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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 you’re a brand new pet mum or dad or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your kitty completely satisfied, wholesome, and feline wonderful. Stay tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care on your furry companion.
Have a query? Send it in right here!
Help! My Cat Loves Sitting on My Laptop!
“ Why does my cat always sit on my laptop the second I open it? She could be asleep across the room but she hears it open, and she will wake up to lay on the keys. I feel bad moving her but I’d get no work done if I just let her win. What should I do? ” – Gia (Sunny’s Mom)
Dear Gia,
Sunny’s love on 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 may be very seemingly that the sound of the laptop computer opening has turn out to be a cue or sign for her. Sunny realized that if she goes and sits in your laptop computer she is going to have the ability to seize your consideration, instantly reinforcing her want to do it. When you concentrate on the laptop computer, Sunny may see it as competitors (on your consideration) and to make sure she turns into your precedence, she has discovered a option 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 say it—and also you—as hers.
You can 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 can even hold her engaged when you work. And keep in mind, Sunny is simply expressing her affection and reference to you, and since she seemingly obtained what she needed, you have to to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning based mostly on constructive reinforcement may help her develop new habits. And, you shouldn’t really feel unhealthy about shifting her, so long as you do it gently it’s completely okay. Just don’t let this turn out to be a battle. If she insists, you may have to proceed to make it bodily unimaginable for her to get there by closing a door. Over time, she is going to study that leaping on the laptop computer doesn’t get her what she needs. But, please do supply her extra fascinating options.
Best needs!
Dr. Paola
Image Credit: Chan Deshpong, Shutterstock
Help! My Cat is a Drama Queen!
“Every time I walk in the front door, my cat Teega greets me with dramatic meows like I’ve been gone for years—even if I was only at the mailbox. Is she really that needy, or could something else be going on?” – Sara
Hi Sara,
Did you understand 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 study as kittens that meowing will get them consideration, meals, heat, and different comforts from their moms. When 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 whenever you come house is her approach of greeting you with a “Welcome home!” 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 just present. If this was a case of separation anxiousness you’ll discover different indicators, so it is very important be conversant in them. If Teggas habits has all of a sudden modified, this may be a sign that one thing is happening. But if this meowing is simply a greeting it might probably simply be addressed: you possibly can prepare Teega to cease by ignoring her each time she does it. Simply 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 individuals within the family, they should observe the identical method to make sure success. Consistency is vital when attempting to change habits.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Image Credit: Melissa Sue, Shutterstock
Help! My Cat is Scratching All of My Furniture!
“My cat has a habit of scratching at the carpet and furniture, even though I’ve provided him with scratching posts. Is he marking his territory, or does he just think my couch looks more fun than his scratching post?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi
Hey Levi, you aren’t alone, cats are territorial and like to mark every part as theirs.
You have carried out the precise factor by offering a scratching put up however now you have to to make your furnishings undesirable too: aluminum foil, stick tape, and deterrent sprays are some choices to attempt. Since 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 just a few tips. We actually just like the Hepper Hi 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.
Another 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 different a part of the equation is to make the designated scratching areas extra fascinating: if Boots likes catnip, you possibly can 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 precise locations to scratch. It will take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s positively attainable.
This article is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
- Read final weeks questions right here – Monday December 9, 2024
- Click right here to submit a query
The put up Ask Dr. Paola – Monday December 16, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over whole articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You is probably not conscious of it, however all of those articles had been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they are not thought of public area. However, we admire that you just just like the article and would like it in the event you continued sharing simply the primary paragraph of an article, then linking out to the remainder of the piece on Catster.com.
