» THE SECOND NATURAL PET FAIR

Despite New York City’s incredibly, inclement weather Saturday (vestiges of Ivan), the Natural Pet Fair was a booming success. There was an adopt-a-thon for cats and dogs, therapy dogs, all sorts of cat and dog friendly products, shelters from all over and speakers. Another high point was when we raffled off a Sherpa Carrier and a Kittywalk Stroller.

My booth was a continuous bevy of guardians who read my I.D.A. column, books, and clients. One of the clients reminded me of how I had done a house session with her cats in the 80’s and she was ever grateful. She had adopted her cats from the Humane Society of N.Y. and they needed some help settling in. She was able to use some of my treatment to later socialize some feral cats that Neighborhood Cats helped her humanely trap and have neutered. “It’s marvelous how your cats were the catalyst for your rescue work and I’m honored that my cat therapy continues to be of help,” I said.

My companion cat, Diana-Moon-Dust, held court at my booth. It always amazes people how she is unrattled by the bustle and majestically and serenely is a power of example. Dick, my web and marketing partner, tells them Diana’s had a lot of therapy. She accompanied me during my lecture and would meow on cue. This attracted many photographers which Diana’s star persona always loves and embraces. Serena, my intern and coordinator, sat beaming. She knew Diana was in her glory.

» TRAUMATIZED KITTY

Hello Carole:
My five-years-old, neutered male, who is a very nervous cat, usually doesn’t stray outside the garden. A couple of weeks ago when I called my three cats in, he was nowhere to be found.

After distributing 184 pamphlets, pleading everywhere for my missing cat and terribly distraught, a neighbor called to say he spotted my cat. I searched the neighborhood but no cat! But later that day he arrived home totally terrified. He was covered with sores, had a nasty limp and a huge bump on his head. He ate some food and I eventually managed to get him to the vet. Poor cat was so traumatized, he attacked and bit the vet. Because he’s allergic, he couldn’t be anesthetized, for a proper exam, but did receive an injectable antibiotic.

We’re able to dose his food with the prescribed medication and his injuries appear much better. He’s mad at all of us and constantly meows by the window. He won’t let us touch him but did consent to chase a feather. What should I do next? Jenine

~ Jenine

Dear Guardian Jenine:
What a dilemma! I’m so very happy that he returned home. It’s going to be a slow recovery. The following recommendation will help to rehabilitate him: 1) Arrange to have a return visit to the vet for any additional medical treatment, 2) provide a small comfortable security spot for him with his feline comforts. You might want to consider the Kitty Walk, a cat-friendly enclosure which you can find on my web site. When a cat is frightened or stressed, a small, safe space is therapeutic and best. You might try him with a homeopathic remedy for anxiety or the vet might be able to prescribe something that won’t set off his allergy. Catnip frequently helps to work out energy and eventually relax a cat’s body. Two or three times weekly should be enough. Otherwise he’ll tire of it.

Think of him as an intensive care patient who needs time and much affection to bounce back. This interval may help to reduce some of his fear and anxiety. If you do decide to later give him outdoor access, make sure it’s an enclosed area. (Kittywalk Systems also has an outdoor enclosure.) Don’t take any chances. His next escape could be fatal! Provide your other two cats with microchips for identification purposes, if they are to continue to roam at will. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, QUILL, will provide you with additional information on outdoor cats and your cat’s current rehab. The best of luck to all of you.

~ Carole

» NEWS FLASH

I will be at the Port Washington Library on Long Island on October 21, at 5:00p.m. Join me and my guest feline companions. Bring along your cat questions. I look forward to meeting you.

» UNHAPPY CATS

Hello Carole:
We have two cats and love them very much. Our first cat, Vince, arrived as a kitten four years ago. Our second, Tootsie, was a stray we rescued about a year ago. She was about one-year-old. She was sick and we tool her to the vet to be treated, spayed and to recover. She was home for awhile, when one night I heard a cat screaming. A cat chase and fight came next. Vince scurried under the bed. Since that night we’ve had to keep them in separate parts of the house or Tootsie would become violent with Vince. We don’t want to give Tootsie up but we have to think of Vince. What’s the best thing to do?

~ Confused

Dear Confused Guardian:
You could try to keep them in adjoining rooms where they could see each other through a barrier such as stacked expandable baby gates the height and width of the doorway. With this setup they could react physically and verbally without direct physical contact. Their food could be positioned on each side of the barrier so they would have to confront each other. After awhile, several days or so, if you felt there was any progress, you could play with them in their respective places so they would associate the barrier and each other with play. Something that you could dangle would probably attract them. This would take some repetition. These tips would be the way to see there could be any chance of acceptance. But it might not be a relationship that’s meant to last. It would be wonderful if there’s a breakthrough that leads to a truce. Don’t wait too long. Perhaps Tootsie would be best in a home where she could be the only cat. She may not want any competition catwise for awhile because of her experience on the street. If you do have to give her up, keep in mind that you rescued her which was so very kind of you but maybe you home was just a nurturing bridge to her next chapter.

~ Carole

» LOSS

My thirteen-years-old cat passed away suddenly of heart failure a few weeks ago. It was a devastating and somewhat unexpected event. We are struggling with grief, regret, anger and emptiness. Our cat is acting very strange and I would like to help her cope too. Thank You.

~ Francesca

Dear Francesca:
So very sorry about your loss. It’s so very hard to lose a beloved cat. You might be able to get in touch with a support group on the internet or your veterinarian may be able to suggest a neighborhood source. In Manhattan the Animal Medical Center has such a group and it’s been invaluable to so many people who have lost companion animals (212-838-8100). I do sessions with grieving cats to release their pain and integrate healing. The more you can release your grief, the more you will be comforted and your cat will benefit by it. Could be your cat will need a new companion or she may reveal that she prefers to be the only cat. Her behavior will help top guide you. My book, THE TOTAL CAT/QUILL has tips on how to give her what she needs at this sad transitional time. Your late cat was so very lucky to have you.

~ Carole

» SOFT PAWS

Dear Guardian Holly:
Personally, I prefer to provide various scratching posts so my cat, Diana-Moon-Dust can exercise her body and claws. She uses them frequently because I always praise and make a fuss over her work-out. But if soft paws are the option to removal of your cat’s claws, they are an ok option. Soft paws are usually adhered under anesthesia. With a very active cat, they may have to be replaced frequently. I will say that soft paws have saved many a cat’s claws. If any of my readers’ have cats with soft paws, could you please e-mail me and we can forward you comments on to Holly.

~ Carole

» THE LICKER

Hello Carole:

Our 16-months-old, long-haired, brawny, handsome, neutered cat is playful, has a healthy appetite and loves to be around us and our Beagle. My one concern is that he’s a licker. Occasionally, he licks my husband but he licks me constantly. He’ll even lick plastic and paper. What do you think causes this odd behavior?

~ Dawn S.

Dear Guardian Dawn:
Your hunk of a cat may have a nutritional problem. So you might want to have the vet run some blood tests and discuss his diet. Cats are often attracted to the carbon smell in plastics. Licking is often a symptom of anxiety. When your cat’s energy builds up, he starts to lick and then becomes obsessed. Evidently, he likes your taste and texture. Distract him with your voice or a toy when or before he starts to lick. You could add 1/4 teaspoon Brewer’s yeast to his food which is high in the B vitamins and good for stress and haircoat. A touch of catnip should relax him. He might indulge in a bit of play first. Try to keep paper and plastics out of his reach. His habits will help to spruce up your house-keeping.

~ Carole