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 mother or father 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may preserve your kitty pleased, wholesome, and feline superb. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care to your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in 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 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 shifting her however I’d get no work carried out if I simply let her win. What ought to I do? ” – Gia (Sunny’s Mother)
Pricey Gia,
Sunny’s love for your laptop appears to be a mixture of consolation, curiosity and realized conduct. Cats naturally search heat, and the laptop computer affords 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 realized that if she goes and sits in your laptop computer she’s going to have the ability to seize your consideration, instantly reinforcing her want to do it. Once you concentrate on the laptop computer, Sunny may see it as competitors (for your attention) and to make sure she turns into your precedence, she has discovered a strategy 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 say it—and also you—as hers.
You’ll be able to attempt to redirect her focus, by putting a warm, inviting bed or blanket close to your workspace, or a cat mattress just like the Hepper Nest that sits properly wherever (particularly on desks!)—simply be sure you reward her when she makes use of it. Interactive toys also can preserve her engaged whilst you work. And keep in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she possible received what she wished, you have to to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning based mostly on positive reinforcement may also help her develop new habits. And, you must not feel bad about moving 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 must proceed to make it bodily unimaginable 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 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 may 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 completely for people. Cats be taught as kittens that meowing will get them consideration, meals, heat, and different comforts from their moms. Once 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 means 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 perhaps even meals that you just present. If this was a case of separation anxiety you’d discover different indicators, so you will need to be conversant in them. If Teggas behavior has suddenly changed, this may be a sign that one thing is happening. But when this meowing is simply a greeting it may 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 folks within the family, they should comply with the identical strategy to make sure success. Consistency is vital when attempting to change 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, regardless 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 put up?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi
Hey Levi, you aren’t alone, cats are territorial and like to mark every little thing as theirs.
You’ve gotten carried out the proper factor by offering a scratching put up however now you have to to make your furniture undesirable too: aluminum foil, stick tape, and deterrent sprays are some choices to strive. Because you point out Boots additionally scratches the carpet, you have to to supply a horizontal scratching floor as effectively, the identical factor you have to to make it undesirable for him by trying a few tricks. We actually just like the Hepper Hi 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 might need realized 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 more desirable: 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 proper locations to scratch. It would take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s undoubtedly attainable.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
