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)
November 2011
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
SPECIAL THANKSGIVING THANKS
My cat Orion is full of Thanksgiving good cheer, with a special thanks to the new cat guardians you see in this image. It all started when this young cat first followed the daughter, then the mother in and around their apartment building—approaching them with a nonstop purr. After a few days, it became apparent that this cat was homeless. They had no intention of keeping him but decided to take him for a check-up at Westside Veterinary Center where I am in residence. The rest is history. Logan, once relegated to the streets, is now adored and about to enjoy a very loving Thanksgiving.
On behalf of IDA, I'd like to extend holiday greetings to all of my readers and your perfect animal companions. For a "Thank You From Homeless Cats," click on to http://www.idausa.org/
A SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF 8-YEAR-OLD BENNY—THE WILBOURN WAY!
"Carole, there's an 8-year-old cat named Benny who's orphaned and needs a new home," said Susan. "I want to adopt him if my two guys will accept him, and I need your help." As I listened to Susan's message, I thought back to how we first met in the 1970s.
She'd read my first book that was the catalyst for a house call to Connecticut to remedy an inter-cat hostility issue. Susan became a long-time client and friend. Consequently, I've helped her with the matchmaking and introduction of her cat companions through the years. Click on to Testimonials at the top of this page for the entire scoop.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE
(Orion, a former rescue, will represent cats and offer nuggets of wisdom regarding Bo, the rescued First Dog—a Portuguese Water Dog.)
WHO WILL BE THE PARDONED TURKEY?
Orion purrs to that and recommends that Bo should be the poster dog for that wonderful victory. Go Bo! And while we're at it, Orion is awaiting West Hollywood City Council's final approval to ban the sale of fur apparel, the first such ban in the nation.
CATCENTRICITY - OSCAR THE CAT PREDICTS DEATH
Hi Carole,
I'm both confused and happy about my top cat Neptune. It all started after I watched your video -OSCAR THE CAT PREDICTS DEATH- that is listed on the bottom of your home page. You mentioned that a cat is a medium for fluctuations in energy, which is why Oscar was usually able to be at the bedside of a nursing home resident who was about to go over the rainbow. Carole, you also pointed out that Oscar was probably attracted by the low-key and maybe mellow energy. By the way, Neptune was hanging out with me on the couch when I watched the video.
Anyway, that evening Neptune started a new bedtime ritual. He always slept on my bed, but now he actually snuggles up to me. I love it, but is he trying to tell me something? Am I declining in health? What do you make of my Neptune, and is there an Oscar connection?
Thanks,
Mel
Hi Guardian Mel,
Let's say that you had experienced some tender sensations when you watched the video, and they resonated and lingered with Neptune. Perhaps that evening when you tucked into bed, you had tender thoughts of the video. Neptune picked up on your feelings through his muscle memory of when you watched the video and snuggled up with you to share in your relaxation. But, Mel, to rule out any potential health concerns, you could always schedule an appointment with your doc for a general check-up. My guess is that Neptune has simply become your bedtime "snuggler."
OUR FEMALE CAT NEEDS A NEW COMPANION ---- male or female?
Hi Carole,
Our 4.5 year-old-female cat has lost her older companion. We would like to get her a new cat-mate, but we want her to be the top cat. We'd like your advice on this match.
Thanks,
Li Bendel
Hi Guardian Li,
A playful male kitten who loves cats and is of the same or similar coloring of your cat's late companion would be a super match. Such a kitten will latch on to your cat before she befriends you. A cat can often determine color by scent, which is why your female would be comfortable with a kitten who resembled your late cat. You can refer to The Wilbourn Way to introduce a new kitten in my book "The Complete Guide To Understanding & Caring for Your Cat." (Refer to top of the home page for more info.) Your female should have a cool Thanksgiving with her new kitten. You might even consider a male adolescent or young male cat if such a cat was very playful, smaller than your female, and preferred cats to people. You sound like the kind of guardian who would consider these options.
CARE FOR GRANDMA'S CAT WITH DIABETES
Hello Carole,
Oh, do I need your help! My grandma's cat is 13 years old. He was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago. Earlier this week my grandma told me Simon hasn't been eating, and when he feels like eating he vomits. He was constipated for the last three days, but Miralax helps to regulate him. Now he’s developed hypercalcimea which adds to the dilemma. My grandma is 83 years old and can't give him his three medications. He gets very stressed and fuzzy when she tries and then scratches her. I told my grandma that I would take care of him until he's done with this two-week regimen. I live in a small apartment and have a Golden Retriever. Granny’s cat is now in a large crate in my office room with water and food outside the crate. But he's being very grumpy, not socializing, not eating, or going to the bathroom. I had to force feed him so he can get his medications. That seemed to work, but he hasn't eaten a whole lot. I understand it's a different environment and setting. I just don't know when he's going to act his normal self. When I try to interact with him he looks away or closes his eyes. As I'm writing, he came out and smelled his surroundings, and sniffed the outside of his crate. He ignored his food and water and went back into his crate. Is he going to come out of this? I need to give him his insulin and that's what worries me because I have to force feed him. Thanks for your help and suggestions.
Dee
Hi Guardian Dee,
What a friend you are to your grandma and her cat. Your kitty visitor is having a major bout of culture shock, separation anxiety, and feeling blah. Place his food and water in the crate where he feels more secure. The crate is now his security blanket. As he starts to settle in and feel less threatened, you can place his food and water outside the crate. But he may prefer to seek all of his comforts within the crate for such a short period of time. A small space is comfy and safe when a cat is in a new environment and when he is experiencing anxiety. Tell him many times what a good cat he is, and perhaps your grandma can talk to him on speakerphone. Maybe you can Skype if your grandma is a Skyper, so Simon can feel soothed upon hearing her voice.
Be sure to give him an item of her clothing to lounge on. The two weeks will pass quickly, and you’ll all have a fun Thanksgiving to celebrate.
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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