The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [66]
In general, psychogenic alopecia occurs more often in females than males, and it can happen at any age. It is seen predominantly, but not exclusively, in pedigreed cats of Oriental breeding and is usually associated with cats who have anxious temperaments. Clearly, Amber missed Pookie. The other cat in the home, Honey Boy, behaved like a bully, so I advised Sylvia to fit his collar with a bell so that Amber could be forewarned of his whereabouts and avoid a confrontation.
I recommended that Sylvia engage Amber in five to ten minutes of interactive exercise and play a couple of times each day. Feather toys, catnip mice, and crinkly objects are favorites with many cats. Enriching the environment with a feline hammock for the cats to climb on and giving them treat balls to play with helped calm and distract Honey Boy, which decreased Amber’s anxiety.
As an interim measure, I also suggested that Sylvia consult with her veterinarian about temporarily administering a calming medication used to treat compulsive disorders such as psychogenic alopecia. Amber’s grooming behavior was reduced and her coat regained its shiny, healthy look.
Contributed by Alice Moon-Fanelli, certified applied animal behaviorist
SOURED BY MILK?
Even though many people think cats and milk go together like mice and cheese, veterinarians generally advise against treating your cat to a big saucer of milk. Adult cats do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to properly digest the lactose found in milk. Even a few tablespoons of milk can cause diarrhea or vomiting. Why take the chance?
Tubby Tabby Weighs In
Q I love my big huggable cat, Leo, but my friends joke about his size. They call him Leo the Large and ask me if I really have two cats, not one. He is eight years old and weighs 16 pounds. I tell my friends he is just big-boned, but I know he is overweight. He doesn’t seem to have any health problems, however. What’s wrong with having a chubby cat?
A Plenty. I know from experience. My youngest cat, Murphy, was always the athletic one of my feline trio until a few years ago. Each morning, I would take her for a walk in my neighborhood. She would come running to the door when I brought out the leash and harness. Then I added a dog to the family, and then another. Instead of taking Murphy for a walk or tossing a paper wad down the long hallway for her to fetch, I started walking and running with my canines.
Murphy sat home and ate and ate. Kibble by kibble and treat by treat, she packed on the ounces until she reached 15 pounds. Like you, I had to come to grips with my part in creating a fat cat. Unfortunately, you and I are not alone. Up to 40 percent of all cats in the United States tip the scales as overweight or obese.
Overweight cats are at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and a host of other conditions. As their bellies expand, they are less motivated to do anything beyond eating, sleeping, and making the occasional trip to the litter box. They often drink less water, which makes them likelier candidates for stones in their urine or for urinary tract infections.
Let’s help Leo slim down smartly. Take a “before” photo of him and put it in a visible place such as your refrigerator door. Start a food diary and weigh Leo once every three days. If you keep his food bowl always full, cease. Ask you veterinarian for advice on a high-quality diet food (some have more fiber, which helps the cat feel fuller) and slowly wean him from his regular food to the lower calorie version. Set up specific mealtimes and measure each portion according to the directions on the package. Use an actual measuring cup, not a plastic deli container or other imprecise scoop. Spread out his kibble on a cookie sheet instead of a bowl. It will take him longer to eat his chow.
Work with your veterinarian on slowly decreasing Leo’s food portions. You don’t want to cut back too quickly. In cats, the dangers of “crash dieting” can lead to hepatic lipidosis, more commonly known as fatty liver disease.
Your goal is for Leo to