Welcome to the Ask Dr. Paola series. Every Monday, we help our readers better understand their cat’s health and well-being with expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ).
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to answer your most pressing questions. From nutritional tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to provide insight to keep your kitty happy, healthy, and healthy. feline Are you okay. We look forward to hearing expert advice on a variety of topics that are most important to you and your cat. That way, you can make informed decisions and provide the best care for your furry pet.
Have any questions? Send them here!
Help! My cat loves sitting on my laptop.
“Why does my cat always sit on my laptop the moment I open it?” She may be sleeping across the room, but if she hears the room open, You will wake up and lie on the key. It’s bad to move her, but the work won’t progress if you just let her win. What should I do? ” – Gia (Sunny’s mom)
Dear Gia
Sunny’s love for her laptop seems to be a mixture of security, curiosity, and learned behavior. Cats naturally seek warmth, so the laptop provides an irresistible cozy heating spot for Sunny. It is very likely that the sound of the laptop being opened was a cue or cue for her. Sonny knew he could get your attention by going and sitting at your laptop, and he quickly developed a desire to do so. When you are concentrating on your laptop, Sunny may see it as competition (for your attention). And to make sure she’s a priority, she found a way to take center stage. This behavior may reflect her territorial instincts, putting her scent on the laptop and claiming it and you as her own.
You can change her focus by placing a warm, cozy bed or blanket near her workspace, or by placing a cat bed like a Hepper Nest that fits snugly anywhere (especially on her desk). Masu. But be sure to reward her when she uses it. . Interactive toys can keep her occupied while you work. And remember, Sunny is only expressing her love and connection to you, and she likely got what she wanted, so you’re not in control of what she gets. need to think.
Operant conditioning based on positive reinforcement will help her develop new habits. Also, you don’t have to be reluctant to move her. As long as you do it gently, it’s perfectly fine. Just don’t turn this into a fight. If she insists, you may need to close the door and physically prevent her from getting there. Over time, she will learn that jumping on her laptop won’t get her what she wants. However, suggest her a more desirable alternative.
I wish you good luck!
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat is a drama queen!
“Every time I walk in the door, my cat Teaga greets me with a dramatic meow as if he’s been away for years, even if I’m just in the mailbox. Is she really poor or is there something else going on?” – Sarah
Hello Sarah
Did you know that cats only meow at their mothers when they are kittens? As adults, cats stop meowing at other cats and reserve this behavior only for humans. When cats are kittens, they learn that meowing gets them attention, food, warmth, and other comfort from their mother. As they grow, they transfer this behavior to humans to meet similar needs, such as attention, food, play, and cuddles.
It may seem dramatic, but Teaga’s chirps when you come home are her way of greeting you with a “welcome home!” and signals that she is ready to engage. Teaga will likely be looking forward to the usual attention, cuddles, or even food that you provide. If this is separation anxiety, you’ll notice other signs, so it’s important to be familiar with them. A sudden change in your Tegas’ behavior could also be a sign that something is going on. But if this chirp is just a greeting, it’s easy to deal with. You can train your Teaga to ignore and stop every time it cries. Just walk by without reacting and pay attention to it when it finishes meowing. Please be patient. This takes time and consistency. If you have others in your family, you should follow the same approach to ensure success. Consistency is key when trying to change behavior.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat keeps scratching the furniture!
“My cat keeps scratching the carpet and furniture even though I have a scratching post. Is he marking his territory or is he more interested in mine than the scratching post? Does it just look more fun on the couch?” – Levi, Dad of Boots
Hey Levi, you’re not alone, cats are territorial and love to mark everything as theirs.
You did the right thing by providing a scratching post, but now you also need to make the furniture less desirable. Try using aluminum foil, sticky tape, or security spray. You mentioned that boots also scratch carpets, so you’ll need to provide a horizontal scratching surface as well. You need to try some tricks to make the same undesirable for your boots. I love the Hepper Hi Lo Scratcher because it allows you to easily change the three heights and directions depending on your cat’s mood.
Another clue here is that Boots may have learned to get attention by scratching certain things rather than others. So these remote fix tricks are sure to work their magic. Another part of the equation is making the designated scratching area more desirable. If the boots like Actinidia, you can sprinkle some there. You should also supplement the boot with treats, cuddles, or opportunities to play with his favorite toy. Every time he chooses the right place to scratch. It takes time, consistency, and repetition, but it’s definitely possible.
This article is part of the weekly Ask Dr. Paola series.
