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.
CATS ON THE COUCH, September '09
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
Orion joined me again during my one-to-one computer lesson at the Apple Store. He was assuming his usual pose and stretched out beside my laptop; he was my moral support. But when it is time for me to close up my laptop, it was Orion’s time. As I reached for his harness, he was all charged for his stroll across the floor to roll in the sun that shined its bright beams through the many windows.
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.)
HOME FROM THE VINEYARD
Orion was happy to hear that Martha's Vineyard had its first "Dog Parade" to welcome Bo to the island. But Orion was especially pleased to learn that the parade was also a fund-raiser for community service. Now that Bo's back home at the White House, he'll host many a fund-raiser. Go Bo!
SADIE "DUMPED" ON OUR COUCH
Hi Carole,
What a rough summer! We had to put down two of our three cats. One was 16 and the other was 17 years old. Sadie, our third cat, is two years old and spayed. Suddenly, she's started to poo around the house. I'm sure it's stress. She misses her two friends. Margie, the oldest, was her surrogate mama. Recently, we’ve had to treat Sadie for fleas. It was no fun when we had to give her a bath and flea prevention pills from the vet. The first time she pooed in the house was on the couch. This occurred after we didn't allow her to go outdoors. Thank God it wasn't pee! We feel for Sadie and would appreciate any help you can give us to make her feel better.
Thanks,
Susan
Hi Guardian Susan,
Were so very sorry about your double loss. You and Sadie have had a rough summer. Sadie's "out-of-the-box" defecation does sound like a behavioral problem triggered by separation anxiety and flea control. Let me recommend that you rule out any medical problems with a vet check. In the meantime, reassure Sadie. Tell her she's safe, very loved, and that you're all okay. No, she won't really understand your words but will be affected by your body language and tone of voice. Here are some other recommendations:
- Provide a second litter box with strips of paper towels or wee wee pads. Sadie may need a soft surface to comfort her as she recovers from her grief.
- Praise Sadie whenever she uses her litter box and scoop and tidy frequently.
- Once Sadie is feeling better, you might consider a companion. You can refer to my January, '09, archives for my introduction. My current book will give the best matches for Sadie's catsonality. (Please visit the top of my IDA home page.)
- If Sadie needs more support, consult your vet about a homeopathic remedy or anti-anxiety drug.
As you and Sadie start to feel better, her litter box behavior will be right on target.
FEAR OF THE OUTDOORS
Hi Carole,
Our cat Sophie does not like the outdoors. Once she got out and hid under the porch all day. We had to call the dog officer for a trap. Late that night she made her way into the cage that we'd baited with tuna. I know she's wary of the outdoors, but I feel she's missing something. She looks sad as she watches our other cats. I know she is comfortable indoors and I probably should leave well enough alone. Do you agree?
Stan
Hi Guardian Stan,
It sounds like your Sophie is a homebody. She appears to really love her home. You can take this as a compliment. She's also a voyeur— she likes to watch her cat mates enjoy the outdoors. Sophie has the better of two worlds. She enjoys all the comforts of home, while she experiences a vicarious pleasure of the great outdoors from her cat mates. Stan, your Sophie has clearly demonstrated what makes her feel good. In this case, Sophie knows best.
MY CAT IS LONELY
Hello Carole,
I'm a law-school student who's at the library about 20 hours a day. I rarely get to see my cat, and my place is quite small. Is there anything I can do for him while I am not there? Any toy you can recommend, maybe a CD or music? I love him very much and want him to be happy. He doesn't play any more. What can I do to make him feel better?
Eugene
Hi Guardian Eugene,
Yes, here are some ways to make your cat feel better—so you’ll both feel better:
- My Cat Caring CD is a combo of behavioral advice and music that will relax him and inform you. You can listen together. Set your CD player on repeat so the CD can play continuously. It will become his security object.
- Arrange for someone to visit and have a play session with him once or twice a day. There may be a young, responsible child who could use some pocket money and the companionship of a playful cat.
- Set up a tunnel of paper bags that he can wander through. Line with some of his toys. A pinch of catnip will spruce it up.
- Consider a cat mate to keep him company. As they say, cats usually come in pairs. My current book will give you all the advice you need to select and introduce the right one. (Please visit the top of my home page for info.)
- If you know he likes watching TV, you can entertain him with some cat videos.
Thanks for your concern about your cat’s happiness and welfare.
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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