Dear Gwen,
My name is Kevin. I know this is a bit off topic, but I am in serious need of advice. I adopted a beautiful calico cat last new years. She was already a year old. She is beautiful, friendly, and loves her daddy lol. However I have encountered two problems in her behavior that I do not know how to handle.

First of all my cat Sassy does what the people at the shelter call "happy paws" she stretches her claws as if to just show you shes happy. She also does a digging motion into any area she wishes to lay on. This can be very annoying and my mom is always yelling about it.

Second is, my wonderful kitty loves to jump up on my kitchen table and walk across. Sometimes she just sits there with me while im on my laptop. I take her off and tell her no and she jumps right back up and does it again. This is a constant battle, that I always seem to lose. Can you help me?

You can email me at amcradio03@yahoo.com please help me.
 

Kevin,
that clawing thing is just something cats do. I take it your mom is annoyed because perhaps her clawing is shredding something? There are more tips and advice on what to do about scratching and clawing furniture, etc on the web site. i'd start at http://www.perfectpaws.com/scratch.html
Second, i'd let Sassy know that are certain places she is allowed and other places she is not allowed.
For one, i'd let her sit with you when you're on the computer. I think that's sweet that she wants to just be near you. So place a towel or pillow or something that will be comfy for her and just let her sit with you there. But when she gets up on the kitchen counter and places you don't want her to be, you have to find a way to make the surface unpleasant for her. In the past i've used 2 sided tape, so when my kitty jumped up she felt she was sticking to the counter and she hated it. After jumping up and getting her feet sticky a couple of times, she preferred not to go there and instead jumped up to places where she found it cozy and comfy. I think there are other ideas for booby traps either on the website or in the Cat's Point of View.
Here's another article that i highly recommend you read: http://www.perfectpaws.com/train.html Since you left your email address here, you may find some other people responding to your questions. If you get any advice that works for you, please write back to let us know what you did and how it worked out. We can all always learn from each others experiences. Thanks for writing. gwen
 

Hi Gwen,
I have a long haired cat who I've had since I found her in the bushes as a kitten 16 years ago. The problem I'm writing about is her grooming habits. She stopped taking care of her coat the way she used to and it has become very matted. I think I was naive enough to beleive that the hair would grow "out/down" and I could cut the clumps. Turns out, they've basically matted to her body and I feel horrible. I asked the vet about it and she recommended putting her under and having her groomed, but the thought of that scares me to death, not to mention the fact that the smell and the sounds of a vet/groomer at this point in her life might do her in. She is healthy and happy, but since she is a declawed indoor cat, I haven't kept up with the vaccinations necessary so she isn't used to a place such as that. Any ideas? My vet said the mats could be very uncomfortable and even painful for her which breaks my heart; I meant no harm. I could attempt to cut them out myself with a moustache trimmer perhaps?
Thanks for your help,
Stacey
 

Dear Gwen,
I work at a shelter as a adoption counsler. My main job is working with cats. I care for about 50 cats everyday, some of which are there for up to 6 months before they are adopted or go out the "back door". My job is hard and very emotional, but I love it and feel as if it were made for me. At first there were certain cats that I just liked going to see. Now my emotional attachment is to the cat area where I work. I currently have a "speacial project" that I would like advice on. This special projects name is Grim. Grim is a very independent neutered male cat that is a very young 1 year old. Grim is very shy and wont go near anyone he does not k now. Not out of fear, but if you walk toward him he turns the other way and runs off flipping his tail and swaying his hips as if to say "I dont know you so Im not giving you the time of day". I is a very "stuck up cat if you ask me. However I now have been with Grim for 4 months. Everyday I spend at least 2 hours with him, he now knows how to sit, and beg. I really believe if you challenge him he is extremly smart and motivated and very affectionate, but only on his terms. My problem is, I may love him, but this is my job and when Grim does not want to be pet, picked up or touched he bites. He does not break the skin by any means, but it is not love biting because I encounter that everyday. He does it to say, I dont want you to do that. I love him to death, but if he bites a client interested in adopting him or breaks the skin of anyone, his time at the shelter is up in a bad way if you get my drift. WHen he does it I take away attention and I do not push him to give him affection. When he is good he gets a reward but when he bites I go "eh"! and ignore him or say no. However if I point my finger at him when I say no he looks like he knows EXACTLY what I'm saying and you know exactly what he is think. "Bring that finger a little closer so I can show you what no means". Result. Well, he does not bite me anymore, but he is still having problem with other people. Any suggestions? I'm used to bad endings, but he is really a great cat if you understand him. But to put it bluntly not all people understand that kind of cat.- kelsey
my email is Greenishblonde502@yahoo.com
 

Hi Stacey,
If this were my cat, I think the first thing I would do is call all the groomers in the area and find one who specializes in cats and does house calls and is willing to help you. There are some amazing grooming tools that can shave mats right off the cat.
Of course your kitty will appear semi bald until the fur grows back, but at least she will be comfortable and will probably start grooming herself again or you can keep up on the grooming. If she is a really nervous cat, I would tell my vet the plan and ask if he can prescribe a mild sedative for her instead of knocking her out completely.
 

Kelsey,
I understand your situation completely as I was an adoption counselor for many years myself. I think that's why i ended up with so many dogs and cats in the house because i couldn't bare to see some of them go out the back door, so i would adopt them....... sigh....... I honor and respect the work you do. Thank you for that.
It's obvious that you do an excellent and marvelous job with the cats. You are extremely talented in your ability to train them. So your challenge now it to inform and train the new owner. If you can show them by having them watch you interact and handle the cat, they can understand what they are to do when they get home with him. It will take a special person willing to devote the time as you have, but they'll have the advantage of a home environment and many more hours a day to train Grim. Since he was responsive and trainable with you, he should adapt pretty quickly to another person doin the same thing.
Are their other adoption counselors that can work with him as well in the mean time? If he gets used to 3 or 4 of you all doing the same thing, he'll come around much more quickly. Thank you again for the work you do. gwen
 

I have had this cat for 3 years now and he is peeing in my clean clothes basket. i just caught him the other day and i knew it has been going on because i can smell it i just never caught him doing it. I save this other kittens life in nov. well its a boy too. now they said he might be doing this because of the other cat but he did this before this other cat was in the picture i don't know why he is doing this can sombody help me with this otherwise he is a very good cat.
 

This sounds like a pretty typical and standard litterbox problem. Usually this type of problem means that your cat prefers the clean clothes basket because it is fresh and clean. As soon as it's soiled, you clean it up. Something about her litterbox is not as appealing as the laundry basket. Perhaps the freshness of it and how often it's cleaned. Please read and try everything i suggest on my website for litterbox training your cat and then if you have specific questions or the problem continues, then please write back. I suggest you read the following articles to start: www.perfectpaws.com/litter.html and www.perfectpaws.com/help4.html and www.perfectpaws.com/train.html and www.perfectpaws.com/help1.html
 

Dear Gwen,
I have an elderly cat as well and I think I already know what you are going to say, but I need to hear the answer. My cat has been urinating on the rug outside of her cat box for about a week now and she has been defacating various places as well outside of her normal box. I took the hood off the box in case that was hampering her visit, but it didn't help. Lucky for me I was able to place some extra carpet remnants around her box and that has helped with the carpet staining. She is about 15 years old and I'm afraid to take her to the vet for fear that she won't be allowed to come home. She seems to be okay in all other areas; still warm and friendly and sleeps on my bed every night. Could this be a sign of anything else that you can think of? I can't let my home be destroyed but I'm at a very difficult crossroads.

Thank you,
Michelle
 

If nothing else has changed and the box is as clean as it could possibly be and there seems to be no other apparent reason for him to stop using his box, then he's trying to get your attention to tell you something is wrong. It may or may not be physical. I know you're worried about his health, but it may just be something as simple as he's feeling a little lonely or neglected. When a cat goes near the litterbox but not in it, that's usually an indication that he wants to use it, but for some reason there is something wrong with the box. Usually it's too dirty or smelly, but that doesn't sound like what is happening with your kitty, but do consider it as their standards often change. Sometimes the cat will develop a sudden phobia of the box because when they were in it, a loud sound or something else scarey was coincidental with him using it and he's made the association between the event and the box. If you are the same Michelle who just adopted the cocker spaniel puppy, then that would most likely explain it. But you don't mention that, so i assume you're not the same person. And as difficult and frightening as it can be, i would take him to the vet. 15 years is not that old for a cat and there are some pretty amazing new therapies and treatments for what ails cats these days. Tell your vet your fears and he or she may be able to help alleviate them. My thoughts are with you. gwen
 

Thanks Gwen for your response. I am actually the same Michelle - I just didn't make the connection because I have a baby gate that doesn't allow the puppy upstairs so they do not interact. She obviously can smell him and knows about him though - so maybe that is it. I will try and work on spending more time with the cat and maybe I will buy a new litter box as well and see how it goes. I think I am paranoid - 15 seems old to me and the cat and I have just been through so much together that my fear of losing her is always in the back of my mind. I even feel guilty about getting the puppy; I never wanted it to affect her adversely.
 

Dear Gwen,
I adopted a kitten who is only about 2 months old. He was found and brought into an animal hospital where I adopted him. He has been great with everything. He uses the litterbox, plays, purrs, and cuddles. The only problem is when I make dinner and sit down to eat he goes nuts and lunges at the food and consistantly tries to get at the food. His diving at my plate and clawing to get any food doesnt stop until the food/plate is put away...then he goes back to "normal". How can I make him understand that he cant do that. He has his own food and I show him to it, but it doesnt matter at that time. Please help me.
 

Your kitten may have been food deprived before he was brought into the animal hospital so when he sees/smells food around, he goes nuts as you describe. If he were my kitty i would put him in another room whenever i eat for 2 reasons: one - so he isn't tormented and out of control because the more he does it the more likely it will start to become a habit and second - so i can eat peacefully. After a few months he should become more secure about his food source and know that there will always be plenty enough for him, then he should start to settle down. Be sure he gets plenty of food anytime he wants. On the one hand, we don't want him to get fat, but on the other hand we don't ever want him to feel like he's going to starve to death. You have to provide a happy medium for him. Give him lots of treats during the day and always have dry food out and available for him. I think he will grow out of it as long as you don't accidentally perpetuate the problem.
 

Dear Gwen, I have a cat (about 1 1/2 years old now) and I am about to get rid of him because of his behavior...you have become the last resort. I have read and read and read about cat behavior and have tried many things to keep him off the counters, off the top of the fridge, from "pawing" the front of my flat screen TV, from getting on top of the gecko's cage, from terrorizing my other cat (who was in the house first)...and to no avail. He continues to earn the nickname "Al" because he is a terrorist.

I no longer know what to do. I am at the end of my rope. It is getting to a point where I hate this cat (I used to adore him). I am looking for any suggestion - and leaving double sided tape on the counters forever just isn't a viable solution. Please, do you have any other suggstions that would make these places undesirable to the cat?

Thank You!!!!
 

It sounds like Al is just who he is, a rambunctious, young, inquisitive cat doing cat-like things. I'm assuming your other cat is more mellow and doesn't get up on the counters and fridge and leaves the gecko alone. If you have indeed tried all the suggestions and products you've read about and are unable to deter or tolerate his behavior, then i hate to say it but perhaps he is not the right kitty for you. His behavior is just what some cats do, especially at this age and for you to confine him or deny him and try to make all these places off limits is not fair for either of you. (i agree you can't put tape, cans, scat mats, netting, etc, all over your home forever!) It's probably just as frustrating for him as it is for you. You could probably train him if you had the right set of circumstances and the time it would take to play with him and tire him out and give him alternative things to sit on and jump on, but it sounds like too big a task. I'm assuming you work, have a social life and other things to do besides train your cat and cat-proof your home. This is not your fault and it's not his fault either. It's just probably not a good match. He will most likely mellow out as he gets older, but you and your other cat probably can't wait for that to happen. I don't want to come across as being facetious or treating cats as disposable, but i also have to be realistic and realize that not every cat is suitable for every person. There's no sense in all three of you being miserable and hating each other. And i truly believe you when you say you've read and tried every alternative possible. I would just hope that if you decide not to keep him, you will take the time to try to find him a more compatible home. Most cats that are taken to the local pound are euthanized. Perhaps there is a no-kill shelter in your area. He is young and still very adoptable. Some people love this trait in cats, and that is the person he needs to connect with.
 

Gwen,
I have a kitten that is about 2 months old. I just got him so I dont completely know his background, I know he was found somewhere and brought to a shelter. He is great. He uses the litterbox which is great and I am very thankful, but when he goes and does a number 2 he always ends up getting poop on his back paws and back of his legs. I dont know what to do. I cant keep a watch on him everytime he uses the box and try to clean up after him. I cant have him running around my house with poop on him getting it on stuff. Is there something I can do or any different way I can train him to cover it. Please let me know. Thank you
 

If he has a proper diet and his digestive system is fine, his stools should be firm enough that that don't create this problem. And it may just be that he's so tiny right now that there's not much room between his little bottom and the litter. I would try using a larger box that is more shallow and use less litter in it.
 

hey gwen,

we adopted 2 kittens(8mo old), about 1 month ago. taz will sometimes wake me up in the middle of the night(now it's about 4am) and will nibble on me(not my hubby) until i get up. i usually feed him, and i leave food in his bowl before bedtime. why does he do this, and why just me. how do i stop this?
thanks, mechelle
 

Mechelle,
Cats are nocturnal. his wakes you up because you respond and your hubby probably doesn't. I have several articles on my website that address this. check out at least htese two: www.perfectpaws.com/noct.html and www.perfectpaws.com/train.html.
 

Dear Gwen,
I really need advice! I have a 16 year old indoor cat who has never lived with a dog. My new boyfriend has a 6 year old, hyper and very aggressive maltese dog. We are planning on moving in together and of course we are concerned on how our two pets are going to get along, and if it is even possible. Please Help!

Sincerely,
Cat Owner in love with Dog Owner.
 

There's an article on my website that addresses how to introduce a cat and dog. YOu might find some of the other articles helpful too.
www.perfectpaws.com/into.html
If you're moving to a new home with your cat, then please read www.perfectpaws.com/help1.html
and you might also consider all the articles related to litterbox training as the most common reaction to the stress of moving and of the addition of a new family member is peeing outside the box. But these articles address all these problems.
 

Gwen,
Our latest acquisition is an adolescent kitty named Dexter. He was found at about 8 weeks of age as a stray, and he was riddled with every parasite imaginable! He had fleas, earmites, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, and we are hoping that's all. After using miticide, capstar for fleas, frontline, roundworm killer, worm pills, and a tapeworm-killing injection, we thought that we'd certainly seen the last of them, especially since he's now exclusively indoors. However, we have a rather disgusting problem--he seems to always have tapeworm segments hanging from his rear. Not to be in poor taste, but whereas before the injection of tapeworm medicine, he had an occasional visible segment on him, afterwards he has about 20 a day or more! It's vile, to put it lightly. What's worse is that I keep finding segments where he has been sleeping, such as on the beds, which makes me wretch, AND we have a 1-year-old daughter at home. The vets have been of no help; they only say there SHOULDN'T still be a problem, but do nothing to help fix it. Also, he has been experiencing rectal bleeding coinciding with this issue, and has been leaving splatters of blood throughout the house, on the windowsills, dining room chairs, and beds. It's just awful! What on earth do we do? Will the bleeding fix itself? Are the segments that we are seeing now from DEAD worms that are leaving his body? Have you encountered this in rescue animals before? I have never seen such a hard to fix case.
Annalisa
 

Annalisa,
This is what i've read on the internet and what most vets
have told me when my pets have had worms.
Usually one treatment with an efficient tapeworming
medication takes care of a problem but with
reoccurring flea infestation a new shedding tapeworm problem
can begin again. It only takes one flea
swallowed by the cat to restart the problem.
So apparently you need to repeat the treatment and make
sure the fleas are under control. I've read that one of the
best treatments for tapeworms is with oral praziquantel (Droncit-r).
Can't recall the website but i'm sure you can do a search for it.
And the bloody spots need veterinary investigation.
 

Gwen,
I am volunteering at a cat shelter and want to; 1. explain diverse methods by which cats cope with their environment within the shelter 2. explain interactions of cats between cats and their environment 3. apply the scientific process to address human impacts upon cats at the shelter. I only have 12 weeks to do this and have absolutely no knowledge of cat behavior or psychology. Where can I find information on both cat behavior and psychology (extensive)? I've ordered your book. Do you have any ideas about how I can do these things by observation alone or where I can find out how? I am going to focus on a group of cats, there are over 400 total. They are divided into rooms by health, behavioral and developmental issues. I can look at a group from each room, there are six rooms total. There aren't equal amounts of cats in each room.

Please help
 

Krystal H.
Wow! you have quite the project ahead of you and I so admire your intention and efforts. Please let me know your results, even if you have to email them to me in a .doc format.
I suggest you read anything and everything on cats by Dr. Michael Fox. You might also google Cat Behavioral Studies at different Universities around the US. Perhaps start with Ohio State. For just some general stuff, read the sections on my website entitled Cat and Kitten Training Parts 1, 2 and 3. They contain relevent info that is not in my book.
 

Gwen,

We have two beautiful black cats (sisters actually) that have been in our home for 5 years since they were kittens. They have always gotten along famously with each other. But recently (just a week ago) they have begun fighting horribly. We noticed that Cinderella used to be the bigger cat, but now Midnight is slightly larger and is the aggressor. Cinderella is now basically living in our closet and rarely comes out, only to be chased by Midnight. Will this behaviour continue? I'm afraid someone (human or cat) will be injured if this activity continues.

You can email me at rikone@verizon.net, thank you!

Rick
 

Rick, it sounds like something triggered this reaction in your cats and usually this type of thing is accidental or unintentional. If you haven't already read the sections pertaining to this subject on my website, i think you will find it helpful. www.perfectpaws.com/help1.html and www.perfectpaws.com/help2.html and www.perfectpaws.com/intro.html.
Even tho they have gotten along for years, sometimes you need to temporarily treat them as if they are new to each other, that's why i suggest reading the section on introducing a new cat to your home.
If you do absolutely nothing, but stay out of their way, the problem usually resolves itself, however the suggestions about using scent and territory exchange might speed the process along.
 

Dear Gwen,
I have a young grey tabby named Reno. He was born back in August and became an indoor kitty when my mom accidentally closed his paw in a door. He had to have his front left paw amputated completely and neither of us had the heart to leave him outside after that. I suppose it's fortunate that his surgery occured at such a young age since he seems to have adapted pretty well and can zoom about with the same speed and energy I'd expect of any cat.

Once Reno got used to indoor life he became extremely playful. He used to be very good about play time. Unfortunately, playtime eventually evolved into vicious attacks at random.

I've read over your site on matters of aggression and the need for daily stimulation. I'll admit that I probably don't devote enough time to playing with him each day and hearby pledge to improve in this regard.

I wanted to ask you this: In cases where he attacks me at random how should I react? He's horribly vicious when he's in the mood to go after my wrist and certainly doesn't seem playful at all. I can push him away, move away from him and do any number of things to get him to leave me alone, yet he persists in leaping back at me to bite and claw. Loud noises seem useless. I'd try to ignore the behavior in hopes he'll lose interest but my hands can't take it. I've got a paranoid concern that he's a little neurotic due to the loss of his paw.

Is all his brutal aggression normal? Will extended playtime each day solve my problem? And what on earth do I do with him when he switches from cozy purring to wild attempts at shredding my arms?

Thanks in advance,
Jennifer
 

Jennifer,
Reno sounds pretty normal to me. Cats just do that. They go from one extreme to the other in a micro-second. I had a cat like this and what i did to cure him of his habit was to blast him with a squirt of water from a spray bottle. You can also use a blast of air from one of those cannisters used to clean cameras and computer equipment. But don't forget that you must increase his regularly scheduled playtimes so he has an outlet for his energy, otherwise he will become neurotic.
 

Dear Gwen,

I have had two cats for about a year now and they are spoiled, spoiled, spoiled...Then I just had to rescue this sweet dog from the shelter that was about to be given up on. I brought him home yesterday and the cats just hate him and he's scared to death of them...he can't even walk around the house because the cats might be around the corner! They hiss at him and he just buries his head.

I love my kitties very much but they need to welcome their new brother! How do I help them get used to each other?

Thanks for your help,
Kelly
 

Kelly,
If you don't think the cats are going to attack him and it's probably pretty safe to say he's not going to go after them, if this were my situation, i would just ignore them all and let them work it out on their own time. Please read the article on bringing home a new pet on my website (if you haven't already) www.perfectpaws.com/intro.html. Altho much of it will not be relevant to your situation, you can get the general drift if the ideas there. Once the cats accept him, they probably won't terrorize or hiss at him, then he can begin to get over his fear of them. You can follow some of the suggestions in the articles regarding cat territorial behavior and social structure and apply some of that to the dog. It's at www.perfectpaws.com/help1. html and /help2.html
Try wiping the dog down with some of the cat's bedding, the idea being to get their scent on him so he doesn't at least smell so much like a stranger. Also read the articles on the dog regarding fearful and shy behavior.
 

Hi Gwen.... Yes, this is Gypsys' Mommie... I have a cat Q.
My youngest male cat Hobie, (nuetured shy of 5 yrs old) has suddenly been jumping on my oldest male cat, Jettie (nuetured 6 yrs old) trying to make babies.
I know it is spring... but really don't want him to get hurt. (There hasn't been any injuries Thank God) Jettie definately does not like it and is beating Hobie up for this. (There is a female cat next door due any time, don't know if this makes a difference... I know there are several strays in my neighborhood)

By the way, Both Hobie and Jettie are strictly indoors kitties. And Gypsy only goes out when I take her out on her leash *..* ( You know I learned... *..*~~~~ not to unleash her until she is older. )

Should I seperate them? I did put him in his carrier one evening for about 1 hour, when Hobie just would not leave Jettie alone.

Do you think I should let Jettie take care of this as he has? And let nature take care of this problem?

Thanks for your help.
Paula
p.s. Hobie & Jettie Thanks you too
>^..^< >^..^<
 

My inclination would be to just let them work it out on their own. They always have worked things out in the past and i've found that usually unless the situation is extreme and one of them is physically hurting the other, our interference usually either makes things worse or delays the processing time.
 

Hi, Gwen,
Thanks for your site. It's so helpful. I'm wondering if you can give me some advice about my cat.

Nanuq is about a year old, and I adopted him from an animal shelter about two months ago. He is white and, I'm pretty sure, completely deaf. Before he came to live with me, he lived with another cat in a house. Their owners abandoned them in the house when they moved.

Nanuq is incredibly destructive. He wails every time I leave the house or close the door to go to the bathroom, and I almost always return to at least one broken object (you can read more about his antics on my blog: http://lancieblog.blogspot.com). When I get home from work, I play with him for hours, but he still stays up all night and plays. He scratches everything in sight, even though I've tried the spray bottle. I don't think he likes the bottle, but he's pretty stubborn and won't stop misbehaving even after he's drenched with water. I've tried smearing catnip over his two scratching posts, but he shows little interest.

Do you have advice on (1) what other ways I can show a deaf cat that I don't like his behavior and (2) any methods I can use to calm him down during the night? By the way, I'm hoping to move to a large place in a few months and get a second cat; I'm thinking Nanuq might be happier if he had a friend.

Thanks!
Janine
 

Hi Janine,
thank you for your kind words about my website. They are very much appreciated.
Since Nanuq lived with another cat before, maybe he does need a companion. He's still very young and needs lots of stimulation, play and outlets for his energy. It sounds like you're giving him as much as you can and perhaps only another playful companion will satisfy him. He may be very lonely for a companion of his own species, even tho you provide him with all the love, attention and affection you can. He's still a young male cat and you are a human. Try to reverse the roles and you may understand. When you get him a companion, make sure it's one who is really compatible with him or you'll have 2 pouting cats to deal with!!! If there's any way to keep him awake during the day it will help with curbing his nocturnal activities. It's normal for cats to be nocturnal and it takes some effort to change their natural sleep/wake pattern. Some cats adapt well, and others don't.
The fact that the prior owners abandoned him also speaks for itself. They obviously did not love him and care for him or he would never have been left behind. I'm sure this contributes to his behavior as well - especially the wailing when he thinks he's being left.
It will take a while before he trusts anyone and feels completely secure so you're both having to practice patience. The difference is that you understand intellectually and he only has experience and emotion to go on so he's at a major disadvantage. He really needs your loving support but at the same time you have to maintain your own sanity and life. This is probably why he resists the spray bottle. Even tho he may hate it, it's better than being left alone. Instead of trying to reprimand him for his obnoxious behavior, it might be better to flood him with affection to the point that he rejects it. I know that sounds contrary, but it often works. You might even try some herbal or homeopathic remedies like Bach Flower Rescue Remedy to see if that helps. It may or it may not, but it won't hurt and it's not expensive. Keep in touch and let us know how it's going. Maybe some other readers will have some suggestions. And if you find something that works, please share it with us. thank you.
 

Gwen
Thank you for your insight... I figured they would work it out. but they actually get into cat-scraps amongst them. Although they do settle down w/i about 15 or 20 minutes.
Thanks
Paula Hobie & Jettie
 

Gwen,

My fiance and I moved in about 8 months ago. She left her place and I left mine. Before the move, her cat (they think he's about 13 now) was a little vocal. However, since moving in with him, his meowing has increased dramatically. We've tried tapping his nose and saying "hush", it doesn't work. I've tried yelling "SHUT UP!" with no effect. She's even "muzzled" him when he meows, and he'll pull his head away and meow loudly in protest. We've tried squirt bottles, but his fur is a bit thick, so unless you hit his nose or behind perfectly, he doesn't notice he's been "shot". We've even tried some sound remote control thing that's supposed to be unpleasant. Nothing works. I'm rapidly approaching the point of leaving a woman I love dearly over her cat that refuses to shut the heck up. Where is the mute button on this cat? My sanity and love-life depend on finding it.
 

I feel your frustration loud and clear!! It seems that you've tried everything i can think of in the "stop it" approach. So maybe now it's time to try the let's-help-him-cope approach with this new stressful situation. You may even resent doing this at first because you're so upset,unserstandably, but stick with it, i'm sure your fiance is worth at least giving this a try. Try smothering Kitty into silence with love, attention, affections, treats, play time (lots and lots of play time) massages, you name it. If he likes it, he gets it in mega doses. Go absolutely overboard and either he will start feeling secure and content and will stop his vocal habits or he will shut up just to get you to leave him alone so he can have some peace and quiet. It would also not hurt to try an herbal calming remedy you can get at almost any health food store. Use it in his water and you might try taking it yourself. It may not help but it certainly won't hurt. I use it myself and i use it on both dogs and cats undergoing stress. It's called Rescue Remedy. It's a Bach flower remedy and i'm sure there are other brands that sell a similar formula. If you are unsure about using herbal remedies, try a homeopathic calming remedy, as they have no side affects. These products are not expensive and if they don't work, it's not a huge waste.
 

Dear Gwen, I have two cats. The one I am worried about is Thor. A couple of months ago, because of an eye problem, I had to have his eye removed. The vet and I worked for months to get the eye to heal, last resort was to remove the eye. He is a very slow healer. He has a heart murmer and is diabetic. His eye healed from the removel. Not easily though. He had more pain then usual. But he is finally healed. But his behavior has changed. He has never been very vocal. Now he cries all the time. He will wake up crying. He just starts to cry for no apparent reason and has started to bug my other cat, Niobe. I dont mind the fact that he is meowing, but I dont understand why this has started. He is 13 years old. He is a very sweet cat. Do you think this change has anything to do with the surgery?
I am quite worried about him.
Thanks for any insight.
Lisa
 

It's absolutely because of the surgery and the loss of his sight. Right now he needs tons of affection, reassurance, love, praise, treats, petting, holding, hugging, smooches and everything he likes. Obviously if he doesn't like any of the above, then don't do that. some cats don't like to be hugged. But you get the idea. You might also try some homeopathic or herbal or hormonal remedies with him. I personally would try Rescue Remedy and Feliway. You can google those for more info and order online. Hang in there with him. My prayers are with you both.
 

Hi Gwen!
Just thought I'd tap into your vast amount of knowledge and see if I can learn something.
I have 2 cats---1 will be 14 in July, the other will be 13 in June.
I'm ready to pull my hair out!!!
The oldest one has a very sensitive stomach and the only thing that she seems to be able to eat is something called 'sensitive VR' Her BMs are fairly soft right now but she's been caught stealing food lately. The other cat is a big worry for me right now. She only goes every 2 days and it is hard,and packed full of hair. She has taken laxatone, recently mineral oil (I stopped that because I was unsure how long I could safely give it to her), now she's getting pure pumpkin and ground flax seed.I started that yesterday. However I'm afraid she might get too much fiber (oh yeah, she's a diabetic that is on canned fiber food).I added a bit of corn oil to her food tonight. Is that safe for her to have? Her vet is the one that put her on mineral oil and told me to keep giving it to her as long as she has this problem. That was a month ago--It hasn't worked and I can't make them understand this.
Please help!!
Thank you so very much for any help you can give us! :^)
Samantha Jo
 

There's alot going on with the kitties so i'm not sure what to suggest except try to talk to your vet with your questions and ask specifically about using something like Lactulose. I'm sorry i can't be of more help. I don't think the corn oil is bad but it won't help with constipation. And of course you have to be more diligent about keeping her from stealing food she's not supposed to eat.