|
News Feeds |
|
Kitten/Mature Cat Advice: Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor Dr. Debbie Horwitz
|
Kitten/Mature Cat Advice: Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor Dr. Debbie Horwitz
|
-
I have an 18 year old cat with kidney disease and reduced hearing. I've had him since a...
It is not uncommon for cats within a home to have problems becoming integrated with one another. An elderly cat may not give appropriate social signals that allow the younger cat to understand what is happening. Or, the younger cat is very territorial and not willing to share the space with the other cat. If the situation is severe, separation is one of the best options. In some cases using a screen or glass door between the cats allows them to see each other and get used to one another without aggression. The cat in isolation must have food, water, litter box and resting areas that are easily accessible so they do not have to leave the area to get the things they need and risk an encounter with the aggressor cat. A consultation with a veterinary behaviorist may also help by creating a treatment plan for introductions that considers the safety and health of both cats.
-
I'm the proud mommy of a 9 month old Burmese/American Shorthair mix. I adopted him when...
Of course it is a bit hard to know exactly what you are describing without seeing him but perhaps I can offer some suggestions. When a cat smells something interesting they may open their mouth and sort of ?sniff and lick? at that same time. This is called a flehman response and occurs as the cat attempts to identify the odor by both tasting it and smelling it. At other times a cat may make motions with their tongue if something in their mouth bothers them. Finally, our companions often learn very quickly behaviors that we find amusing and/or get our attention and may repeat them just so we interact with them.
-
My cat seems to have an issue with her tail. Every once in a while she growls really...
Although it may not make sense to us, many cats do not like being stroked down their entire body; they seem to find it very irritating. One thought is that when we observe cats that live together groom each other, they usually only do so around the head and neck, they often do not go down the back. In other situations a cat may have irritation in the back or tail area which accounts for their response. If the situation is severe and interferes with the cat?s quality of life, veterinary attention should be sought.
-
I wanted to know why my cat runs away from people. She only goes near my mom.
How a cat interacts with people is usually dependent on the amount of interactions (socialization) that they had with people when they were very young. Kittens that were handled frequently as between 3-7 weeks of age were more likely to approach strangers and stay near them when compared to those that were not handled at that time. In addition, the individual personality and temperament of a cat will influence their behavior. Some cats are friendly and outgoing while others are just naturally shy and timid.
-
I heard that centipedes are poisonous to cats - my cat likes to hang out on the patio...
When a cat goes outdoors, even in an enclosed patio they can encounter items that might be dangerous. It might be prudent to continually sweep and check the patio for potential danger areas for your cat and take care of any of them before he goes outside.
-
I have two female/spayed cats; 3 years and 6 years old. The younger grooms the older one...
Grooming behavior is unlikely to be a dominant/subordinate issue but rather what is called an ?affiliative? behavior. These are behaviors that are designed to bring animals closer together. Research has shown that cats will only groom close companions, cats they wish to associate with and spend time with. So, the grooming is a sign that your cats like one another.
-
Our cat is 3 years old and I consider her a blessing because I am allergic to cats but I...
Some cats seem to find being home alone stressful perhaps because they are used to more social contact. It is also possible that your cat was ill for some other reason. Various options exist for pets when their owner travels. Some animals will actually do okay in a boarding situation where the cats are separated from the dogs, but do see people every day and therefore get social interactions and mental stimulation more often. I would also suggest consulting your veterinarian to see if this is a possibility for your cat.
-
Olivia is the most recent of three kittens I adopted from the same rescue. The first two...
If a cat has not been exposed to many new and novel things when they were very young, it may take them quite some time to adjust to a new and busy environment. Although it might be distressing to see your cat hide, the question would be whether or not it interferes with her quality of life. Can she easily access food, water, litter boxes and resting areas without venturing into areas that she considered frightening? If she is always hiding then her fear and anxiety may be interfering with her ability to enjoy her life. If that seems to be the case please consult with your veterinarian for information on pheromones and other interventions that might help her relax.
-
We just moved up to the mountains and I am finding out that my kitty loves spider webs?...
I am not aware of the nutritional value to spider webs, but some spiders are poisonous when they bite. It might be best to clean away the spider webs so she does not have access to them.
-
My cat Joey keeps burying his food under his place mat. He used to do it when he was a...
If the cat is burying their food and NOT eating it, the first thing that is needed is a good physical examination to be sure the cat is not ill. In other situations the cat might begin to bury their food if the household has changed or is too busy for them to eat in a relaxed manner. In some cases moving the food bowl to a quieter location near where the cat spends his time might help.
|
|
