Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry skilled 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 diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline advantageous. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices 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 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’s 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)
Pricey Gia,
Sunny’s love in your laptop computer appears to be a mixture of consolation, curiosity and realized habits. Cats naturally search heat, and the laptop computer gives a comfortable heated spot that Sunny may discover irresistible. It is vitally probably 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 be capable of seize your consideration, instantly reinforcing her need to do it. If you deal with 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 approach to take heart stage. This habits 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 anyplace (particularly on desks!)—simply be sure to reward her when she makes use of it. Interactive toys may also maintain her engaged whilst you work. And keep in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she probably acquired what she needed, you will want to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning based mostly on optimistic reinforcement might 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 grow to be a battle. If she insists, you may must proceed to make it bodily inconceivable 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 needs. 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 may 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 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 habits to their people to satisfy comparable wants—consideration, meals, playtime, or cuddles.
As dramatic because it might sound, Teega’s meowing whenever you come house is her method 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 nervousness you’d discover different indicators, so you will need to be conversant in them. If Teggas habits has all of the sudden modified, this may be a sign that one thing is happening. But when this meowing is simply a greeting it may 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 may take time and consistency. If there are different folks within the family, they should observe the identical strategy to make sure success. Consistency is essential when attempting to switch 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, although I’ve offered 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 might have performed the best 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 offer a horizontal scratching floor as nicely, the identical factor you will want 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 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 might need realized 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 best locations to scratch. It’ll take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s undoubtedly attainable.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
