Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry 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 guardian 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline nice. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care on your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Loves Sitting on My Laptop computer!
“ 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 Mother)
Pricey Gia,
Sunny’s love on your laptop computer 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 may discover irresistible. It is rather 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 want to do it. While you give attention to 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 approach 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 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 wherever (particularly on desks!)—simply ensure you 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 probably acquired what she needed, you have to to consider what she will get.
Operant conditioning primarily based on optimistic reinforcement will help her develop new habits. And, you need to not really feel unhealthy about shifting 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 have to proceed to make it bodily not possible 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 desires. However, please do supply her extra fascinating alternate options.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! 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
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 solely for people. Cats be taught as kittens that meowing will get them consideration, meals, heat, and different comforts from their moms. Once they develop up, they switch this conduct to their people to meet related wants—consideration, meals, playtime, or cuddles.
As dramatic because it might sound, Teega’s meowing whenever you come house is her approach of greeting you with a “Welcome home!” and signaling that she’s prepared to interact. Teega is probably going hoping for the standard consideration, cuddles, or perhaps even meals that you just present. If this was a case of separation anxiousness you’d discover different indicators, so it is very important be conversant in them. If Teggas conduct has immediately modified, this may be a sign that one thing is happening. But when this meowing is barely a greeting it might 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 folks within the family, they should observe the identical method 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 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 the whole lot as theirs.
You will have performed the suitable 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. Because you point out Boots additionally scratches the carpet, you have to to offer a horizontal scratching floor as properly, the identical factor you have to to make it undesirable for him by attempting a number of methods. 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 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 suitable locations to scratch. It should take time, consistency, and repetition, however it’s positively potential.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
