The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [80]
TOYS ON THE NO-NO LIST
Don’t let your cat play with the following items. They are too easily swallowed or wrapped around a neck.
Yarn
Dental floss
Rubber bands
Paper clips
Plastic bags
Dangling curtain cords
Shadow Walking
Q All four of my cats will follow my dog and me on our walks, but most of them give up after a block or so. Riley, however, is very persistent and will follow us no matter how far we go. She yowls and meows until I stop and wait for her to catch up. Usually, we keep our walks short when we get “caught” by Riley, but one time, she followed us all the way around a nearby tennis court. She crossed streets and walked through several open areas to keep up. Why does she follow me if it seems so stressful?
A This is a case of kitty see, kitty go. Clearly, Riley is a very confident cat who trusts you, your dog, your surroundings, and herself. Cats do not typically walk in open areas if they sense any danger. They are more apt to hide in shrubbery and scout out the nearest tree limbs in case of danger.
But not Ms. Riley. Chalk this habit up to her powerful personality. I would not take her vocalizing as stress as much as it is her wish to be chatty on your outings. Talk back to her in an upbeat tone. She just wants to be part of the pack. You should take this as a big feline compliment.
FELINE FACT
Most cats have no eyelashes.
My cat Corky would follow anyone carrying a fishing pole because he associated the pole with a tasty bluegill meal. I even experimented a few times by walking out the front door with the fishing pole but moving in the opposite direction from our backyard lake. Corky happily trotted by my side anyway. Perhaps he thought I was merely taking the scenic route to the fish-filled lake.
It sounds like your neighborhood is quiet and without a lot of traffic, and that you keep tabs on your feline entourage, especially the roaming Riley. Still, I recommend that you train Riley to use a made-for-cats harness so that you can reel her in should any sudden danger surface. And it’s a good idea to do a head count to make sure all the cats are inside before you and the dog head out for a long walk or run.
FELINE WILL POWER
What happens if you die before your cat? Or become ill or incapacitated? Do you have a plan for her care? Including your cat in your will or living trust is one of the best gifts you can give your feline friend. I recommend that you work with an attorney who specializes in estate planning to draw up a will or trust that officially expresses your intentions for your cat’s care.
Wills and trusts are often read weeks or months after someone dies. That’s why it is also important to name a couple of caregivers who have agreed to step in and assist your cat as soon as something happens to you. Spell out your wishes in writing by carrying a wallet “alert card” and letting your friends and family know what your arrangements are.
Making contingency plans like these is not a fun task, but once completed, you will have peace of mind in knowing that your pets will be taken care of after your passing. See resources, page 314 for more information.
Click! Click! Train Your Tabby
Q My husband and I have different views on whether cats are capable of learning tricks. My husband believes that cats are out to please only themselves and have no interest in doing some of the tricks that dogs do willingly. I believe that with the right motivation, we can train our cat to shake paws, sit up, and other commands. I hope you can settle this bet. Which one of us is right?
A You win this bet, paws down. Cats are not commonly thought of as performers, but many do participate in circuses, street shows, and movies. One effective method for working with cats is clicker training. Clicker training involves the use a distinctive sound to reinforce desired actions. Karen Pryor, a world-renowned animal behaviorist, first used clicker training on dolphins. A couple of decades ago, she began employing her clicker training on dogs, cats, and other critters. She