Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry professional 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may preserve your kitty glad, wholesome, and feline positive. Keep tuned for professional 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 on your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Loves Sitting on My Laptop computer!
“ Why does my cat at all times sit on my laptop computer the second I open it? She could possibly 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 dangerous transferring her however I’d get no work performed if I simply let her win. What ought to I do? ” – Gia (Sunny’s Mother)
Expensive Gia,
Sunny’s love on your laptop computer appears to be a mixture of consolation, curiosity and discovered conduct. Cats naturally search heat, and the laptop computer provides a comfy heated spot that Sunny would possibly discover irresistible. It is vitally doubtless that the sound of the laptop computer opening has turn out 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 want to do it. Once you give attention to the laptop computer, Sunny would possibly see it as competitors (on your consideration) and to make sure she turns into your precedence, she has discovered a solution to take heart stage. This conduct 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 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 anyplace (particularly on desks!)—simply ensure you reward her when she makes use of it. Interactive toys may preserve her engaged when you work. And bear in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she doubtless acquired what she needed, you will have to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning based mostly on optimistic reinforcement will help her develop new habits. And, it is best to not really feel dangerous about transferring her, so long as you do it gently it’s completely okay. Simply don’t let this turn out to be a battle. If she insists, you would possibly 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 needs. However, please do provide her extra fascinating options.
Greatest 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 study 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 related wants—consideration, meals, playtime, or cuddles.
As dramatic because it may appear, Teega’s meowing whenever you come house is her manner of greeting you with a “Welcome house!” and signaling that she’s prepared to have interaction. Teega is probably going hoping for the same old consideration, cuddles, or perhaps even meals that you just present. If this was a case of separation anxiousness you’d discover different indicators, so you will need to be aware of them. If Teggas conduct has instantly modified, this is also a sign that one thing is occurring. But when this meowing is just a greeting it will possibly 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—it will take time and consistency. If there are different individuals 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 seems to be extra enjoyable than his scratching put up?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi
Hey Levi, you aren’t alone, cats are territorial and like to mark all the things as theirs.
You may have performed the precise factor by offering a scratching put up 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 effectively, the identical factor you will have 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 offers 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 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 precise locations to scratch. It is going to take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s positively doable.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
