My Bestfriend

Is your pet cat cranky and exhibits odd behavior? Don’t fret. My friend and cat lover, Shaun Olmstead, discusses common cat problems and shares practical solutions.

Does your cat tongue-tosses her food out of the bowl and make a mess all over the kitchen floor?

If you are using a plastic bowl, your feline companion might be implying she doesn’t like her bowl. Plastic harbors bacteria and imparts an off-putting taste to food and water. What you can do is upgrade to a stainless-steel or china bowl. If that doesn’t work, try different food or a deeper bowl.

Can’t your kittie keep his claws off your bed’s box spring, the sofa, or some other pricey possession?

Scratching is a natural behavior of cats. They scratch to mark territory and to shed the outer layer of their claws. To prevent scratching, temporarily limit your cat’s access to furniture and find him the scratching post of his dreams. Some cats prefer sisal or carpeted posts — even cheap cardboard posts work for many. Also remember that different cats scratch differently. Some want something flat on the ground. Others like to stretch up. The key is to put the post right next to the piece of furniture he’s ruining until he learns what is OK to scratch and what isn’t. Once he has adapted to the post, move it to a place that’s less intrusive to your design scheme.

Does your cat choose to meow his head off at midnight just when you’re sinking into a deep sleep?

If this is an older cat, a vet should check the thyroid. Nighttime vocalization is one sign of hyperthyroidism. Older animals become less restful at night. Other causes could be something provoking the cat, a change in her routine or environment, or boredom. And if your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, these night howls could be mating calls. Even another cat hanging around outside at night can evoke vocalization. If mating is the motive, promptly “fix” your pet to fix the problem. If not, try testing the cat for hyperthyroidism with a simple blood test. Treatment options are surgery, daily medication, or radioactive-iodine therapy. A change in diet may also help. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and vitamins E and C may reverse brain-aging changes. Once you rule out medical issues and outside disturbances, you’re probably dealing with a cat who just wants attention at 3 a.m. Try giving the cat some nighttime-only toys before you hit the sack.

Does your cat shed like mad and has turned your plain upholstery into a shag sofa?

Shedding is natural to cats. Fish gotta swim; birds gotta fly; cats and dogs gotta shed. Excessive shedding, though, may be due to dry skin, a poor diet, or stress. The first line of defense is to groom your pet for five minutes a day which is also an excellent bonding opportunity. To reduce shedding, try moisturizing your pet’s skin and hair through his diet. Dry skin sheds more hair. Dry hairs drop off animals like the needles off a Christmas tree. Try adding a few drops of olive or flaxseed oil to your cat’s or dog’s kibble. Your veterinarian might suggest a dietary supplement which include fish and safflower oils and vitamin E, to improve coat condition.

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