Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your kitty glad, wholesome, and feline wonderful. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you may 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 all the time sit on my laptop computer the second I open it? She may very well 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 accomplished 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 comfortable heated spot that Sunny would possibly discover irresistible. It is rather doubtless that the sound of the laptop computer opening has develop into a cue or sign for her. Sunny realized that if she goes and sits in your laptop computer she’s going to be capable to seize your consideration, instantly reinforcing her need to do it. Once you concentrate on the laptop computer, Sunny would possibly see it as competitors (for your attention) 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 along with her scent to assert it—and also you—as hers.
You possibly can attempt to redirect her focus, by inserting 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 to reward her when she makes use of it. Interactive toys may also hold her engaged whilst you work. And keep in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she doubtless acquired what she needed, you’ll need to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning primarily based on positive reinforcement will 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 develop into a battle. If she insists, you would possibly have to proceed to make it bodily unimaginable for her to get there by closing a door. Over time, she’s going to study that leaping on the laptop computer doesn’t get her what she desires. However, please do supply 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 completely 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 satisfy comparable wants—consideration, meals, playtime, or cuddles.
As dramatic because it may appear, Teega’s meowing while you come house is her approach of greeting you with a “Welcome residence!” and signaling that she’s prepared to have interaction. Teega is probably going hoping for the same old consideration, cuddles, or possibly even meals that you simply present. If this was a case of separation anxiety you’d discover different indicators, so it is very important be accustomed to them. If Teggas behavior has suddenly changed, this may be a sign that one thing is happening. But when this meowing is barely a greeting it will probably 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 can 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 vital when attempting 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, though I’ve offered him with scratching posts. Is he marking his territory, or does he simply assume my sofa seems to be extra enjoyable than his scratching submit?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi
Hey Levi, you aren’t alone, cats are territorial and like to mark all the pieces as theirs.
You’ve accomplished the correct factor by offering a scratching submit however now you’ll need 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’ll need to offer a horizontal scratching floor as nicely, the identical factor you’ll need 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 may need realized that by scratching sure stuff as a substitute 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 more desirable: 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 correct 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 collection
