From Calli B. via Google
"I'm a major cat lover and have been with cats as long as I can remember. However, I'm at my wit's end with my four-year-old cat, Kimmie. Ever since she was about 6 or 7 months old she started one of the weirdest habits I have seen in a cat. Whenever I'm lying down, in bed sleeping, or am sick she's developed the weird habit of sucking or licking my ear. While I enjoy this licking habit I'm also wondering why she does this. None of my friends seem to have a clue, so I'm hoping that you can give me a clue as to why she does this."
Well, the short answer is "Because she loves you!" If you look at cats when they're together and relaxed, they'll often engage in these sort of licking/sucking/biting behaviors. It's especially prevalent between mothers and their kittens. However, it's also been noticed that kittens who've been weaned too early will often engage in this sort of behavior (it's also more common in certain Asian breeds).
In little Kimmie the behavior hasn't manifested itself too seriously and, indeed, you seem to find it appealing. However, it can be considerably more serious when it manifests itself as a form of behavior referred to as pica. Simply put, pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them (such yarn, string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants). However, any object may be a potential target.
Other than the fact that this habit can be destructive to the items being attacked, pica can also be hazardous if these non-food items are consumed since they can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine causing a blockage which prevents the passage of food and may actually cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions.
Other hazards include the fact that a cat's chewing on power cords may cause electrocution or create a short leading to a fire. And, of course, many common houseplants are toxic to cats and can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. So, if your cat has a history of ingesting such non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to the vet immediately!
The exact causes of pica aren't really known. However, it's been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, so you should always have your vet examine a cat with pica. Also, a genetic component is suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. And while it's normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, eating lots of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness.
Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons are generally looked for which can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior. Modifying the behavior can be tricky and can include such things as:
- Removing targeted items - Place clothing, blankets, houseplants and electric cords out of the reach of your cat.
- Providing alternative items to chew or eat - Food-dispensing toys, durable cat toys, or pieces of rawhide can be used to redirect your cat's chewing behavior to more appropriate and safe items. For cats attracted to houseplants, use small flowerpots of grass or catnip.
- Providing lots of structured play - Many cats chew on household items out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and set aside time each day to play with your cat.
- Increasing dietary fiber - It may help to increase the amount of fiber in your cat's diet. Besides providing more dietary fiber, high fiber foods usually contain fewer calories. Your cat may be able to satisfy their craving to eat more while still maintaining their weight.
- Making targeted items aversive - Occasionally, applying aversive substances (e.g. hot sauce, Bitter Apple®, Bandguard®) to an item may deter a cat from chewing it. If this is not possible, spraying strong smelling substances (e.g. citrus air freshener, potpourri) or using physical deterrents (e.g. upside down carpet runner, Ssscat®, Snappy Trainers®) around an object may prevent cats from approaching.
Of course, I doubt that your cat's simple ear chewing behavior is related to pica. As I indicated earlier, I suspect she may have been weaned too early and now considers you a mother substitute. The fact that she does this when you're sick probably means that she's trying to make you feel better. So you've become a cat-mom in more ways than one!
========
Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Too Many Cats?
From MD via AOL
"We're a household of five cats (three males and two females, all spayed and neutered) and two people where everyone gets along fine. We recently adopted a sixth feline, Hilda (also spayed), and have been very surprised to discover that she's not being welcomed at all by the other five.
"When we do our nightly 'Meet and Greet' with Hilda, three of the other cats come into the room, stare at her, then proceed to pounce. Inevitably, she ends up cowering in a corner until I remove the other three cats. I know it's a territorial issue, but we've never had such a hard time introducing a new cat into our home prior to this.
"If you have any advice or ideas, please pass them on. We're at our wit's end right about now."
While I'm loathe to bring it up given that you've just adopted another feline, it could be that you've simply reached critical mass when it comes to the feline population of your household. There are a great many factors that can contribute to a cat's being comfortable in its environs, but chief among them is having their own space.
Have you put Hilda into her own room, with the door shut? While this is often the best way to introduce a new cat to a household of existing cats, it could be that the room that's now Hilda's was previously one that your other felines had staked out as their own. Naturally, there'll be some resentment at her taking over "their" territory.
It could also simply be that they had all managed to come up with a daily routine that allowed each of them their own adequate space, and "room to wander," as well as sufficient access to each of you. If they'd reached a sort of equilibrium, then even one new cat could really upset the sort of delicate dynamic that had been achieved.
Of course, litterbox issues should never be ignored in these situations, either. How many litterboxes do you have for your six felines? Standard wisdom would be seven -- one for each cat, plus one more. Yet I suspect that you may be "making do" with only two or three. While five cats may have found a way to share just a few litterboxes, adding a sixth may well (again) truly upset the delicate equilibrium that had been achieved. A similar situation may need to be considered for areas where their food is involved.
The temperaments of your various cats may also come into play. It's impossible for me to give more information without actually visiting your household and getting to know your resident felines, but overly aggressive cats will often prey on more timid ones. It could by that your original five felines were all "tough cats" who held their own against each other, while poor Hilda is simply a more gentle soul who's destined to get preyed upon by more aggressive "bullies."
I'd recommend evaluating the amount of space your household has to see if it truly can support six felines. After that, look at your litterbox and feeding situation. It's always possible that, given enough time and attention, the problem with Hilda may sort itself out. However, it's also possible that she may just not be the right fit with your current brood, and you may need to find a good, quieter home for her.
========
Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!
"We're a household of five cats (three males and two females, all spayed and neutered) and two people where everyone gets along fine. We recently adopted a sixth feline, Hilda (also spayed), and have been very surprised to discover that she's not being welcomed at all by the other five.
"When we do our nightly 'Meet and Greet' with Hilda, three of the other cats come into the room, stare at her, then proceed to pounce. Inevitably, she ends up cowering in a corner until I remove the other three cats. I know it's a territorial issue, but we've never had such a hard time introducing a new cat into our home prior to this.
"If you have any advice or ideas, please pass them on. We're at our wit's end right about now."
While I'm loathe to bring it up given that you've just adopted another feline, it could be that you've simply reached critical mass when it comes to the feline population of your household. There are a great many factors that can contribute to a cat's being comfortable in its environs, but chief among them is having their own space.
Have you put Hilda into her own room, with the door shut? While this is often the best way to introduce a new cat to a household of existing cats, it could be that the room that's now Hilda's was previously one that your other felines had staked out as their own. Naturally, there'll be some resentment at her taking over "their" territory.
It could also simply be that they had all managed to come up with a daily routine that allowed each of them their own adequate space, and "room to wander," as well as sufficient access to each of you. If they'd reached a sort of equilibrium, then even one new cat could really upset the sort of delicate dynamic that had been achieved.
Of course, litterbox issues should never be ignored in these situations, either. How many litterboxes do you have for your six felines? Standard wisdom would be seven -- one for each cat, plus one more. Yet I suspect that you may be "making do" with only two or three. While five cats may have found a way to share just a few litterboxes, adding a sixth may well (again) truly upset the delicate equilibrium that had been achieved. A similar situation may need to be considered for areas where their food is involved.
The temperaments of your various cats may also come into play. It's impossible for me to give more information without actually visiting your household and getting to know your resident felines, but overly aggressive cats will often prey on more timid ones. It could by that your original five felines were all "tough cats" who held their own against each other, while poor Hilda is simply a more gentle soul who's destined to get preyed upon by more aggressive "bullies."
I'd recommend evaluating the amount of space your household has to see if it truly can support six felines. After that, look at your litterbox and feeding situation. It's always possible that, given enough time and attention, the problem with Hilda may sort itself out. However, it's also possible that she may just not be the right fit with your current brood, and you may need to find a good, quieter home for her.
========
Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Is My Cat Sad Because His Buddy's Gone?
From Rebecca S. via gmail
"We recently had to give away one of our two cats because of aggressive behavior toward our newborn baby. It was a sad but neccessary thing to do. Now our other cat just walks around the house meowing constantly.
"Do cats grieve the loss of other feline companions? Is he missing his 'brother' and is there anything we can do to help?"
Since cats aren't pack animals and tend to keep to themselves, many people don't believe that they'll grieve for a lost companion. But as anyone who's ever suddenly found themself one cat short in a multi-cat household can tell you, cats often do indeed miss their lost companion. Cats are sensitive creatures who often form close bonds with other pets or humans and will suffer from their loss.
I remember when we had to have our Sammy put down. Mina, who'd only been with use for a few years at that point, seemed as devastated by the loss as we did. Of course, we went out and acquired another cat to distract ourselves from our pain. However, Mina never really warmed up to Agatha, and the two of them developed quite the adversarial relationship as time passed. I've often pondered as to whether this was due to her arriving so soon after Sammy's death. Who knows what goes through a cat's head?
It does sound very much as if your cat is missing his companion cat. You didn't mention how close the two of them were but, if they were, then it's all the more likely that he's missing him. The first stage of grief is known as "activation." This is where the cat is looking for it's missing companion, typically evidenced by the cat pacing the house, as if looking for their missing companion, and crying out, as if trying to find find their companion.
If this is as far as the behavior goes and it doesn't continue for terribly long, then things may be alright. However, sometimes this activation will grow into full-blown depression. Look for these signs:
- Loss of appetite - This is serious and potentially life threatening. Anorexia in cats can lead to Hepatic Lipidosis where excess fat accumulates in the liver . It's important to seek veterinary attention if your cat stops eating.
- An unusual lethargy or loss of energy. This can be tough to spot in older cats, since they may spend a lot of their time sleeping anyway.
- Withdrawal, or loss of interest in their surroundings and other interests. If they're usually there to greet you when you get home, but suddenly aren't, then this is a surefire sign.
- Clingy/needy behaviour and/or separation anxiety. Your cat's already lost one pal, and they're afraid of losing another.
At this point it's important to reassure your cat, but at the cat's pace, in its own time, while making allowances for the individual cat's nature and current condition. Things you'll want to do include:
- Give kitty lots of extra tender loving care, including cuddles, grooming, and stroking. Try to make extra time to play with him.
- Most cats will respond positively to a favorite food or cat treats. Offer him some to encourage him to eat. Even try warming the food up slightly.
- Do your best to keep his routine otherwise as normal as possible. Cats really detest any change, and too much at once will really set him over the edge.
- While it may sound contradictory, be certain to provide a quiet, private spot where he can have some time alone when he needs it, to sort through things.
As to whether getting another pet will help, the jury's generally undecided. The official word is that it's best to let kitty work through his grief before introducing another companion. However, I've heard several anecdotal accounts where the opposite was true, and introducing a new kitten was just the thing to bring out their maternal/paternal instinct and pull them out of their funk.
In extreme cases your veterinarian can prescribe an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant for your cat, should it become necessary.
Still, there's a good chance that your cat will work through his grief of missing his buddy on his own and will be the healthy, happy kitty he's always been. Ultimately, you know your cat, and can tell what's best for him from the options I've presented.
"We recently had to give away one of our two cats because of aggressive behavior toward our newborn baby. It was a sad but neccessary thing to do. Now our other cat just walks around the house meowing constantly.
"Do cats grieve the loss of other feline companions? Is he missing his 'brother' and is there anything we can do to help?"
Since cats aren't pack animals and tend to keep to themselves, many people don't believe that they'll grieve for a lost companion. But as anyone who's ever suddenly found themself one cat short in a multi-cat household can tell you, cats often do indeed miss their lost companion. Cats are sensitive creatures who often form close bonds with other pets or humans and will suffer from their loss.
I remember when we had to have our Sammy put down. Mina, who'd only been with use for a few years at that point, seemed as devastated by the loss as we did. Of course, we went out and acquired another cat to distract ourselves from our pain. However, Mina never really warmed up to Agatha, and the two of them developed quite the adversarial relationship as time passed. I've often pondered as to whether this was due to her arriving so soon after Sammy's death. Who knows what goes through a cat's head?
It does sound very much as if your cat is missing his companion cat. You didn't mention how close the two of them were but, if they were, then it's all the more likely that he's missing him. The first stage of grief is known as "activation." This is where the cat is looking for it's missing companion, typically evidenced by the cat pacing the house, as if looking for their missing companion, and crying out, as if trying to find find their companion.
If this is as far as the behavior goes and it doesn't continue for terribly long, then things may be alright. However, sometimes this activation will grow into full-blown depression. Look for these signs:
- Loss of appetite - This is serious and potentially life threatening. Anorexia in cats can lead to Hepatic Lipidosis where excess fat accumulates in the liver . It's important to seek veterinary attention if your cat stops eating.
- An unusual lethargy or loss of energy. This can be tough to spot in older cats, since they may spend a lot of their time sleeping anyway.
- Withdrawal, or loss of interest in their surroundings and other interests. If they're usually there to greet you when you get home, but suddenly aren't, then this is a surefire sign.
- Clingy/needy behaviour and/or separation anxiety. Your cat's already lost one pal, and they're afraid of losing another.
At this point it's important to reassure your cat, but at the cat's pace, in its own time, while making allowances for the individual cat's nature and current condition. Things you'll want to do include:
- Give kitty lots of extra tender loving care, including cuddles, grooming, and stroking. Try to make extra time to play with him.
- Most cats will respond positively to a favorite food or cat treats. Offer him some to encourage him to eat. Even try warming the food up slightly.
- Do your best to keep his routine otherwise as normal as possible. Cats really detest any change, and too much at once will really set him over the edge.
- While it may sound contradictory, be certain to provide a quiet, private spot where he can have some time alone when he needs it, to sort through things.
As to whether getting another pet will help, the jury's generally undecided. The official word is that it's best to let kitty work through his grief before introducing another companion. However, I've heard several anecdotal accounts where the opposite was true, and introducing a new kitten was just the thing to bring out their maternal/paternal instinct and pull them out of their funk.
In extreme cases your veterinarian can prescribe an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant for your cat, should it become necessary.
Still, there's a good chance that your cat will work through his grief of missing his buddy on his own and will be the healthy, happy kitty he's always been. Ultimately, you know your cat, and can tell what's best for him from the options I've presented.
Is My Cat Losing Weight Because His Teeth Hurt?
From Jason J. in Groton, CT
"We've jokingly referred to our cat, Sammie, as 'tuna breath' for most of the time that we've had him. However, lately it's become a self-fulfilling prophecy. His breath has been getting worse, and then I noticed that he was actually losing weight. I watched him as he ate and he was chewing as if something was stuck in his teeth.
"Do cats have problems with their teeth? I thought that it was mostly in older cats? I suppose that he is a little bit old, as we've had him for six years and he was pretty much full-grown when we acquired him. Does he need to go in for his annual kitty dental appointment?"
If Sammie's problem was simply "tuna breath" I might suggest simply changing his food. There are several canned or prescription foods which can make kitty's breath particularly fragrant and unpleasant. However, the weight loss and chewing problems point in a different direction.
Cats can have tooth problems just like people and in much the same way. Indeed, when a cat has a cavity or an abcess, it's just as painful as when a person has the same problem, and it will very much affect their eating habits. As you've noticed, a key indicator is often weight loss or difficulty in chewing. Noticing both of these can be a sure sign that your cat is overdue for their annual dental appointment.
Just like with you and I, cats start out with baby teeth that make way for their adult teeth. Specifically, they have 26 "milk" teeth that they'll lose between the age of 11 and 30 weeks before their 30 adult teeth come in. It's not unheard of for one or more of these milk teeth to not fall out, and this can lead to problems with symptoms as you described. However, as Sammie is older, this is most likely not what's going with him.
Bad breath (or "tuna breath" as you describe it) is one of the top reasons that that people bring their cat to the vet. Cats should have their teeth inspected twice a year as well as brushed daily, but I know quite a few otherwise responsible cat owners who only get theirs to the vet's every few years. Indeed, I suspect some of my friends don't brush their own teeth every day, so scrubbing the kitty's canines on a regular basis is probably not something that's getting done either. But ignoring your cat's dental health can result in a variety of problems.
One of the most common is tartar, or plaque, buildup, a whitish-yellow deposit seen primarily on the exterior face of their upper teeth. An accumulation of plaque can lead to serious gum problems and the eventual loss of teeth. Aside from the colored deposits, look for reddened gum lines whcih can indicate irritation from the plaque.
Of course, some cats are more prone to plaque buildup than others. I've had cats who've never needed to have their teeth cleaned and have gone their entire lives without a single problem and gone to the rainbow bridge with all thirty of their adult teeth. I've had other cats who seemed to have nothing but problems, including one who lost all but one of his canines before he was five-years-old (he was a tough ol' moggie in spite of his having to gum all his food).
A professional cleaning by your vet will take care of the plaque problem and likely leave Sammie feeling much better. However, this is generally done under a general anesthetic, which can be both dangerous and expensive. While you probably won't be able to remove a plaque buildup yourself, you can do something to prevent it from recurring (or happening in the first place).
Brushing your cat's teeth daily, weekly, or even monthly, can make a world of difference to their periodontal health. However, this can be a difficult habit to get kitty into and can take a great deal of work, especially if you're attempting to start when they're adults. Ideally, it's best to start when they're between 3 and 4 months old, but it's my experience that any cat can get used to it, provided that you're ready to be consistent, patient, firm, and persistent.
Start with a small toothbrush. Most pet stores will have one designed to be used on small animals, even ones that fit on the tip of your finger. Use a speciality toothpaste that is safe for animals. Never, ever use human toothpaste, as it's not good for cats! You'll want to start slowly, moving very gently in a circular motion, brushing the outsides of one or two teeth at a time, then stopping and giving your cat a treat as a reward for tolerating this alien procedure. You want to make it as positive an experience as possible (remember, cats don't respond to negative conditioning). If kitty gets too squirmy or restless, give it up and try again later, possibly the next day.
Over time, gradually increase the number of teeth that you scrub between rewards. With a little luck, patience, and persistence, you'll be able to brush all of your cat's teeth, top to bottom, front to back, within a few minutes. Of course, if you can't get all of their teeth, don't despair -- remember that brushing any part of kitty's teeth is better than not brushing them at all.
One other dental problem that your cat could have is a cavity or abcess beneath the gum. These problems are both painful and difficult to deal with and will require anesthetized dental care by a veterinary professional.
I'd recommend that you get Sammie to the vet as soon as possible and get his dental problem diagonosed and dealt with as soon as possible. Then, get him on a regular regimen of dental care and brushing. You'll boh be glad that you did!
"We've jokingly referred to our cat, Sammie, as 'tuna breath' for most of the time that we've had him. However, lately it's become a self-fulfilling prophecy. His breath has been getting worse, and then I noticed that he was actually losing weight. I watched him as he ate and he was chewing as if something was stuck in his teeth.
"Do cats have problems with their teeth? I thought that it was mostly in older cats? I suppose that he is a little bit old, as we've had him for six years and he was pretty much full-grown when we acquired him. Does he need to go in for his annual kitty dental appointment?"
If Sammie's problem was simply "tuna breath" I might suggest simply changing his food. There are several canned or prescription foods which can make kitty's breath particularly fragrant and unpleasant. However, the weight loss and chewing problems point in a different direction.
Cats can have tooth problems just like people and in much the same way. Indeed, when a cat has a cavity or an abcess, it's just as painful as when a person has the same problem, and it will very much affect their eating habits. As you've noticed, a key indicator is often weight loss or difficulty in chewing. Noticing both of these can be a sure sign that your cat is overdue for their annual dental appointment.
Just like with you and I, cats start out with baby teeth that make way for their adult teeth. Specifically, they have 26 "milk" teeth that they'll lose between the age of 11 and 30 weeks before their 30 adult teeth come in. It's not unheard of for one or more of these milk teeth to not fall out, and this can lead to problems with symptoms as you described. However, as Sammie is older, this is most likely not what's going with him.
Bad breath (or "tuna breath" as you describe it) is one of the top reasons that that people bring their cat to the vet. Cats should have their teeth inspected twice a year as well as brushed daily, but I know quite a few otherwise responsible cat owners who only get theirs to the vet's every few years. Indeed, I suspect some of my friends don't brush their own teeth every day, so scrubbing the kitty's canines on a regular basis is probably not something that's getting done either. But ignoring your cat's dental health can result in a variety of problems.
One of the most common is tartar, or plaque, buildup, a whitish-yellow deposit seen primarily on the exterior face of their upper teeth. An accumulation of plaque can lead to serious gum problems and the eventual loss of teeth. Aside from the colored deposits, look for reddened gum lines whcih can indicate irritation from the plaque.
Of course, some cats are more prone to plaque buildup than others. I've had cats who've never needed to have their teeth cleaned and have gone their entire lives without a single problem and gone to the rainbow bridge with all thirty of their adult teeth. I've had other cats who seemed to have nothing but problems, including one who lost all but one of his canines before he was five-years-old (he was a tough ol' moggie in spite of his having to gum all his food).
A professional cleaning by your vet will take care of the plaque problem and likely leave Sammie feeling much better. However, this is generally done under a general anesthetic, which can be both dangerous and expensive. While you probably won't be able to remove a plaque buildup yourself, you can do something to prevent it from recurring (or happening in the first place).
Brushing your cat's teeth daily, weekly, or even monthly, can make a world of difference to their periodontal health. However, this can be a difficult habit to get kitty into and can take a great deal of work, especially if you're attempting to start when they're adults. Ideally, it's best to start when they're between 3 and 4 months old, but it's my experience that any cat can get used to it, provided that you're ready to be consistent, patient, firm, and persistent.
Start with a small toothbrush. Most pet stores will have one designed to be used on small animals, even ones that fit on the tip of your finger. Use a speciality toothpaste that is safe for animals. Never, ever use human toothpaste, as it's not good for cats! You'll want to start slowly, moving very gently in a circular motion, brushing the outsides of one or two teeth at a time, then stopping and giving your cat a treat as a reward for tolerating this alien procedure. You want to make it as positive an experience as possible (remember, cats don't respond to negative conditioning). If kitty gets too squirmy or restless, give it up and try again later, possibly the next day.
Over time, gradually increase the number of teeth that you scrub between rewards. With a little luck, patience, and persistence, you'll be able to brush all of your cat's teeth, top to bottom, front to back, within a few minutes. Of course, if you can't get all of their teeth, don't despair -- remember that brushing any part of kitty's teeth is better than not brushing them at all.
One other dental problem that your cat could have is a cavity or abcess beneath the gum. These problems are both painful and difficult to deal with and will require anesthetized dental care by a veterinary professional.
I'd recommend that you get Sammie to the vet as soon as possible and get his dental problem diagonosed and dealt with as soon as possible. Then, get him on a regular regimen of dental care and brushing. You'll boh be glad that you did!
Do Cats Really Steal the Breath from Babies?
From Kimberly L. via AOL
"Until the day she died, my mother was convinced that cats needed to be kept away from newborn babies or they would steal their breath. She was a very rational and practical woman, but she firmly believed in a lot of these sort of 'old wives tales' and, honestly, a lot of them made good sense, and still do even today. As soon as my little sister came home from the hospital I watched as she shooed the cat out of the house, never to return (we lived on a farm, so he didn't have things so bad even outside).
"We didn't have cats in the house when my daughter was a baby, but now she has her own newborn in a house with three cats. It's got me to thinking that, if my mother was right about so many other things, then maybe she was right about this too. Is there any chance that cats can be dangerous to newborn babies?"
Rest easy, Kimberly. No less an authority than Snopes says that your granddaughter is perfectly safe around her feline companions. As the story goes, cats get jealous of newborn infants and will actually attempt to suffocate them. Specifically, they'll "suck the wind out of the baby," by placing their nose in the infants mouth while the infant is asleep.
More rationally, it's said the smell of milk on the child's breath draws the feline in for the kill. But the truth is, most cats don't care much for milk and, indeed, are lactose intolerant. Unless your cat's been taught to like milk, it generally won't seek it out.
Another theory relates to the jealousy kitty will supposedly experience when the baby is brought into the household. But in reality, things aren't that much different than when a new pet is brought into the house and the cat is competing for attention there. Cat brains just aren't built for "murderous intent" -- they're much more likely to scratch at the furniture or urinate inappropriately. I doubt they even understand that the baby is the cause of the lack of attention, only that they're getting less of it.
There's a long history of viewing cats as evil, with superstitions featuring their bringing bad luck abounding for centuries. Another baby superstition warns of not raising a kitten and a baby together, lest the cat steal the child's vitality by magic -- the cat will thrive and the child waste away.
Such folk beliefs have traditionally worked to give people a sense of control over their destinies, a small measure of security in a capricious world. Tragedy is hard enough to bear without its also being inexplicable. It's can be easier to blame the cat than to confront the idea that the cause of a child's death is unknown and could strike down another infant. If a parent can believe that preventing crib death is simply a matter of keeping the cat out of baby's room, they'll sleep easier than one who realizes such a tragedy could occur any night, cat or no cat.
In truth, I suspect the cat has more to worry about from the baby than the baby does from the cat!
"Until the day she died, my mother was convinced that cats needed to be kept away from newborn babies or they would steal their breath. She was a very rational and practical woman, but she firmly believed in a lot of these sort of 'old wives tales' and, honestly, a lot of them made good sense, and still do even today. As soon as my little sister came home from the hospital I watched as she shooed the cat out of the house, never to return (we lived on a farm, so he didn't have things so bad even outside).
"We didn't have cats in the house when my daughter was a baby, but now she has her own newborn in a house with three cats. It's got me to thinking that, if my mother was right about so many other things, then maybe she was right about this too. Is there any chance that cats can be dangerous to newborn babies?"
Rest easy, Kimberly. No less an authority than Snopes says that your granddaughter is perfectly safe around her feline companions. As the story goes, cats get jealous of newborn infants and will actually attempt to suffocate them. Specifically, they'll "suck the wind out of the baby," by placing their nose in the infants mouth while the infant is asleep.
More rationally, it's said the smell of milk on the child's breath draws the feline in for the kill. But the truth is, most cats don't care much for milk and, indeed, are lactose intolerant. Unless your cat's been taught to like milk, it generally won't seek it out.
Another theory relates to the jealousy kitty will supposedly experience when the baby is brought into the household. But in reality, things aren't that much different than when a new pet is brought into the house and the cat is competing for attention there. Cat brains just aren't built for "murderous intent" -- they're much more likely to scratch at the furniture or urinate inappropriately. I doubt they even understand that the baby is the cause of the lack of attention, only that they're getting less of it.
There's a long history of viewing cats as evil, with superstitions featuring their bringing bad luck abounding for centuries. Another baby superstition warns of not raising a kitten and a baby together, lest the cat steal the child's vitality by magic -- the cat will thrive and the child waste away.
Such folk beliefs have traditionally worked to give people a sense of control over their destinies, a small measure of security in a capricious world. Tragedy is hard enough to bear without its also being inexplicable. It's can be easier to blame the cat than to confront the idea that the cause of a child's death is unknown and could strike down another infant. If a parent can believe that preventing crib death is simply a matter of keeping the cat out of baby's room, they'll sleep easier than one who realizes such a tragedy could occur any night, cat or no cat.
In truth, I suspect the cat has more to worry about from the baby than the baby does from the cat!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
How Can I Stop My Cat's Nursing Behavior?
From Tamar R. via Yahoo
"Nine years ago I rescued a tiny kitten; I'd gone to the shelter to get a kitten, never dreaming I'd find one in a tiny box, outside the shelter door. We heard something yowling in indignation, so we opened the box and found a kitten that could only be 4 to 5 weeks old. I named her Magic, because she seemingly came from nowhere in that box.
"She's a beautiful silver American shorthair, incredibly smart and incredibly stubborn. After only a week, I showed her some balls, trying to teach her the concept of fetch. Half an hour later she dropped a plastic straw at my feet. I tossed it and she ran and brought it back! We still play fetch each day with straws and Q-tips. I even found balls she approved of, the little ones with glitter on them.
"She definitely thinks I'm her mom, and herein lies one of the issues I have with her. When she's in my lap, she nurses, not just with her paws, but she attempts to suckle from my shirt, right in the wrong spot, and gets my shirt all wet. Also, she licks me until my arm feels sore. I keep telling her to stop but to no avail.
"She's the most stubborn cat I've ever encountered! Not only does the affectionate behavior get out of hand, but when I'm at the computer she insists on getting in my lap. This is something I began when she was a tiny kitten -- I'd let her sleep in my lap or on my office chair. But she's not a baby anymore, and she never just sleeps, she's licking, rubbing, kneading, and I can't get my work done. If I put her out and close the door, she throws a fit! She bumps and claws at the door, yowls and just won't quit. How can I get her to stop these behaviors?"
It sounds as if you have a wonderful relationship with a very special cat. However, you're going to have to gird yourself and harden your heart more than a little bit if you're ever going to break her of these bad habits that you find so distressing. The only equipment you're going to need is a little squirt bottle of water.
What you need to do is very simple. Every time Magic gets in your lap and starts to engage in her overly-affectionate activities, push her off of you. If she insists on coming back and starts up again, give her a little squirt with the water bottle. It's important that you be consistent. If she's as smart as you say, she'll quickly learn that she's welcome to all the snuggles she can get, but the nursing behavior has got to go.
Do something similar when she gets in your lap, and put her out of the room and shut the door. If she's persistently scratching and yowling, open the door and give her a squirt. Eventually, she'll learn that a shut door means "Leave mommy alone!"
I've had people tell me to tack up some aluminum foil or other feline-unfriendly material to keep them away from the door. But I've had much better experiences with the squirt bottle. With my cats, it's never taken more than one or two squirts before they've learned their lesson. Hopefully, your experience will be similar!
========
Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!
"Nine years ago I rescued a tiny kitten; I'd gone to the shelter to get a kitten, never dreaming I'd find one in a tiny box, outside the shelter door. We heard something yowling in indignation, so we opened the box and found a kitten that could only be 4 to 5 weeks old. I named her Magic, because she seemingly came from nowhere in that box.
"She's a beautiful silver American shorthair, incredibly smart and incredibly stubborn. After only a week, I showed her some balls, trying to teach her the concept of fetch. Half an hour later she dropped a plastic straw at my feet. I tossed it and she ran and brought it back! We still play fetch each day with straws and Q-tips. I even found balls she approved of, the little ones with glitter on them.
"She definitely thinks I'm her mom, and herein lies one of the issues I have with her. When she's in my lap, she nurses, not just with her paws, but she attempts to suckle from my shirt, right in the wrong spot, and gets my shirt all wet. Also, she licks me until my arm feels sore. I keep telling her to stop but to no avail.
"She's the most stubborn cat I've ever encountered! Not only does the affectionate behavior get out of hand, but when I'm at the computer she insists on getting in my lap. This is something I began when she was a tiny kitten -- I'd let her sleep in my lap or on my office chair. But she's not a baby anymore, and she never just sleeps, she's licking, rubbing, kneading, and I can't get my work done. If I put her out and close the door, she throws a fit! She bumps and claws at the door, yowls and just won't quit. How can I get her to stop these behaviors?"
It sounds as if you have a wonderful relationship with a very special cat. However, you're going to have to gird yourself and harden your heart more than a little bit if you're ever going to break her of these bad habits that you find so distressing. The only equipment you're going to need is a little squirt bottle of water.
What you need to do is very simple. Every time Magic gets in your lap and starts to engage in her overly-affectionate activities, push her off of you. If she insists on coming back and starts up again, give her a little squirt with the water bottle. It's important that you be consistent. If she's as smart as you say, she'll quickly learn that she's welcome to all the snuggles she can get, but the nursing behavior has got to go.
Do something similar when she gets in your lap, and put her out of the room and shut the door. If she's persistently scratching and yowling, open the door and give her a squirt. Eventually, she'll learn that a shut door means "Leave mommy alone!"
I've had people tell me to tack up some aluminum foil or other feline-unfriendly material to keep them away from the door. But I've had much better experiences with the squirt bottle. With my cats, it's never taken more than one or two squirts before they've learned their lesson. Hopefully, your experience will be similar!
========
Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Why Is My Cat Bringing Home Birds?
From Candace E. in Marshall, IL
"My wonderful Sophia was already five-years-old when we rescued her. She's very attached to me, but will occasionally grace my husband with her presence if she that there are treats involved. When she is smooching with me, I get and give lots of head rubs, but then she gives me a quick 'nip' on my nose or chin. She never hurts me, as she had most of her teeth pulled before we got her (she only has six left). Still, I'd like to know what she's telling me when she gives me a little nip?"
Cats will bite for a variety of reasons including contentedness, playfulness, hunger, or (of course) aggression. The behavior I believe you're seeing is an indication of Sophia's affection for you. The weak and generally harmless bite or "nip" is something most behaviorists consider to be akin to a human kiss. The fact that it's accompanied by lots of head rubs would seem to confirm this, but also look for purring, vertical tail, forward whiskers, snd whether she arches her back when petted.
Of course, Sophia may also nip when she's ready for you to stop petting, too. All good things must come to an end, or perhaps she's just had too much of said good thing. So if you notice that the little nips are getting harder as well as other signs of irritation, such as her no longer purring, that her tail's no longer in a vertical position (and indeed, is often thumping), that her whiskers or ears are pointing back, or even that she swipes at your hand with a paw, it's her way of telling you "Enough's enough!"
It sounds like Sophia's found a wonderful home with you. Often, shelter cats who're adopted when they're older will form a particularly strong bond with their new owners, and that sounds like the case with you and Sophia. You're husband shouldn't feel too rejected -- Sophia's just decided that you're the one to go to when she needs a good snuggle!
====
From Tara H. via Yahoo
"Please can you tell me why my cat has brought two pigeons into our home within the last three days?"
It sounds like your cat is quite the hunter! I know that we have one cat that's managed to catch a bird while tethered in the backyard and with his claws clipped. Cats can be quite remarkable hunters.
I suspect your cat is bringing the pigeon home for one of two reasons: He may be sharing his catch with you since he thinks that, perhaps, you're not very well equipped to do your own hunting; or, somewhere in the back of his primal feline brain is the notion that this is food. He figures that you can magically convert it to the kittie kibble that he's used to eating.
I don't know that this is necessarily behavior that you want to encourage. Still, it shows that he loves you since he's bringing you such a wonderful "gift." Take your blessings whence they come!
========
Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!
"My wonderful Sophia was already five-years-old when we rescued her. She's very attached to me, but will occasionally grace my husband with her presence if she that there are treats involved. When she is smooching with me, I get and give lots of head rubs, but then she gives me a quick 'nip' on my nose or chin. She never hurts me, as she had most of her teeth pulled before we got her (she only has six left). Still, I'd like to know what she's telling me when she gives me a little nip?"
Cats will bite for a variety of reasons including contentedness, playfulness, hunger, or (of course) aggression. The behavior I believe you're seeing is an indication of Sophia's affection for you. The weak and generally harmless bite or "nip" is something most behaviorists consider to be akin to a human kiss. The fact that it's accompanied by lots of head rubs would seem to confirm this, but also look for purring, vertical tail, forward whiskers, snd whether she arches her back when petted.
Of course, Sophia may also nip when she's ready for you to stop petting, too. All good things must come to an end, or perhaps she's just had too much of said good thing. So if you notice that the little nips are getting harder as well as other signs of irritation, such as her no longer purring, that her tail's no longer in a vertical position (and indeed, is often thumping), that her whiskers or ears are pointing back, or even that she swipes at your hand with a paw, it's her way of telling you "Enough's enough!"
It sounds like Sophia's found a wonderful home with you. Often, shelter cats who're adopted when they're older will form a particularly strong bond with their new owners, and that sounds like the case with you and Sophia. You're husband shouldn't feel too rejected -- Sophia's just decided that you're the one to go to when she needs a good snuggle!
====
From Tara H. via Yahoo
"Please can you tell me why my cat has brought two pigeons into our home within the last three days?"
It sounds like your cat is quite the hunter! I know that we have one cat that's managed to catch a bird while tethered in the backyard and with his claws clipped. Cats can be quite remarkable hunters.
I suspect your cat is bringing the pigeon home for one of two reasons: He may be sharing his catch with you since he thinks that, perhaps, you're not very well equipped to do your own hunting; or, somewhere in the back of his primal feline brain is the notion that this is food. He figures that you can magically convert it to the kittie kibble that he's used to eating.
I don't know that this is necessarily behavior that you want to encourage. Still, it shows that he loves you since he's bringing you such a wonderful "gift." Take your blessings whence they come!
========
Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
