Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey 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 supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can hold your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline superb. 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 very best care to 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)
Expensive Gia,
Sunny’s love to 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 extremely probably that the sound of the laptop computer opening has turn 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 of seize your consideration, instantly reinforcing her want to do it. While you concentrate on the laptop computer, Sunny may see it as competitors (to your consideration) and to make sure she turns into your precedence, she has discovered a option to take middle stage. This habits 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 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 hold her engaged when you work. And keep in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she probably bought what she needed, you have to to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning primarily based on optimistic reinforcement may also help her develop new habits. And, you shouldn’t really feel dangerous about transferring her, so long as you do it gently it’s completely okay. Simply don’t let this turn into 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 study that leaping on the laptop computer doesn’t get her what she desires. However, please do provide her extra fascinating alternate 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 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 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 habits 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 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 simply present. If this was a case of separation nervousness you’ll discover different indicators, so you will need to be acquainted with them. If Teggas habits has abruptly modified, this is also a sign that one thing is happening. But when this meowing is just a greeting it might probably 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 can take time and consistency. If there are different folks within the family, they should observe the identical method to make sure success. Consistency is essential when attempting to change 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 supplied him with scratching posts. Is he marking his territory, or does he simply assume my sofa seems extra enjoyable than his scratching publish?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi
Hey Levi, you aren’t alone, cats are territorial and like to mark every thing as theirs.
You will have performed the fitting factor by offering a scratching publish however now you have to 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 have to to supply a horizontal scratching floor as effectively, the identical factor you have to to make it undesirable for him by attempting a couple of methods. We actually just like the Hepper Hello Lo Scratcher as a result of it supplies 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 a substitute 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 must also be reinforcing Boots with a deal with, cuddles, or the chance to play with a favourite toy each time he chooses the fitting locations to scratch. It’s going to take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s undoubtedly potential.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
