Final Up to date on: November 1, 2022 by Crystal Uys
Welcome to our common “Ask the Cat Behaviorist with Mikel Delgado” phase. As soon as a month, we’ll put up a reminder so that you can put up your questions for Mikel. She’ll reply as a lot of them as she will be able to every month, and I’ll publish her solutions in a subsequent put up.
Mikel is a Licensed Cat Conduct Guide at Feline Minds, providing on-site consultations for cat guardians, shelters, and pet-related companies within the San Francisco Bay Space, and distant consultations world wide. She obtained her PhD in Psychology at UC Berkeley, the place she studied animal conduct and human-pet relationships. Mikel is co-author of Jackson Galaxy’s forthcoming e book, Complete Cat Mojo: The Final Information to Life with Your Cat, due out October 31 and obtainable for pre-order now (that is an affiliate hyperlink*).
However earlier than we get to the solutions to your questions, we wish to congratulate Mikel on finishing her PhD final week – congratulations, Dr. Delgado!
Aggression between sister cats
We adopted two sister cats from a rescue a 12 months in the past. The cats are in all probability round 2 and have at all times had a really shut relationship. Lately we’ve been having some incidents of redirected aggression. A stray cat within the neighborhood comes by most nights and actually will get the cats labored up, significantly certainly one of them. Each of our cats are spayed. On two separate events, certainly one of our cats has turn out to be loopy with rage and assaults her sister. The fights are very aggressive and after we’ve separated them, the enraged cat will attempt to stalk her sister for the following 30-60 minutes. This appears to be affecting their common relationship as there may be extra hissing at one another, significantly from the one who will get attacked. I might respect any strategies. A vet tech good friend really helpful the pheromones, which is how I discovered your put up concerning the analysis on their effectiveness. (Jim)
Jim,
Redirected aggression could be problematic, as a result of if unmanaged, it may possibly ultimately trigger an enormous rift between cats that may be tough to restore. The very first thing it’s essential do is preserve the stray cat away out of your home windows – akin to with motion-sensitive sprinklers or compressed air cans. He must get the (humane) message he isn’t welcome in your yard. If he isn’t neutered, I like to recommend working with an area rescue group to do some TNR (entice, neuter, return) for him!
Within the meantime, I might cowl the home windows the place your cats are inclined to see him – both with privateness movies, and even with cardboard. The visible entry must be taken away. If there are different home windows (the place he can’t be seen) that may be made extra enticing with a cat tree, heated mattress, or perch, attempt to encourage your cats to spend time away from the areas the place he could be noticed.
In the event that they do get right into a tiff, an hour might not be sufficient to separate them; cats can keep aroused for for much longer than that, and reintroducing them whereas they’re nonetheless labored up might backfire. So I’d give them not less than in a single day, and reintroduce them over one thing nice, like parallel playtime or a favourite deal with.
Misplaced cat
My 2.5year previous cat has gone lacking, for greater than every week now, he has by no means been away from dwelling for greater than two days. We dwell on a small holding so there are different cats within the space, and being a farm there aren’t any fences, so he isn’t restricted to the place he can go. We now have knowledgeable all neighbors and varied animal shelters, however nobody has seen him. My query, can he simply go “lacking” and be okay on his personal, can cats get misplaced? My boyfriend says he’s gone and I ought to cease searching for him.. however I merely can’t do this!! He’s a neutered male. (Karen)
Karen,
I’m so sorry to listen to that your kitty has been lacking, and I hope that he has returned within the meantime. I might say, even when it has been a couple of months, don’t surrender! I’ve a good friend who discovered her cat after she was misplaced for 3 months!
Cats who go exterior frequently don’t sometimes get misplaced (though maybe if he was frightened sufficient he may have gotten confused about tips on how to get dwelling). The dangers to cats who go exterior sadly embrace demise or harm, or he may have “hitched a journey” someplace. Regardless, to discover a misplaced cat I like to recommend the next:
1. Put flyers with a current, clear picture throughout your neighborhood
2. Knock on individuals’s doorways and put up on native neighborhood message boards to see if anybody has sighted him
3. If he has been sighted, name to him at daybreak and nightfall or set a feral entice in these areas – put a few of his soiled kitty litter or some very tempting meals contained in the entice to tempt him again
4. Name your animal management service routinely and file a report if they provide that service
If and if you discover your kitty, I might think about whether or not it’s time to change to an indoor-only life-style. Harness coaching and enclosures might help your cat get some secure, managed outside entry with out the dangers. Better of luck to you to find your boy.
Clicker coaching for shelter cats?
I volunteer at a shelter and there are cats that don’t present nicely as a result of stress. They both growl or snap if you attempt to pet them. How do I take advantage of clicker coaching to cease unfavorable conduct? There’s a cat the meows with discontent at any time when being petted. This was my approach –> I let her sniff my hand to request permission to pet her. I give a kitty deal with for her to eat, pet her and click on concurrently. I repeat if she doesn’t growl. If she does, then I cease the session and stroll away. Am I utilizing the clicker appropriately to cease unhealthy conduct? (Kate)
Kate,
The clicker is supposed to be a bridge between the specified conduct (akin to permitting pets) and the reinforcer – we all know the clicker approach is working when the specified conduct will increase. The sequence is cat presents conduct – clicker – deal with. Nevertheless, I believe it’s vital to first think about whether or not you’re beginning with the fitting behaviors to strengthen. For cats in shelters, it may be exhausting to be in a confined house the place you may’t get away. Some cats would possibly tolerate, however not get pleasure from, petting.
The truth that she is continuous to growl means that her stage of hysteria or risk is excessive and she or he might not be studying a lot constructive in any respect concerning the expertise. As an alternative, there may be some “flooding” happening, the place you pressure an animal to be uncovered to one thing they discover worrying. Though you’re pairing it with one thing she would possibly like, if her conduct isn’t altering for the higher, I’d be involved.
Opposite proof can be if she relaxes into the petting, or reveals different constructive indicators, akin to rubbing into your hand or purring. Missing these indicators, I might take the coaching again a step. This could possibly be “goal coaching,” as an alternative reinforcing her for touching her nostril to one thing like a wood spoon. This lets you preserve a ways from her, however nonetheless train her that her behaviors can result in rewards from people. As she will get extra snug round people, you may attempt to pet her; however actually, some cats don’t get pleasure from a lot petting, and are a lot much less inclined to tolerate dealing with in a worrying setting akin to a shelter. If there’s something that may be carried out, akin to shifting her to a bigger, quieter house, or perhaps a foster dwelling, you would possibly see extra constructive adjustments in her conduct. Play with an interactive toy is one other nice, stress-reducing method to work together with a cat who doesn’t need a number of dealing with.
Male cat is “fake” spraying
Considered one of our four-year-old neutered male cats (they’re brothers we adopted once they have been three months previous) “pretends” to spray–he backs as much as one thing, normally a cupboard door, and does the shimmy/wiggle as if he’s marking. He’s not bothering us or something, and clearly nothing is popping out, however what’s his cope with this? His brother does it too each every so often, however I get the thought he’s simply being a copycat (nevertheless, our copycat can also be bizarre; he has a factor for carrots–they make him loopy. Catnip does nothing for him however a give him a bit of a carrot and he rolls round on it). (Nicole)
Hello Nicole,
“Mock spraying” or “rattlesnake tail” is a reasonably frequent signal of pleasure in cats, and so far as we all know, not a cause for concern. In different phrases, I’m not aware of any proof that cats who mock spray are kind of more likely to actually spray. Cats have a tendency to do that conduct earlier than meals, when their people get dwelling, or at different occasions they’re joyful. If he appears overly excited at these occasions, attempt a bit of playtime with an interactive toy to assist him blow off a bit of steam! In any other case, I wouldn’t be too frightened.
And, I’ve by no means heard of a cat who liked carrots, however that’s completely cute! Cats by no means stop to shock me!!
Cat overeats after which throws up
My male cat Simba likes to overeat after which throws up afterwards. He was heavy and now has gotten slender, is that ordinary in the course of the summer season months? My husband thinks we must always take him to the vet. (Julia Simpson)
Julia,
I agree, a visit to the vet must be your FIRST cease in resolving this situation. Opposite to well-liked perception, vomiting in cats shouldn’t be “regular” and it’s not sometimes a behavioral downside. There are lots of medical causes for vomiting in cats, akin to inflammatory bowel illness, meals sensitivity, hyperthyroidism, and many others.
In case your vet offers Simba the all clear and believes it is a behavioral downside, then I like to recommend introducing meals puzzles and slow-feeder bowls. These can present train and enrichment, whereas stopping cats from the headband and barf! You’ll be able to try this web site for extra info on utilizing meals puzzles with cats: foodpuzzlesforcats.com (full disclosure: I co-own the web site, however there’s no monetary acquire in it for me! Only a labor of affection!).
Cat stops taking part in when different cats come close to
Hello Mikel,
I’ve 5 cats all very shut. My query is 1, the youngest stops taking part in anytime a sibling comes close to. We now have tried taking part in with alone in a room, however he’ll nonetheless cease when he hears the others on the door. It’s like he’s embarrassed to mess around them. Any strategies??? Thanks, Sharyl.
Sharyl,
I’m glad you’ve tried taking part in alone with the teenager. Many cats are inhibited in play when different cats are round, they usually solely manner you may get them to play is by confining them in a distinct room! You probably have anybody else within the family who can preserve the opposite cats away from the door, that may assist. Lots of kitties don’t like closed doorways after which the meowing, scratching and banging on the door begins!
You can additionally add some white noise to the room, and even discuss radio at low quantity. That may block sufficient of his siblings’ noises that he can let unfastened and get some play in! Worst case situation may be placing the opposite cats in a separate room (if house permits) so your infant can get 5-10 minutes of play in!
There could also be different points of the cats’ relationship it’s essential work on – with out figuring out extra particulars, a professional conduct seek the advice of might be able to provide help to add extra vertical house, experiment with completely different toys or play types, and even desensitize the cats to taking part in round one another, so that you just don’t should segregate your youngest.
Tough play between younger cats
Hello Mikel,
My query is. I’ve (2) 3 12 months previous feminine cats, each spayed. I obtained them inside 30 days of one another at 10 & 6 weeks. They play, sleep collectively at occasions, groom one another and eat subsequent to one another. However typically, once they play, it’s what I name, “too tough” inflicting one to hiss, growl and spit with the opposite chasing her. How can I detour that conduct from going to far with out ruining play time for them? I take advantage of distraction, I’ve rescued the one and the aggressor has been positioned in a 3 minute timeout in a room by herself. I’m simply not what’s the most right factor to do. Thanks, Debbie Jones
Hello Debbie,
Some “sibling rivalry” is regular, and if the cats are in any other case getting alongside – taking part in, allogrooming, and sleeping collectively, it sounds just like the tough play is a part of their routine! Typically one cat desires to groom the opposite and goes too far, or one is extra within the temper for play than the opposite. That mentioned, most cats who’re pleasant with one another can work these tiffs out on their very own with out your intervention.
I might advocate ensuring you could have loads of assets for BOTH cats in order that they don’t should battle over fascinating areas, akin to perches or cat beds. Feed them in separate areas and ensure you have not less than two litter containers. These are little issues that give cats CHOICES of their setting. Many cats work out variations by way of avoidance, and giving them a number of choices can cut back battle. Having drained, well-exercised cats can also be useful – so don’t overlook the interactive play and enrichment.
Generally I’m not a giant fan of “timeouts” within the rest room, and would as an alternative deal with the “home of lots” as described above. Distraction (akin to dropping a e book or journal on the ground earlier than issues get too tough) is suitable, however until they’re injuring one another, you’re seeing different adjustments of their relationship, or one cat is simply completely relentless, you might not must intervene in any respect.
Is getting a second kitten at all times a good suggestion?
Whereas I respect the ‘get a second kitten’ remark (being a foster dwelling for kittens, I at all times like that concept) it ought to include a caveat of “for those who can afford it” or “you probably have time” Some individuals get single cats for a cause and pushing exhausting for a second kitten could be off-putting or in some circumstances ill-advised. Connie – Tails from the Foster Kittens
Connie — I additionally respect your remark (and you’re definitely not the one one who has mentioned that to me), however I do assume that now we have to contemplate the welfare of the animals we’re adopting. I really feel very strongly about this! As an alternative of adopting a single kitten, individuals who need just one cat may undertake an grownup cat who has already demonstrated they like the singleton life-style, reasonably than condemning a kitten to a lifetime of social isolation from their friends. I labored on the San Francisco SPCA for a few years, and sadly watched many a kitten go to a singleton dwelling; if these kittens have been returned to the shelter, they usually got here again with out social abilities with different cats, which then restricted their adoption choices! Clearly, all I can do is state my opinions; individuals will proceed to undertake single kittens…however hopefully they will not less than pay attention to the dangers and welfare issues for the kitten. Thanks for all you do for foster kittens!!!
Biting cat
I’ve a black n white tux. She is so imply. She bites me, different folks that come over, and growls like a canine to my different cats. (Connie)
Connie,
I’m sorry to listen to that your cat appears so sad. Sadly, this isn’t sufficient info to assist me perceive why your cat may be biting and growling; some cats are extra delicate to dealing with than others, or won’t get together with different cats. That mentioned, there are at all times methods to assist a cat like this. For my part, there aren’t any “imply cats.” There are cats responding to their setting in ways in which point out stress and anxiousness – akin to biting and growling. It’s possible you’ll wish to discuss to your vet or a conduct skilled about how one can assist your cat be much less stressed.
In terms of biting people, it’s vital to respect your cat’s house, and keep away from petting her roughly or till she is overstimulated. If she is afraid of individuals she will be able to study to belief extra by having the people in her life give her treats and her meals. Lastly, enrichment akin to vertical house and scratching posts, together with interactive play have therapeutic results for many cats. If she is actually pressured and anxious past what’s humane for her, I might discuss to your vet about whether or not conduct treatment may additionally assist her out. Once more, with out extra info, I’d say your finest wager is reaching out to a behaviorist that can assist you out!
Tortie doesn’t know what conduct means
My “Tortie” doesn’t know what conduct means. It’s her independence or nothing, and I find it irresistible. Jogs my memory of myself. (William Eckardt)
William,
It seems like you’re a good match! I can respect that unbiased spirit!
Cat consuming small twigs
Hello Mikel.
My 3 12 months previous tabby has entry to a secluded backyard, he loves. However he has a behavior of often consuming small twigs. I don’t see him doing this. However the subsequent day he’s very passive and clearly feeling unhealthy, till the identical day or the day after he eliminates a poo with the twig in it. I’m reasonably involved about this behavior and it’s potential hazard to his well being. Any recommendation, so he can nonetheless be in his backyard? (Ghita)
Hello Ghita!
Many kitties are attracted to varied vegetation to chew on. It seems like you could have a beautiful and secure outside house in your cat to spend time in, and I might hate to see that taken away from him! I might advocate a fast name to your vet, with an outline or picture of the twigs, so your vet can advise you on what kind of threat this poses. It sounds just like the twig shouldn’t be very damaged down in his feces, which suggests it may be extra of a hazard that one thing extra digestible!
Can the twigs be cleaned up, tied again, coated, or in any other case managed to handle his entry? Another unsafe vegetation could possibly be sprayed (at cat stage) with bitter apple spray to cut back their enchantment.
Concurrently, since he likes to chew on plant-like matter, why not supply him some cat grass within the backyard space? That may not less than direct this conduct to one thing secure and equally satisfying.
Cat locations toys in water bowl
I’m a blind PRA Siamese cat. An vital a part of my play is to tub, drown, depart to swim, my toy mice and birds into water bowls positioned in the home and if alternative permits – into the bathroom. Why am I doing this? (Bizzy)
Bizzy,
You certainly sound like a fun-loving and cute cat. Whereas theories about why kitties dunk their toys of their water bowls abound, we don’t have one clear reply to your query. Some individuals assume it’s because the meals and water dishes are a part of the cat’s “nest territory” they usually may be storing them in a spot that’s secure. Drs. John Bradshaw and Sarah Halls’ analysis additionally tells us that the “disintegration” of prey – which means shedding feathers or different physique components (!!), falling aside, and such are a part of the searching course of that retains cats engaged. The change in texture of a toy when it will get moist may really feel good to cats or allow them to know that the searching course of is continuous as deliberate and the prey merchandise is falling aside! Sustain the nice work!
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