Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 guardian or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may preserve your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline effective. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care in your furry companion.
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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 might be asleep throughout the room however she hears it open, and she’s going to get up to put on the keys. I really feel unhealthy transferring her however I’d get no work accomplished if I simply let her win. What ought to I do? ” – Gia (Sunny’s Mother)
Pricey Gia,
Sunny’s love in your laptop computer appears to be a mixture of consolation, curiosity and discovered conduct. Cats naturally search heat, and the laptop computer gives a comfortable heated spot that Sunny may discover irresistible. It is extremely probably 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’s going to be capable of seize your consideration, instantly reinforcing her want to do it. If you give attention to the laptop computer, Sunny may see it as competitors (in your consideration) and to make sure she turns into your precedence, she has discovered a option to take middle stage. This conduct additionally displays her territorial instincts, as she could also be marking the laptop computer together with her scent to assert it—and also you—as hers.
You may attempt to redirect her focus, by inserting 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 preserve her engaged whilst you work. And bear in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she probably bought what she wished, you will want to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning primarily based on optimistic reinforcement will help her develop new habits. And, you must not really feel unhealthy about transferring 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’s going to be taught that leaping on the laptop computer doesn’t get her what she desires. However, please do provide 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 happening?” – 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 conduct solely for people. Cats be taught as kittens that meowing will get them consideration, meals, heat, and different comforts from their moms. After they develop up, they switch this conduct to their people to meet comparable wants—consideration, meals, playtime, or cuddles.
As dramatic because it might sound, Teega’s meowing whenever you come house is her manner of greeting you with a “Welcome dwelling!” and signaling that she’s prepared to interact. Teega is probably going hoping for the same old consideration, cuddles, or possibly even meals that you just present. If this was a case of separation nervousness you’ll discover different indicators, so you will need to be accustomed to them. If Teggas conduct has abruptly modified, this may be a sign that one thing is occurring. But when this meowing is just a greeting it could actually simply be addressed: you may prepare 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 may 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 making an attempt to switch conduct.
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 suppose my sofa appears to be like extra enjoyable than his scratching submit?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi
Hey Levi, you aren’t alone, cats are territorial and like to mark every little thing as theirs.
You’ve got accomplished the fitting factor by offering a scratching submit however now you will want 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 want to supply a horizontal scratching floor as properly, the identical factor you will want to make it undesirable for him by making an attempt a couple of methods. We actually just like the Hepper Hello Lo Scratcher as a result of it gives 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 a substitute of others he will get consideration, so these distant correction methods 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 also needs to be reinforcing Boots with a deal with, cuddles, or the chance to play with a favourite toy each time he chooses the fitting locations to scratch. It’ll take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s undoubtedly potential.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
