Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver knowledgeable recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their cat’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new pet mother or father or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your kitty completely satisfied, wholesome, and feline high-quality. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care on your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! My Cat Loves Sitting on My Laptop computer!
“ Why does my cat all the time sit on my laptop computer the second I open it? She may very well be asleep throughout the room however she hears it open, and she is going to get up to put on the keys. I really feel unhealthy shifting her however I’d get no work executed if I simply let her win. What ought to I do? ” – Gia (Sunny’s Mother)
Pricey Gia,
Sunny’s love on your laptop computer appears to be a mixture of consolation, curiosity and discovered habits. Cats naturally search heat, and the laptop computer provides a comfy heated spot that Sunny may discover irresistible. It is extremely possible that the sound of the laptop computer opening has grow to be a cue or sign for her. Sunny discovered that if she goes and sits in your laptop computer she is going to be capable to seize your consideration, instantly reinforcing her need to do it. If you give attention to the laptop computer, Sunny may see it as competitors (on your consideration) and to make sure she turns into your precedence, she has discovered a approach to take middle stage. This habits additionally displays her territorial instincts, as she could also be marking the laptop computer along with her scent to say it—and also you—as hers.
You’ll be able to attempt to redirect her focus, by putting a heat, inviting mattress or blanket close to your workspace, or a cat mattress just like the Hepper Nest that sits properly wherever (particularly on desks!)—simply ensure you reward her when she makes use of it. Interactive toys also can hold her engaged when you work. And keep in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she possible bought what she wished, you will have to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning primarily based on constructive reinforcement may also help her develop new habits. And, you shouldn’t really feel unhealthy about shifting her, so long as you do it gently it’s completely okay. Simply don’t let this grow to be a battle. If she insists, you may have to proceed to make it bodily not possible for her to get there by closing a door. Over time, she is going to study that leaping on the laptop computer doesn’t get her what she desires. However, please do supply her extra fascinating alternate options.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat is a Drama Queen!
“Each time I stroll within the entrance door, my cat Teega greets me with dramatic meows like I’ve been gone for years—even when I used to be solely on the mailbox. Is she actually that needy, or might one thing else be occurring?” – Sara
Hello Sara,
Do you know that cats solely meow to their moms when they’re kittens? As adults, they cease meowing at different cats and reserve this habits completely for people. Cats study as kittens that meowing will get them consideration, meals, heat, and different comforts from their moms. Once they develop up, they switch this habits to their people to satisfy related wants—consideration, meals, playtime, or cuddles.
As dramatic because it might sound, Teega’s meowing whenever you come house is her means of greeting you with a “Welcome residence!” and signaling that she’s prepared to interact. Teega is probably going hoping for the standard consideration, cuddles, or possibly even meals that you simply present. If this was a case of separation anxiousness you’ll discover different indicators, so you will need to be aware of them. If Teggas habits has all of a sudden modified, this is also a sign that one thing is happening. But when this meowing is barely a greeting it may possibly simply be addressed: you may practice Teega to cease by ignoring her each time she does it. Merely stroll by with out reacting and solely give her consideration as soon as she stops meowing. Be affected person—this can take time and consistency. If there are different folks within the family, they should comply with the identical strategy to make sure success. Consistency is essential when attempting to change habits.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat is Scratching All of My Furnishings!
“My cat has a behavior of scratching on the carpet and furnishings, despite the fact that I’ve supplied him with scratching posts. Is he marking his territory, or does he simply assume my sofa seems extra enjoyable than his scratching submit?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi
Hey Levi, you aren’t alone, cats are territorial and like to mark the whole lot as theirs.
You will have executed the suitable factor by offering a scratching submit however now you will have to make your furnishings undesirable too: aluminum foil, stick tape, and deterrent sprays are some choices to strive. Because you point out Boots additionally scratches the carpet, you will have to offer a horizontal scratching floor as nicely, the identical factor you will have to make it undesirable for him by attempting just a few tips. We actually just like the Hepper Hello Lo Scratcher as a result of it supplies 3 heights and orientations for scratching, modified with ease, relying on the temper a cat is in.
One other clue level right here is that Boots may need discovered that by scratching sure stuff as an alternative of others he will get consideration, so these distant correction tips ought to do their magic. The opposite a part of the equation is to make the designated scratching areas extra fascinating: if Boots likes catnip, you may sprinkle some in there, and also you must also be reinforcing Boots with a deal with, cuddles, or the chance to play with a favourite toy each time he chooses the suitable locations to scratch. It should take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s undoubtedly doable.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
