The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [40]
So, how does harp therapy work? Raimond says that a plucked string sends overtones — some inaudible to the human ear — like a dog whistle. The sound produces harmonic overtones that seem to work at a cellular level in lowering blood pressure and reducing stress levels, though scientific research is needed to validate this. If you think this all sounds a bit New Age-y, you’re not far off-key. But this work is worth considering as researchers study the healing power of music in human health.
Whenever Raimond needs to transport her cats to the veterinary clinic, she pops a CD containing the harp music into her car’s stereo as she makes the 20-minute drive. She says that all three cats yowl if the music is not on but remain calm when she plays the music. She says for the music to work, a cat must hear it for at least three minutes. Generally at that point, Raimond says most cats will start to settle down. Within 10 to 20 minutes, most cats lie down in a resting state with some even sleeping soundly. Now that sounds like sweet music to everyone’s ears.
Bathing Beauty
Q Whenever I take a bubble bath, my cat scoots into the bathroom as soon as she hears the water flowing. She perches on the side of the tub while I bathe. Once she slipped and fell in! Even getting covered in bubbles didn’t deter her and she was back the next night. What’s the big deal about bathtime?
A As explained in Making a Splash on page 126, many cats are fascinated by running water, whether the source is a bathtub, sink, or shower faucet. Some cats will even sit on the edge of the tub while the shower is running. But a bubble bath has a special allure. Think about it — when you are in the tub, you are usually relaxed, quiet, and not moving much, traits that appeal to the average feline. And the bubbles provide a fascinating texture at which to bat.
I say enjoy these quiet moments with your cat. There is no harm in her hanging out with you, and your feline friend won’t gossip to others as to what you look like in your “birthday suit.” I encourage you to call for your cat before you turn on the faucet. This way, you can reinforce the come command in a welcoming setting. Then let those bubbles flow and enjoy your kitty’s company as you soak.
Santa’s Unwelcome Helper
Q Every year when we put up our Christmas tree, our cat, Leo, decides to test his climbing skills. I find ornaments — some broken — on the living room floor each morning. Once he actually leaped on the tree with such force that he knocked it over. What can I do to stop Leo from bothering our tree during the holidays?
A Christmas often brings out the imp in cats, whose favorite carol must be “wreck the halls with paws of folly.” Many cats are curious about new objects that appear in their territory, especially ones as interesting as a real tree. Leo probably loves that fresh pine scent as much as you do. He thinks of it as a wonderful early holiday gift — the smell of the great outdoors.
Another major temptation is all those glimmering ornaments and shimmering tinsel. Many cats like shiny objects. Leo has discovered that a slight bat of the paw makes these objects move and another bat turns them into fun toys that skitter across the floor.
A third attraction can be what’s under the tree. If catnip toys and gifts of food are wrapped and placed under the tree a few days before Santa’s scheduled arrival, Leo doesn’t know to wait until December 25. Wait to put those gifts under the tree until you’re ready to open presents with your family.
Following on the next page are some other ways