Carole is available for bi-coastal house calls, speaking engagements anywhere, phone consults nationally and internationally. She also sees patients by appointment at Westside Veterinary Center in Manhattan. Her latest book is The Complete Guide To Understanding And Caring For Your Cat. Her recently released CD of spoken cat advice and soothing music is Caring For Your Cat, The Wilbourn Way.
Come back to Carole's home page monthly for cat news and Carole's most recent replies to behavior inquiries from worried cat guardians. To have this home page emailed to you after the story update, click here. You will receive this exact page by email, and it will link you to the other pages in her site, and to the rest of the IDA web site.
CATS ON THE COUCH, October '09
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
This was a morning I had to wake up near dawn, not my usual wake-up time, to catch a train for a faraway seminar. Orion was stretched out in bed, looking very cozy, but he was subtly and gracefully beckoning me back to bed. I must say I was tempted.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE
(Orion, a former rescue, will represent cats and offer nuggets of wisdom regarding Beau, the rescued First Dog—a Portuguese Water Dog.)
PEACE ON THE FIRST DOG'S FIRST BIRTHDAY
Orion feels that Malia, the first daughter, was right on point when she said; "Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize, and it's Bo's first birthday." This can be translated as a call to action for equal recognition for human and nonhuman animals.
MY CAT LOVES MY BOYFRIEND
Hello Carole,
My problem is my cat, Patrick. He LOVES my boyfriend! Patrick is a pretty affectionate cat with me, but when my boyfriend is over, he never leaves him alone. He wants to be on his lap constantly, puts his face next to my boyfriend's face, touching his face with his paw, falls at his feet and rolls over. And in, um, "intimate" situations, Patrick is right there in the middle! He's either jumping on my back or my boyfriend's back, or he's right there with us, trying to get a good look at what we're up to. I'm very lucky that my boyfriend loves Patrick and gives him lots of attention. But Patrick is relentless! When we eat, he doesn't want food but wants us to put down our forks, pick him up and walk him around the apartment. This is his favorite thing. He also meows a lot—short, staccato meows. This constant seeking of attention is getting really embarrassing. I should mention I have three other cats who are very social, but they're not like Patrick. I don't want to lock him in another room because he loves human companionship. But I’d like some time alone with my boyfriend.
Thank you!
Tracy
Los Angeles Cat Lover
Hi Guardian Tracy,
It sounds like you and Patrick have the same taste in men. That’s quite a compliment! But, yes, even those we love can become overbearing. When Patrick becomes over the top or out of control, lead or seduce him with a toy to another room so he can hang out with his cat mates. Do this in a cordial, fun way so he feels special. Slowly, but surely, it will become a routine, and remember to give him vigorous play sessions to work out his high energy. My Cat Caring CD will relax all of your cats and give you many helpful cat tips. (Refer to the top of this page.)
Patrick and his friends can listen to the CD while they’re hanging out but play it at other times so you can all listen together. It will become one of their security objects.
ANTI-SLEEP CAMPAIGN
Hello Carole,
I have two three-year-old Maine Coons. My girl, Frankie, came to me very ill and almost died. My boy, Tony, was in jeopardy of loosing sight in one eye. I am happy to say both are very healthy now. They were so sick when I adopted them, and I know I have spoiled them rotten. So the plot’s thickened. They now wake me up at 3 A.M. every morning. Not only do they want to eat, they insist I keep them company while they eat. Frankie likes to have a five-course meal, nibbling a little at a time. This goes on until 6A.M. when, like a light switch, they stop. I have gotten to the point of feeding them dry food in bed to save me a trip downstairs. But I have to keep my eyes open to prevent Tony from eating Frankie's food. I have tried keeping them up later at night, feeding them later, and playing with them later. Nothing seems to break this habit. And I have tried to ignore Frankie's pleas for food. After a half hour, I give in but I'm so wiped out. Any suggestions?
Thank you.
Donna
Hi Guardian Donna,
You've really had a rough time with your cats. What a good guardian you are. Many times a vigorous play session, followed by a bedtime snack, will be the perfect sleep tonic. I’m sorry it wasn’t for your two, and it sounds like you’ve had them checked out by the vet.
MAYBE YOU'RE WAKING THEM UP
It may be that Frankie and Tony are reacting to your biological rhythms during the night. Even small changes such as a few tosses and turns may affect their sleep, and presto, we have the ripple effect.
A PLAN TO END THEIR ANTI-SLEEP CAMPAIGN
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of chamomile tea leaves in a small ball of tasty food or vitamin gel for their bedtime snack.
- When you turn in, or at 3A.M. when they wake you, lead them to another room with all of their creature comforts. Do this in a light-hearted, gentle way so they don’t feel they’re being punished.
- Some lavender potpourri or oil will be calming
- Give them each a hearty hug to release any stored-up tension.
- Soft music will help to soothe them. As you leave them, tell them you’ll see them later. They may object for a few nights or so with a few meows or knocking things about, but this room will soon become their bedroom sanctuary.
Don't feel guilty about this arrangement. Remind yourself that your previous bedtime arrangement bred mutual frustration and resentment.
You can't thrive on sleep deprivation. This new arrangement should mend your relationship and end the nocturnal angst.
WAYWARD TRICKLING OVER SIDES OF THE LITTER BOX
Hi Carole,
Thanks for your recommendation when we had the phone consult. I consulted you because my cat, Shadow, was urinating over the side of his litter box. He’s a big cat, so at first I thought he’d outgrown his box or I needed to keep it cleaner. But no dice, the wayward trickle continued. You told me that he was uncomfortable, and this un-cat-like behavior was his way of letting me know. There might be a medical problem with his bladder, and I should schedule a vet appointment.
Well, you were so very right. My Shadow had stones in his bladder, and surgery to remove the stones was the answer for him. He’s now on a special diet and no more wayward trickles.
Rose
Hi Guardian Rose,
Thanks for the terrific report. Sometimes the stones can be dissolved with medication and diet, but surgery was Shadow’s solution.Thank you so much for the photo of Shadow post-surgery. IDA is always happy to hear about caring and responsible guardians.
With October 31st approaching, a beautiful black cat is a perfect way to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!
You can now follow Carole on Twitter.
QUESTIONS TO CAROLE
Please consult with your veterinarian first to make certain that your animal companion's problem is not due to any medical condition.
If you have a question for Carole, you can email her at thecattherapist@idausa.org. We're sorry that Carole won’t be able to answer all questions, but the answers to many questions can be found in her IDA archives.
Oscar the Cat Predicts Death
Oscar is the feline resident at a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island who seems to have predicted the deaths of 25 of the residents. In case after case, when he has curled up next to someone, it usually means they have less than four hours of life left. I was interviewed about Oscar by NBC-TV. Read all about Oscar on their site. To watch my video, click here.
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