I recently did a program at the Babylon Library on Long Island where one of the male guardians was very agitated with his two-years-old female cat. She had started to regularly urinate in and about his apartment at least twice a week. He adored his cat but felt this behavior was totally unacceptable. He mentioned how he even had one covered and one uncovered litter box for her and that he was very scoop-conscious. As it turned out, his cat was not spayed. I explained that she was uncomfortable, her hormonal level was high and her uncatlike behavior was her plea for his help. If she didn't avoid the litter box, he wouldn't get her message. He didn't realize she was uncomfortable because he never noticed any heats. She never rolled back and forth on the floor, or cried out, nor did her back shoot up in the air. I explained that some cats have silent heats and the only visible signs are that there may be a short loss of appetite or a huge display of affection. My major recommendation was to make an appointment to have her checked out medically and schedule her to be spayed. He thanked me for my insight and was very happy that the two of them would soon feel so much better.

Cliffside Park Library in New Jersey was another one of my library stops. Dusty-Blue, a handsome, three-years-old, neutered Himalayan was my feline guest. His guardian had adopted him from the pound and I had worked with them to get him adjusted. He was carrier shy. This outing would serve as a therapy session where continuous admiration and praise from the audience would give him a feeling of security. He would associate this with his carrier. His guardian had provided him with a new red soft Sherpa carrier which would add to his comfort. I sprinkled some catnip in his bag, turned on the tape of his home therapy session and Dusty slowly stretched out in his carrier. I later received a call from his guardian that she had decided to leave the carrier out for him so it could be one of his security objects.

One of the librarians told how several years ago she had a senior cat, dog and rabbit that lived together in great harmony. Her cat was the first to pass on and within the next couple of weeks first her dog and then rabbit joined her cat. What a tragedy! She realized that her dog and rabbit mourned the loss of their cat and their fragility couldn't withstand the shock. So the three friends joined together-once again.

Dear Carol,
I really need your help! I have a 5 year old cat named Dukie who insists on attempting to break through my bedroom door every evening and morning of every day! He has an incredible desire to be near me and on top of me. I often trip over him each night when I come home from school because he is literally under my feet. It's true that I am not home often (because of work and school) but when I do come home I try very hard to spend some quality time with him before going to my "cat-free" zone - the bedroom. The bedroom is the only room in my apartment in which both my cats have never been allowed - and although he has been upset about this in the past, ignoring his behavior would usually calm him down. Today, this is not the case. In fact, every night he cries for at least 20 minutes and throws himself against my bedroom door. Recently, he has actually discovered how to unlatch the door during this "separation rage". Soon I will be moving in with my boyfriend (who is allergic to cats) and it will be essential that the bedroom remain cat-free. Even with a lock that prevents him from getting into the bedroom, how will we get sleep if he is crying and throwing himself at our bedroom door??? I am out of solutions. PLEASE HELP!!

~ Wendy Smith - Colorado


Dear Guardian Wendy,

Dukie feels neglected. He needs more attention and to be tired out in play. You might want to arrange to have a neighbor's child or cat sitter play with Dukie and his companion when you're not at home. Perhaps a new scratching post or perch would be of help. Try to set up a happy program for your two cats. With mental and physical preparations for your move, Dukie is feeling extremely needy and anxious. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, /Quill/ will give you some more tips. Here's to a happy move.

Please help. My cat is 5 and a half years old. She has always been kind of skittish and a bit neurotic, but generally friendly although very territorial and doesn't allow another cat anywhere near "her" garden. Two evenings ago my cat (Chloe) was suddenly charging around the house then dashed out through her cat flap. I was watching tv and thought she may have spotted an intruder in the garden from the window. After a while I heard the most blood curdling sounds coming from the garden. I dashed to the back door and called Chloe. She came tearing in straight past me and disappeared. I didn't think much of it, just another run in with a local cat. However the following morning, she ran away from me when I went to give her breakfast. It is like she is terrified of me. She hides under the bed and won't let me touch her. The first day I managed to coax her out with water and some tidbits. I lay on the floor so she wouldn't be intimidated by me, and gradually she came out from under the bed and was fine, she was purring and rubbing against me and lay on her usual place on the bed. I checked her for bites and she seemed ok. I thought everything was back to normal. But yesterday she was back under the bed again, she seems terrified to see me, it's heartbreaking. I know she is eating because I left food out and she ate it during the night when I was asleep. This morning the same, she is hiding and won't come out. I don't know what to do. She must be going out at night through the catflap because there are no signs that she has gone to the toilet in the house, so why is she so scared of me and what can I do about it? Many thanks for any advice.

~ Jacqui (London)


Dear Guardian Jacqui,

Yes, sounds like another cat traumatized Chloe. Try to find out if there's a tom cat /un-neutered male in the vicinity. If so, look in to having him neutered. As for her terrified reaction to you, she has re-directed this reaction of fear to you. You are the object of her misplaced fear. I assume she's already spayed so that's in her favor. It might be best to provide a litter box inside for her and keep her indoors for a while. Speak softly to her and some catnip might help her to work out her agitated energy and ultimately relax. If this behavior persists, you might want to make an appointment with the vet to rule out any medical problems. Don't allow Chloe to remain traumatized for long.

My male cat was neutered over a year ago. But recently I have noticed that he is mounting my other neutered males. All of my cats have been neutered. Is this normal behavior, or is it possible that maybe his hormones are out of whack or something 
happened with the surgery and the neutering didn't take? Please let me know what you think.

Thanks so much,

Debbie Roberts


Dear Guardian Debbie,

It's not unusual for a neutered male cat to carry on like a tomcat in a 'mounting fashion'. A neutered male, some more than others, still retains his sensual instincts and when aroused or over stimulated can be very sexy with even other neutered and spayed companions. Your cat sounds like he's one with high energy and the energy is directed to his male hormones. Why not re-direct this energy to play, brushing or hide and seek—if he's adventurous. But if his companions aren't upset by his AGENDA, let it be.

Hi,

I have recently adopted a two years old calico that is spayed and declawed. I already have a 14 year old. Cookie, my new cat, prefers to hide all day and come out at night. She will sleep on the foot of my bed and wake me up for affection. As soon as anyone moves or walks around she hides again. Is this normal adapting behaviour and will she change without encouragement? Please let me know if I should leave her be and wait or encourage her to come out more?

Thanks, Ivy


Dear Guardian Ivy,

Poor Cookie is in culture shock. It's terrific that she's as visible as she is. Yes, some lay-back encouragement will make her feel less frightened. Talk to her softly and don't pull her out. Make sure you give full attention to your older cat. If not, she'll become tense and such tension will keep Cookie from settling in. Try not to make any loud sudden noises and parties should be on hold. The better you feel, the better Cookie will feel. Cats certainly teach us patience. Best with your two cats!