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, June '09
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
My apartment was being painted, so I made arrangements for Orion and I to stay at a nearby guesthouse. He made a thorough inspection of the layout and gracefully positioned himself at one of the windows. As my attention focused on Orion, I realized that he had sensed my sense of being displaced. The window had become his distraction and Orion at the window became mine. My feelings of displacement were assuaged by Orion’s power of example.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE
(Orion, a former rescue, will represent cats and offer nuggets of wisdom regarding the future rescued First Dog—a Portuguese Water Dog.)
BO'S SECOND MONTH ANNIVERSARY
Bo has now been a member of the First Family for two months. Orion is proud of Bo, who hasn’t had any major misbehavior. After all, Bo is a dog. A dog is not a cat, and so it’s not as easy for Bo to be a shining exemplar of excellence.
ORION'S RECOMMENDATION
Orion has had a new thought on another Bo-related event to aid homeless animals. The White House could sponsor a contest where children could create a drawing or compose a poem or verse about Bo. The drawings and writings could be auctioned off, and all the proceeds would benefit orphaned animals. Guardians, don’t you think this would be a worthy event?
WHY I CHOOSE GUARDIAN
For as long as I can remember, I never used the word "owner" in relation to a cat (or any other companion animal). In my books and articles, since 1976, I have used the terms "caregiver" or cat's "person." You can live with a cat, but you don't "own" the cat. A cat, like other companion animals, is a living being with a rich emotional life, and not inanimate, like a piece of property that can be disposed of or sold at will.
I have always found that language is key when we are defining something, particularly, a relationship. What we say becomes how we feel and, thus, treat that relationship. When the word "owner" is used to define a relationship with a cat or other companion animal, we could just as easily be referring to a house, car, or any other piece of property. There is no expression of love or respect. We have to "think" love and respect to be able to express them.
Several years ago I read an article in the New York Times about a veterinarian in Northern California who used the word "guardian" to recognize animals as individuals. The idea of guardian truly resonated with me as it defines a solid and compassionate relationship with one’s companion animal. I realized that the veterinarian, Dr. Elliot Katz, was someone whom I had known when he lived on the East Coast, and he was now president of In Defense Of Animals, an international animal protection organization. I was thrilled and proud that he was leading a movement, where one of the many goals to benefiting companion animals was considering them part of the family. Guardian soon became my expression of choice. When Dr. Katz asked me to write an online column on cat behavior, I was both honored and privileged to become part of an organization so worthy and actively instrumental in leading the way for treating animals as individuals. I know you, too, will agree with how important it is to help incorporate the term “guardian” into your everyday language. Why not educate your family, friends, and community to understand and accept the "guardian" principle. Click on to idausa.org for more information. Thank you, guardians.
EARLY SPAYING
Hi Carole,
The Humane Society had my cat, Kira, spayed before I got her as a kitten. Was it risky to spay her at such an early age?
Thanks,
Hi Guardian Bob,
It has become an established practice to neuter males and spay females when they are kittens -- especially at shelters. I appreciate your concern and best of luck with Kira!
MY LONE FEMALE CAN USE A FRIEND
Hi Carole,
I have a 6-l/2 year-old, spayed female and I'm thinking of getting a kitten for her. What age and sex would you recommend? Would it be best to get a kitten that resembles her?
Thanks.
Hi Guardian Joan,
Adopt a very playful male of a similar color to your cat. You want the kitten to reach out to her before he befriends you so your cat doesn't resent the newcomer. If you adopt a kitten who prefers cats to people, it will be a quicker transition period. The kitten should be be three to four months old. You might also consider a young male adolescent or even someone older if the cat were super cat friendly. Refer to my introduction in the archives, 1/09, or my current book. Good luck with your cat's new buddy. It’'s a wonderful idea to get a companion for your cat.
MY GERIATRIC SISTERS ARE AT ODDS
Hi Carole,
I have used The Wilbourn Way for my multi-cat household in the past and found it extremely helpful, so I'm hoping you can help me with my current problem. Two years ago I adopted Storm and Rose, two elderly spayed sisters, who are about 19 years old. They have been inseparable. When they cuddle up, I can't see where one begins and the other ends.
In recent weeks, however, I have observed on two occasions when Storm has attacked Rose. At first I couldn't believe my eyes. But Storm would get Rose on her back and jump on her and bite her. Rose would scream out in defense, but she is the weaker of the two. Aside from those strange incidents, they are as loving as always with each other. But I am concerned that this behavior is happening when I am not around to intervene.
I learned last week that Rose has a cancerous tumor growing on her forehead. Do you think that Storm recognizes Rose’s weakness and that this has something to do with her change in behavior towards Rose? How can I avoid more of this behavior without separating them? I know they would miss each other, especially at this point in their lives.
Thanks,
Hi Guardian Wendy,
So sorry your two cats are at odds I'm pleased that The Wilbourn Way has helped you in the past and that it will be of help to you once again.
Storm sensed Rose's angst and discomfort. You could call her a "medical detective." Rose's discomfort threatened her, and she attacked Rose out of fear. Yes, they love each other and enjoy hanging out together, but it's risky when you're not there. Rose is too fragile. It’s best to keep them separated to prevent an occurrence. My CD might help to relax them and can be played continuously. Please check out my IDA home page, thecattherapist@idausa.org. Thanks for being such a wonderful guardian of your geriatric girls.
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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