08
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
Orion was my co-speaker recently at the Bark-fast at Macy’s Herald Square and again at the Mid Manhattan Library in New York City. He was the lone cat, surrounded by dogs at Macy’s, an event sponsored by Animal Haven. Many of the guardians commented on his poise and self-assurance as he either sat up or stretched out on a high narrow counter.
“It’s simply fascinating how he allows all the children to stroke him,” said one of the guardians, and “he glances casually at the dogs as they come by to check him out,” said another.
When he wasn’t in my arms, the podium was Orion’s position of choice at the Mid-Manhattan Library. Although the podium was slanted, Orion managed to position his body in an elegant manner.
Orion’s socially responsible behavior was all about recognition and admiration. From his elevated perch, he was able to hold court—a King of the mountain pose—and guaranteed gratification.
HOW TO REDUCE CULTURE SHOCK
Hi Carole,
My name is Laura. I live in Columbus, Ohio, and I have a 15-months old cat named Dorian. She was rescued from a dumpster as a kitten. I'd always wanted a cat, so I was happy to become her guardian. My roommate had a cat named Wheezy. The introduction wasn't the best at first, but they soon became good pals. But when she got another kitten, who she named Moxy, Dorian and Wheezy weren't too thrilled. However, Dorian and Moxy grew to be best friends and trouble- makers. We have lived together for a little over a year but are now going to go our separate ways. I'm moving in with my boyfriend, and she's taking Moxy and Wheezy.
Do you think Dorian will need another kitty pal so that she doesn't miss Moxy and Wheezy? It's only been a day since they have been separated. She's adjusting quite well to her new surroundings but has been following me around. I've brought over her toys, play cubes, and some of her blankets until I move the rest of my things. She's also been hissing at my boyfriend and appears to be afraid of him. Is there anything he or I can do to help them bond? Should it get better over time? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you,
Laura and Dorian
Dear Guardian Laura,
I’m so very happy that you are concerned about Dorian’s new living situation. It is full of culture shock—a new home, plus another person and the loss of two feline companions. The following tips should help the three of you to adapt to this new situation comfortably:
- Your boyfriend can present Dorian with new toys and engage her in playing with them.
- Remember to mention Dorian’s name when you’re talking to your boyfriend so she feels included. This will slowly reduce her resentment towards him.
- It might be a good idea to adopt a kitten or young cat for Dorian so you would become a foursome. I would suggest a cat of her coloring or one similar to her former companions. A cat can determine color by scent, so a familiar color would be comforting to Dorian. You can refer to my selection of a new feline companion for your cat and my introduction in my new book and CD. Good luck with your new living arrangement.
MY CAT STRESSES OUT WHEN I’M AWAY
Dear Cat Therapist,
My cat is wonderful, but also slightly needy. I am the only person he will allow to care for him. This wouldn't be such a problem, but he internalizes his anxiety when I am not around by getting kidney infections. It has happened three times now. The symptoms always clear up after we spend some quality time together and regain our rhythm.
I am very concerned, because I am taking a month-long trip over the summer. Do you have any advice as to how I might be able to acclimate him to someone else or do something so that my parents don't have to deal with a cat that urinates blood while I am across the ocean? It has happened before when they have been caring for him, even though they give him LOTS of attention, affection. I am at my wits end, and don't know what to do. Please help!
Katrina
Dear Guardian Katrina,
Why not have your parents visit and spend time with your cat several times before you go on holiday? This will allow your cat to develop a happy relationship with them while you are home. They can become his surrogate you. Your vet may be able to prescribe some supplement or medication to give his kidneys some support to prevent an upset. A further veterinary work-up might reveal additional physical problems. An anti-anxiety drug may be an option or a homeopathic remedy to reduce his separation anxiety.
WHAT’S THE SINGLE KITTEN OR CAT SYNDROME?
Hi Carole Wilbourn,
I am ready to go adopt a kitten. It’s taken a while to get my new landlord’s permission to adopt one cat or kitten. I prefer to adopt one kitten, but many shelters will not adopt out singletons. What do you mean by the single cat or kitten syndrome? I would appreciate your advice.
Alison
Dear Guardian Alison,
A single kitten or cat that becomes aggressive, destructive, or depressed is usually lonely and frustrated. The single cat syndrome can manifest such symptoms. Although there are those cats that prefer to be a single cat, a kitten should have a companion.
Instead of adopting a kitten, why not seek out a young cat that prefers people to cats? A people-oriented cat is often one who lived with multiple cats, and a single loving cat home would bring such a cat continuous joy.
MY CAT WON’T USE HIS SCRATCHING POSTS
Dear Carole Wilbourn,
My cat stopped using his scratching post, almost overnight, and started on the furniture. I just purchased new furniture less than a year ago and this behavior is unacceptable. I have tried new sisal posts, carpet posts, cardboard posts, and he ignores all of them. HELP!
Judy
Dear Guardian Judy,
Your cat’s sudden misbehavior may be a result of your relationship with him. He may feel he is getting less attention from you. Think about it. Perhaps this is his signal for more of you.
You can stop his destruction derby with the following tips:
- Praise him whenever he uses his posts.
- Provide several different types of posts and place them near the furniture. Make it easy for him.
- Whenever he tries to scratch the furniture, give a sharp, dramatic, loud no so he is “stunned”.
- Cover the furniture in a cat-proof way until the posts become his exclusive scratching targets for at least two months.
If he is your only cat, you might want to consider coupling him with the right companion. My book will give you match-making advice in the introduction.
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 (http://www.thecattherapist.com/caring4yourcat.htm) and order now.
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 Meow Mix 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 (http://www.meowmix.com/acatemy/lessons.htm) 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 (http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3).
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.
TEST YOUR CAT’S APTITUDE
Click on to meowmix.com
CLICK ON TO YOUTUBE TO VIEW A FREE CONSULTATION