“Well, Dr. Purr, my mom remarried and my new dad is very loud and I’m a bit scared of him, so that’s why I pee in the bedroom…..” Oh, if only I could talk to the animals like that ! Human therapists must have it easy – they can ask people what is bothering them. Veterinarians have to just try and figure it out.
I tell people “there are no BAD CATS, just POOR COMMUNICATORS!!!”. Most of the time I discover that what people interpret as “cat behavior problems” are just the cat’s way to attempt to communicate with its owners. Can you say “Lost in Translation”?
Feline behavior issues are a large part of what I deal with as a cat veterinarian. This necessitates a “holistic” approach - interpreting the behavioral and psychological aspect of the cat in relation to its physical and medical health. All too often we find cats that are “acting up” have an underlying physical problem. Until this is discovered, every behavior modification trick in the book can be tried to no avail.
Sometimes people think there is nothing that can be done to alter their cat’s behavior. Actually, we get good results with most feline patients when we couple understanding with time, patience and medical management.
Communication with our feline friends is the key – they’re trying to tell us something – we just need to become more adept at figuring it out!
July 30, 2007
KITTIES ON THE COUCH
FIVE BEST HOMEMADE CAT TOYS
(ALMOST FREE !!)
1. Curly ribbon on a stick: tape, tie or glue curly ribbon to a lightweight dowel (available in craft or hardware stores) or even a stick from the yard.
2. Ping pong ball ---
Exciting variation: ping pong ball in the tub!
Economy version: crumpled ball of paper (some cats are snooty and will insist you spend money on ping pong ball)
3. Catnip square: Use small square of fabric, stitch 3 sides of square, stuff with catnip and sew up the rest. You could do this in mouse shape but somehow with the catnip inside, the cats DON’T CARE what Shape it is!
4. Treats in a paper towel roll Take used roll, cut small holes for treats to fall out of, put in treats and use masking tape to tape up sides. Let kitty roll it around trying to get treats out.
5- Small “on the go” pill cylinder (Advil or similar) with all pills removed. Fill with small hard treats to make noise or in case it opens throw or roll it for your cat….. like a ball but cooler !
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