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It would seem logical to correct or punish a destructive cat but these apparently nefarious acts are actually part of the normal feline behavioral repertoire. Feliscratch is a synthetic analogue of the scratching pheromone that cats feel compelled to spread around their territories. Applying liquid Feliscratch, where you want your cat to scratch, will communicate in cat-speak that you actually want scratching and this is where you want it. Making it easy for a kitty to succeed is good pet-parenting and better for the spirit than angst and frustration.
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Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) I was recently contacted by a 72 year old man who explained that he’d had cats his entire life. He and his wife had recently lost their cat and, as he put it, he felt lost without another companion. But – his wife insisted that any new cat in their home be declawed. He told me that he just couldn’t agree to that. There are those who insist that cats be spared a painful procedure on one hand and there are proponents of a non-shredded house on the other. You want to do something about this, don’t you? It would seem logical to correct or punish or declaw a home-wrecking cat. Feliscratch is a synthetic analogue of the scratching pheromone that cats feel compelled to spread around their territories. Applying liquid Feliscratch, where you want your cat to scratch, will make you the top…
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Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) There is a definite calming influence that comes with having a cat sharing my home. They are delightful creatures but even the best-behaved kitty isn’t perfect, though, is she? When I list the reasons for this love affair, like companionship, affection, entertainment, and a great example of living in the moment, I recall the sacrifices that the cat-crazy among us conveniently forget – like our shredded house. There are aspects of cat-parenting that we must accept but modern science can make things better. The Nichol family has 2 cats who don’t damage their people and who have been, sort of, pretty good with our furniture. We’ve set them up for success by providing appropriate outlets for their destructive proclivities. They have fireplace logs along with scratching posts built into their tall climbing tree. But sadly, the chair I’m parked in as I write this…
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Teach her that good things come from the man in her life Some dogs are genetically programmed with low-status personalities. They can lose the heebie jeebies if a man ignores them as he drops a few small bits of tasty food. After he repeats this dozens of times he can reach down with a tender morsel-while completely ignoring the bunny at his feet. When she’s relaxed eating from his hand he can steal a glance at his little cupcake. Only when his new admirer confidently gazes up at him should he try slowly crouching next to her. I hope you find this information useful. You’re welcome to share this blog with any of your pet-loving friends. If their dogs are nervous or aggressive toward men, well, they’ll be glad for the advice. Each week I share a short video, a podcast, or a blog to help bring out the best…
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Here’s a subject that a whole lot of committed pet owners feel strongly about – and with good reason. If you think sterilization of dogs and cats is the right thing to do, well, I would never argue. On the other hand, if you did not subject your dog to surgical removal of the testicles, ovaries, and uterus, procedures I have done thousands of times in my career, I wouldn’t challenge you to a duel. Either decision can constitute responsible pet ownership. I believe that taking the time to listen to this podcast qualifies you as a committed dog parent. I encourage you to make your decision based on scientific evidence instead of emotion. Here, I’m going to share the results of research that can reduce some risks. This may help guide your decision on when or even if to spay or neuter your next dog. I hope you find…
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If you think that spaying and neutering is the right thing to do, well, I would never argue. On the other hand, if you did not subject your dog to surgical removal of the testicles, ovaries, and uterus, procedures I have done thousands of times in my career, I wouldn’t challenge you to a duel. Either decision can constitute responsible pet ownership. I believe that taking the time to read this blog qualifies you as a committed dog parent. You’re not going to allow unrestricted, willy nilly, gratuitous, canine promiscuity. The hugely important priority of controlling runaway growth in the population of unwanted dogs isn’t a problem that you are going to worsen. You just want your dog to be as healthy as possible because you love that little creature. I get it. I’m that way with this man’s best friend, a Border collie named Miss America. Why Miss America,…
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This is the story of Sherman, a well-loved cat with long-standing defensive-aggression in veterinary clinics. It was so bad that his people quit taking him for routine wellness exams. As a result his kidney failure wasn’t diagnosed until its advanced stage. It wasn’t that Sherman’s people didn’t feel that medical care was important; he just hated going. During one veterinary visit, the staff had taken Sherman to the treatment room for his vaccination booster. His folks heard their boy cry out. The next time routine care was needed, after a lot of pushing, shoving, coaxing, and cajoling to get Sherman into his carrier, he became intensely aggressive toward the doctor and staff. Believing that cats don’t really need a lot of preventative care, his folks gave it up. Actually, cats have as much need for annual exams and preventive medicine as anyone. We veterinarians carry a huge responsibility for our…
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This is the story of Sherman, a cat who learned to hate going to the veterinarian. This sad turn of events led to serious challenges for this fine kitty. His people acknowledged that it had been a long time since Sherman had seen a doctor. It wasn’t that they didn’t feel that it was important; Sherman just hated going. During his first veterinary visit after moving to California several years earlier, the staff had taken Sherman to the treatment room for his vaccination booster. His folks heard their boy cry out. The next time routine care was needed, after a lot of pushing, shoving, coaxing, and cajoling to get Sherman into his carrier, he became intensely aggressive toward the doctor and staff. Believing that cats, especially those living indoors with doting pet parents, don’t really need a lot of preventative care, they gave it up. Cats are pretty adept at…
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When I met Sherman he was a sporty little black and white feline youth of about 8 weeks. During my first exam room encounter with him he stood up for himself. I respected his strength of character. I vaccinated and neutered Sherman, events that left our professional relationship unscathed. His family consisted of Bonnie and Rick, a couple of genuinely committed pet parents. Sherman was treated well everywhere he went. He was on his way to an excellent life. I encountered Sherman from time to time for the usual juvenile bumps and bruises. I always found him to be cooperative and enjoyable. His folks wanted only the best for him, making my job that much better. Then there was a job transfer to California. I really liked that little family; I was sad to see them go. One day, about 8 years later, I was surprised to receive an email…
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