The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [30]
To answer Bella’s needy nature, I instructed Lori to schedule exercise and playtimes with Bella at night to tire her out. Lori also followed my other suggestions: introducing clicker training and providing Bella with a climbing cat frame or cat condo filled with toys to pounce on, stalk, and swat at. Placing a bird feeder near a window provided Bella with a perfect place to observe and kept her entertained during the day when Lori was at work.
After playtime, Lori started feeding Bella a high-quality canned-food meal right before bedtime. This was designed to change Bella’s sleep–wake cycle. Well-exercised, mentally stimulated, fed-at-bedtime cats tend to be more content during the long hours of human sleeping time.
Through it all, Lori was realistic and knew not to expect overnight success. She was persistent and consistent and finally achieved her ultimate goal: sound sleep and a quieter, happier cat.
Contributed by Alice Moon-Fanelli, certified applied animal behaviorist
SIGNS OF STRESS
Cats feeling stressed may exhibit any or all of the following behaviors:
Excessive grooming, to the point of creating bald patches
Hiding
Exhibiting more aggression
Eating less or more than usual
Suddenly skipping the litter box or spraying in the house
Indicating depression by non-responsiveness and/or excessive sleeping
Cats and Kids
Q We’re planning to adopt a cat soon. Our kids, ages seven and ten, have been pestering us for some time to have a pet, and they promise to help take care of a cat. They have friends with cats and enjoy playing with them. What can you recommend about safely introducing a cat to kids?
A Growing up with a cat or any other cuddly pet certainly enhances a childhood. My first pet was a cat named Corky who joined our family when I was eight years old. Corky loved to swim in our backyard lake with our two dogs. Four decades later, I still have vivid memories of that feline pal.
To prepare for your new family member, call for a family meeting to talk about the pros and cons of adopting a cat or a kitten. Kittens put the p in play and the d in destructiveness. During their first year, they explore their environment with reckless abandon. They grow up quickly, and your cute, friendly kitten might mature into a standoffish adult. If you adopt an adult cat at a shelter, you will have a better idea of his true personality, whether affectionate or aloof. Look for cats who can tolerate busy households with the television or stereo blaring, kids running up and down hallways, and people coming and going. Stay away from shy cats who may hide or become frightened by household hubbub.
Some pedigreed breeds enjoy reputations for being children friendly. A good example is the Abyssinian. Abys thrive in a noisy household with kids and often will jump right into the action and beg for bear hugs!
Before you bring your new pet home, create a cat care schedule and post it on the refrigerator door or bulletin board. Everyone in the family should be assigned duties that can be checked off when they clean the litter box, provide fresh water, feed the cat, and groom the cat.
Educate your kids about the best ways to interact with cats. For example, cats do not like when people run up to them and smother them in bear hugs. A new cat may feel a bit unsure at first, so your children can help him feel at home by being quiet and gentle. Tell them to sit and be still and let the cat approach them. When he does, have your children hold out their hands to allow the cat to sniff and rub up against.
Alert your children not to disturb a cat who is sleeping or using a litter box. He may feel startled or trapped and react by nipping or scratching them. Show them the right way to hold a cat by placing one hand or arm under the cat’s front legs and supporting the hind legs with the