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Question: Russ, neutered, age 2 years, was rescued with his mum and siblings. I adopted him at 14 weeks. He was crazier than any kitten I’ve ever known. His aggression started at age 10 months. He stalks me when we’re playing and lunges and attacks several times a day, grabbing and biting my legs and sometimes my head. He has a large cat tree, food puzzles and access to the outdoors during the day; he’s inside at night. I play with him daily. Dr. Nichol: You’ve done an excellent job of enriching Russ’s life but, sadly, he has directed his aggression toward you so many times that you have become the mouse in his life. So, of course, he stalks and mangles you. You could spray him with water but punishment won’t change who he is. Only hose him down if he catches fire. Purchase a Clik Stik online. Smear…

Question: My 2 year old cat has separation anxiety. When he sees me getting dressed he starts crying and follows me, holding my leg, and when I get to the door his legs shake. Dr. Nichol: I’m sad just reading about your kitty’s angst. It could be worse. Most cats with separation anxiety give themselves away by urine soiling when home alone. Others cry or over-groom, resulting in bald patches. Quit your job? There’s a better way. Cats are hard-wired to stalk and hunt helpless rodents. Yours isn’t bored; he needs to engage his brain and athletic body rather than wringing his little paws when you’re gone. Remember Wild Kingdom? I don’t either. Outdoor surveillance video will reveal freak-out factors like visiting neighbor cats or wild animals. Your boy could be stressed because he can’t escape or chase those scary beasts to the county line. Humane booby traps would send…