We received a lot of comments about our cat article in the last issue, so we thought we’d keep going with a good thing.
Some of the issues that our clients with cats call us about most frequently are litter box issues, marking in the house, and aloof or avoidance behavior. Here are some observations or suggestions we’ve developed that may prove helpful to others that live with cats:
- Not using the litter box: if the problem is a new one, be sure to have the cat checked for a urinary tract infection first. If there is no physical problem, then common issues that can cause this behavior are:
- Changing the type of litter
- Bringing in a new cat that shares the same litter box [it’s best to put an additional box down if you bring a new cat home, at least initially]
- New litter box or new location for the litter box
- Household changes – moving to new house, moving the furniture, new family member
- Other animals interfering with the cat getting to the litter box
- Marking – usually males, but occasionally females. Go through the list for not using the litter box first. Usually marking, especially if it’s a new behavior and the cat is neutered/spayed, is caused by the addition of new family members – another cat, a dog, a new baby, a new spouse. It is also fairly common when a family moves to a new house or apartment, especially if the previous occupant had cats.
These behaviors are frequently caused by “change” of some type in the household. We have found that if you tell your cat out loud (because then you are very clear about the change that will be happening) about the change before it happens, the whole household will adjust to the change more easily.
- Aloofness – this can range from aloofness towards one or all family members to a fear based behavior where the cat will not come close to any family member at all.
- Aloofness in cats can be for a lot of reasons. Cats in general want to bestow affection on their own terms and when they wish it. Some cats are not as physically affectionate. Cats have very large energy fields. If you want a cat to come close to you, soften your own energy and pull your energy field in. We had one client with a cat that stays up on top of things and out of reach all the time. This cat was born in their home and has lived in the same place all her life. She simply chooses not to deal with the many cats and dogs in the house by keeping herself up and away from everything and everyone
- Fear based avoidance can be the result of a lot of different things. Feral cats, even when adopted as kittens, sometimes cannot overcome their fear of humans as a predator. They are very uncomfortable with the loud sounds, strong smells, and hectic environment that we live in. For these cats, it’s best to soften and bring in your energy, allow the cat to know that they are fine exactly as they are, and offer them a quiet dark place to withdraw to when you have the TV or stereo on, or when you have company. Respecting them as they are is key to gaining their trust and confidence. It is essential not to reach or grab for them, let them come to you. Even domestic cats can be extremely sensitive to energy, sounds, bright lights, and activity.
When we talk with humans and cats, we become aware of what we unconsciously expect from them in terms of behavior and emotional attachment. Most humans who live with cats want a companion who cuddles with them frequently and enjoys being stroked and petted. Usually the human wants this from the cat when THEY want it, which may not necessarily be when the cat wishes to bestow their company and affection. It’s important to understand that cats and dogs are fundamentally very different both in their non-domesticated state and in how they interacted with early humans as they became domesticated. A lot has been written about how dogs and humans came into partnership together. We have not run across anything written about how the cat/human relationship developed. However, we would bet that the relationship developed as an independent one in which cats did rodent control for the humans in outbuildings, and eventually inside the home, without human direction. Dogs, on the other hand, eventually developed very interactive partnerships with humans, taking direction from them in most hunting and working activities they shared. It makes sense to us that cats would continue to have a much more independent relationship with their humans. It’s important to enjoy our cats exactly as they are.
Summer Reminders:
- Please remember in the hot summer months to have plenty of fresh water available for your pets at all times. Cats and dogs do not sweat, and can only disperse heat from panting and from the pads of their feet. Cats in particular become dehydrated very quickly.
- Our horse vet recommends that horses have electrolytes or at least a salt block, especially during the summer months. Horses also drink a lot more water during the summer.
- If you have a dark brown or black dog, please limit their exposure to the sun on hot days. Check their back with your hand periodically to monitor how hot they are.
- Never walk dogs on hot asphalt or cement.
- Horses that have pink or white on their faces, especially around the sensitive muzzle area, can become sunburned easily. Your vet can recommend a sun block safe for horses.
Thanks and have a great summer!
