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.
THE WILBOURN WAY (AKA Cats on the Couch) March, 2011
Guardians, You'll want to Bookmark A Kips Bay Library RETURN ENGAGEMENT - "I Adore My Cat, You Adore Your Cat, But..."
Come join my cat and co-presenter, Orion, and me as we use the no-doubt-about-it Wilbourn Way to coach you to forever do away with the "buts.""
Here are the details:
Saturday, March 12th
1:00-2:00 p.m. EST
Kips Bay Library
446 Third Avenue (Orion will be the Solo Cat!)
New York City
212-683-2520
kipsbay@nypl.org
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
Spring Is On The Wing
My Orion wants to catch some flakes, but with spring around the corner, he's ready to finally let go of the snow.
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.)
Orion wants to congratulate Bo on being the First Dog of the First African-American President of the United States. That’s quite the distinction. Go Bo!
How Reiki helped me and Sweet Pea With His Passing
Hi Carole,
When I read about your becoming a Reiki practitioner to treat your patients and guardians, I wrote to you for more information to help my cat, Sweet Pea. His illness started with a limp. The vets thought he had injured a disk or nerve because he very quickly became lame. But they ultimately discovered that his lameness was a symptom of FeLV that was in advanced stages. Upon learning the news, I found a Reiki practitioner in my area that did a session with Sweet Pea and another with the two of us. I noticed how he reached a calm after the sessions and so did I.
Today marks one month from my Sweet Pea’s passing. And yet it's just like yesterday. My heart still hurts, but because I was able to experience how Sweet Pea and I were eased by the Reiki treatments, I have started my own journey to become a Reiki practitioner so I can help other animals and their guardians. Thank you Carole. Your column led me to this path.
Hi Guardian Judy,
I know you will have a fulfilling journey. What a fine tribute to your Sweet Pea. On behalf of IDA, I want to express our sympathy for your profound loss. You are sure to give and receive much solace on your newly awakened Reiki life.
MY CAT'S HUMPING AND EJACULATING
Hi Cat Couch,
I stumbled across your Web site while looking for a solution for my cat. He's a few years old and was neutered at a young age. But within the last few months he's been humping everything he can. He's also been ejaculating on blankets, pillows, and anything that is remotely soft. This humping keeps my mom up at night. What do you think?
Thanks,
Teresa
Hi Guardian Teresa,
Humping and ejaculating—quite a dilemma! A neutered male will sometimes carry on in a humping mode with another cat, person, or object when he's excited or even anxious. I've treated and known of many cats who've merrily humped their spayed companion daily. I'm reminded of a cat named Barnaby, whose partner Tulip tolerated or even enjoyed Barnaby's nightly ritual. But when she wanted "out", she'd thump Barnaby with her tail. I'm not aware of a neutered male who ejaculates. The secretion may be urine or from his anal glands. It doesn't sound as if he has a retained testicle. You should first check with your vet for any medical problems that may have arisen. Otherwise, something may have occurred within the last several months that upset him, and you can start to give him the robust support he needs to recover from this situation.
Good luck and please keep me posted on his condition, Teresa
LOLA IS LICKING AND PULLING OUT HER FUR
(OverGrooming)
I'm worried about my wonderful, spayed cat Lola. We live happily together with her neutered companion cat Neptune.
My Lola is right on target with the litter box—no problems at all. She is timid with company but great with us. She does have some chronic digestive problems that are under control with dietary provisions. But what concerns me is her fur plucking and licking. There aren’t any sores and Lola hasn't focused on one spot. Rather, she licks and plucks and pulls out her fur on her stomach, back, legs, and chest. What's wrong with my Lola?
Please help,
Emma
Hi Guardian Emma,
Your Lola sounds like a gem. As for her pulling out her fur, or overgrooming, it sounds like she’s uncomfortable. This behavior is her way of getting at the discomfort. Your observation will prevent Lola from developing a serious case of alopecia.
To rule out any medical problem, schedule a checkup with her vet.
- If everything is fine, it may be that Lola's skin is dry, and has started to itch. You can remedy this by adding a supplement such as Derm Caps, a liquid, or Rainbow brand Full Spectrum supplement, a powder, or food that’s high in Omega fatty acids.
- Daily brushing with a rubber brush, comb, or a grooming mitt will enhance Lola’s fur and skin. Follow it up with a moistened tissue to catch the loose fur and to give an extra feel-good touch.
It doesn’t sound like Lola has an emotional issue that could trigger psychosomatic dermatitis. But to add a touch of serenity for you and your companions, you can download my MP3, "Hanging With Your Cat the Wilbourn way."
Lola is in good company with you and Neptune.
THE ELEPHANTS NEED YOUR HELP
You can help prevent the sale of elephant ivory. Please visit http://www.idausa.org
You can now follow Carole on Twitter.
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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