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) February 2010
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
ORION CALLS THE SHOTS
What a pose! My Orion has that come hither look, as if to say, come and stroke me. But he has another agenda. He's in one of his "play ball" poses. It's my cue to toss one of his balls his way so he can shoot it back for a replay-or the start of toss and fetch where after about 10 or so fetches, he'll do a solo with the ball. He no longer needs my assistance.
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.)
THE GUARDIAN CONCEPT
With Bo positioned so comfortably as First Dog, Orion feels that this is the ideal time for Bo to sponsor the "guardian concept." Bo is, indeed, a front and center member of the First Family - and clearly not considered a piece of property that signifies "ownership." IDA will be able to offer its support and cooperation in this very worthy endeavor. Go Bo!
A SMIDGEN OF NEW KITTEN COMPETITION
The other day I received the following e-mail from a very pleased guardian:
"Carole, I caught my two guys napping last night with little smiles on their faces. It’s been three months since Pasha came to live with Misha and me. Pasha’s getting big, but he still shadows Misha like a kitten. This is the picture I have waited for! I thought you'd like to see their progress. Thanks again for all your help in bringing these two together, Sally."
Sally's glowing progress report made my day. She had followed my Wllbourn Way introduction (archives l/09) when she introduced Pasha to Misha. But there were still some rough spots, so she asked me to make a house call to smooth out the ripples.
Happy cats make me a happier person and thoughts of Misha and Pasha’s therapy session filled me with feelings of joy and accomplishment. Sally was worried because, although four years old, Misha didn’t totally ignore kitten Pasha, but he wasn't his usual cheery self and kept a very low profile. It was Pasha's behavior that disturbed Sally. During their therapy session, I told Sally that we would focus on Misha. So we talked to him in enthusiastic tones, put out his favorite toys, propped the apartment door ajar and took him for a stroll in the hall. Sally started beaming as Misha’s tail went into circle mode, while he cantered about. And Pasha hung out nearby to watch Misha’s every move. When he started to dart after one of Misha's balls, I told Misha what a generous and gracious cat he was to allow Pasha to join in.
I explained to Sally that I "acknowledged" Misha, so he felt in control and wasn’t threatened by Pasha's "me too" behavior. "Ah ha, I'll be sure to remember this bit of wisdom," Sally said. By the time the session ended she realized that by making Misha a positive power of example, he would be a happy cat, Pasha would mirror his behavior, and the rest is history.
BEE BEE'S SKIN IS IRRITATED
Hi Carole,
I hope you can help me with our poor cat. My Mom passed away, and I promised to take good care of her cat, Bee Bee, who is with us now. We're so glad that she is but worried about her health and discomfort. She started with little lumps by her ears and above her tail and now they’re spreading. Bee Bee has no front claws and bites herself in the areas where she can’t use them. She's about twelve years old. My husband and I are going through rough financial times that make it hard for us to afford medical help for our Bee Bee. We hope you can give us some advice.
Thank you,
Sherry
Hi Guardian Sherry,
Poor Bee Bee! There are a few different issues that could be at the root of your Bee Bee's irritated skin:
- If she isn't spayed, this could be the underlying problem. There are organizations that provide low-cost exams and spaying. You can check with your local humane society for information.
- It may be her diet. She could have a food allergy. An all-fish diet or other ingredients such as corn or grain can sometimes trigger allergic reactions. If Bee Bee has a food allergy, slowly wean her off her current food as you add the new food. A vitamin "E" supplement and a food that's high in Omega fatty acids will provide the lubrication to combat her scratching and itching syndrome.
- Her skin disorder may be psychogenic dermatitis that was triggered by her separation anxiety with the loss of your mother. Brewer's Yeast can help. It’s rich in the “B” vitamins and can aid stress reduction. You can add 1/4 tsp. flakes or powder to her food. A homeopathic remedy or anti-anxiety drug may also be needed.
- A toxic cleaning product could be a possible cause of Bee Bee's problem. If so, eco-friendly cleaning supplies would be the solution.
The more you can relax her, the better she'll feel. My CD and book will help you to do this. For more information, refer to the top of this page.
Sherry, your Bee Bee is a senior cat, and I strongly recommend that you make arrangements to have her checked out medically. You can research low-cost clinics in your area. On behalf of IDA, we are so sorry about your late mother and wish you only the best for Bee Bee.
MY INTACT MALE FIGHTS WITH HIS SPAYED COMPANIONS
Hi Cat Therapist,
Please help me with my three very loved and cared for farm cats. My two females are a spayed mother and her two-year-old spayed daughter. The male is intact—a tomcat.
He is forever trying to mate with the spayed females and they get really stressed out. Is getting him neutered the only solution for this sexy behavior? I had the other two male littermates neutered and they disappeared soon after their surgery.
I don't want Barney, the male, to disappear after he's neutered. I have spent nearly $1000.00 on this group of cats and I would like the last three to live in harmony. Will neutering end the fights?
Sheila
Hi Guardian Sheila,
Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Barney is a tomcat, and tomcatting goes with the territory. His hormonal level is high. So he wants what he wants when he wants it.
Your two spayed females are not on his wavelength. His hormonal level will wind down within about two or three weeks after he’s neutered—maybe sooner. You could keep him indoors during this transition, and do get your cats microchipped for prevention sake. We can't predict with certainty why or how your two male cats disappeared. Let's hope that they're safe and happy wherever they are.
Sheila, you are a very caring guardian, and a neutered Barney should be the catalyst for a harmonious cat-mosphere
IDA is helping animals in Haiti. You can too. Please visit http://www.idausa.org
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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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