November, 2004

» CATS & THE CITY

I recently was a recipient of an award for Humane Achievement at an art exhibit, auction and award ceremony to celebrate the cats of New York City. All proceeds would benefit the Humane Society of New York's Animal Mukti Free Spay/Neuter Clinic and Neighborhood cats in their work helping the cats and dogs of NYC. What a privilege and honor for me to receive my award. Jane Hoffman, President of the Mayor's Alliance to make New York a no-kill city by increasing spay/neuter surgeries and the adoption of cats and dogs, was one of the other recipients. She mentioned how for the city had come in achieving this goal.

Yes, thirty years ago when Dr. Paul Rowan and I founded The Cat Practice, the first "cats only" veterinary practice in New York City, we provided many rescuers with free or nominal cost neuter/spay surgeries and other services for orphan and also feral cats that they had humanely trapped and after surgery would be returned to their environment or socialized. There were many feral cats that I would work with and find appropriate homes for them. Even in my current practice there are those cats where a feral cat is the remedy to their anxiety or discontent. There were many things that we did at The Cat Practice that are now mainstream. One of my goals is to continue to forge ahead with this privilege and pursuit.

» INQUISITIVE CAT

Dear Carole:

We have a very interactive, social, gentle cat who manages to get into and play with everything. Some areas are dangerous for him such as electrical wires; some areas we would prefer him not being on - the kitchen table, the piano. We have tried removing him gently from these areas to squirting him with water. Nothing seems to deter him. It's almost as if his inquisitiveness overrides everything else. What can we do to stop this behavior?


~ Karen, Stamford, CT

Dear Guardian Karen:

Your cat is quite the pip! Perhaps a feline companion would cure his living on the edge. You can always refer to my book, THE TOTAL CAT/ QUILL for the compatible companion and introduction. There are protective coverings for electrical wires that you can purchase. Do a search on the internet or refer to CAT FANCY magazine. If a squirt of water doesn't dissuade him from inappropriate objects, make a loud noise with the thud of a large book, clanging of tin clans and a very sharp NO. Be consistent or it won't work. You can do it!!

» FERAL CAT QUERRY

Dear Carole:

I accidentally stumbled upon your web site and I'm so glad I did. I've been trying to trap a stray cat for a few months. He will now wait for me on my front porch for food. I feed him daily and can even stroke him. But he won't go into a carrier. I want to get him indoors before the bad weather claims him. He's still so afraid. Please help!


~ Very frazzled in Boston. Lisa Rojas

Dear Guardian Lisa:

What a good person you are. Why not try a humane trap? A neighborhood shelter should be able to provide one. If this isn't possible, perhaps you can lure him into a room with some tasty food, spend time with him, win his confidence, feed him in the carrier and eventually, arrange an appointment for the vet to examine and neuter him. By this time you'll be able to close the lid of his carrier and whisk him off. You could also, if necessary, give him a homeopathic remedy to calm him. All the best!

» NEW KITTEN FRENZY

Hi,

I have just brought home a 3 month female birman kitten to be company for my 10 month birman male (neutered). There was no hostility initially (first night) however over this first weekend the elder cat mauls the baby (seemingly without injury) and lunges for her neck or throat. She does squeal a little but once he releases her she jumps back for more?? There is no bloodshed however I worry for her safety and stand over them for long periods ready to separate them when he jumps on her. What is this aggression and will it stop? I do praise him endlessly and fuss him so he is not jealous. Please let me know what is the typical cat behavior to expect.


Dear Guardian:

This is rather typical cat behavior for a young, energetic male cat's introduction and acceptance of an energetic kitten. Continue to shower him with affection. Sounds like she can take care of herself. However, make sure he's had a recent pedicure. You don't have to be a constant referee. Let them have fun!

» RUSSIAN CATS

I did a news piece for Russian television Halloween Day. It will also air in North America on various cable stations. So perhaps in December you’ll see me and my intern, Serena, interacting with Calico adoptee who’s looking for the best home. She’s temporarily in residence at Westside Veterinary Center in Manhattan where I also am in residence. Maybe you could be her guardian? She wants to be the only cat for now because of her traumatic experiences with other cats. Do get in touch with me if you might be interested. My profession is a curiosity to the Russian culture and perhaps this news segment will be the catalyst and inspiration for cat therapy to embrace Russian cats.

One of my clients recently parted with her cat of twenty years. It was a very sad parting but, Skye, her beloved cat could no longer endure his cancers. He went gently and peacefully with veterinary assistance. Sasha, his companion, is very lonesome. His guardian has located an older cat who likes other cats and desperately needs a new home. This cat is a Russian Blue, the same color as Skye, which is a plus. Because a cat can determine color by scent, Sasha would probably favor this cat because he is also gray and the scent would be familiar and non-threatening. However, as luck would have it, the targeted cat is in Las Vegas. If you or anyone you know plan to fly from Las Vegas to New York or Newark in the very near future, perhaps you could be the match-maker conduit? This would enable the cat to fly within the cabin. Of course, the cost of the cat’s ticket and other requirements would be covered. PLEASE E-MAIL SUSAN AT sfergusonl@nyc.rr.com if you can provide the link. You would certainly MAKE SASHA’S DAY!


» GOING BALD

Dear Carole:

My cat is a female Maine Coon and she’s lost the hair around her neck. But there is new growth in this area. My vet told me she’s going bald. I’m moving to Oklahoma and have been packing so there are many boxes and suitcases around. Could she be suffering from anxiety? I plan to leave her with my boyfriend until I get settled. What are your thoughts?


~ B.L Taylor, guardian


Dear Guardian Betty:

Does sound like your cat’s hair loss is a result of anxiety related to your move. She’s probably scratching at her neck whenever she feels anxious. The physical preparations and emotional reactions related to such a move can trigger all kinds of havoc. The following tips should help to calm your cat: 1) Fix a cozy spot for her away from the major packing. 2) Repeatedly tell her she’s safe and how much you care for her. This communication will also help you to relax. 3) Perhaps a sprinkling of catnip a few times a week will help her to work off some high-energy. 4) A diet that includes Omega fatty acids will nurture her skin. A vitamin E supplement and brewers yeast (about 1/4 teaspoon once or twice daily mixed in food) can provide relief. Brewers yeast is high in the “B” vitamins which helps to reduce stress. 5) Some soft background music would help to soothe the two of you. 5) If she has a positive reaction to your voice on the answering machine or telephone, when you call your boyfriend, ask him to turn on speaker phone or put her by the earpiece so she can hear your voice. He should stroke her as she listens. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, QUILL, will give you additional information and also advice on how to reduce culture shock when she joins you in your new home. Happy new house!

» AQUA PLAY

Dear Carole:

I have two cats and one of them spills the water out of the water feeder. Not filling it up 
all the way and putting feeder in a box doesn’t work. What’s going on? 

~ Jaime S.

Dear Guardian Jaime:

Could be your cat is being creative. Her aqua play provides her with fun and games. Maybe she’s a frustrated channel swimmer. What you could do is place the water feeder in the tub or shower stall so the water spillage is in its proper environment. Otherwise, place a large bowl of water in the tub or sink to provide another option for her sport. This behavior could also be a request for more playtime from you or her companion. I assume she’s in good health.

» For MORE INFO, ask the cat therapist