Final Up to date on: November 1, 2022 by Crystal Uys
Final month, we launched our new “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 lots of them as he can every month, and I’ll publish her solutions in a subsequent put up.
Mikel is a Licensed Cat Conduct Marketing consultant at Feline Minds, providing on-site consultations for cat guardians, shelters, and pet-related companies within the San Francisco Bay Space, and distant consultations all over the world. She is presently finishing her PhD in Psychology at UC Berkeley, the place she research animal habits and human-pet relationships.
Sleep disadvantaged cat guardians
I’m changing into sleep disadvantaged! My Kat desires my consideration all in the course of the evening, yowling and pushing at me. Might shut door however she doesn’t like closed door. She refuses to play at bedtime to tire her out..I would like my sleep! (Patricia LeBlanc)
Pricey Mikel,
I adopted 5 yo littermates Bo & Ellie final summer season (days after saying goodbye to my 19 yo Evi). Their daddy, who’d raised them collectively from the age of 6 weeks with a ton of affection, was being shipped abroad and so they have been in determined want of a house collectively, so in they moved.
The issue is the behavior expensive BoBo has of meowing ever so loudly exterior my bed room door each morning beginning round 5:30am. I’ve been sleep disadvantaged since they moved in. Sadly I need to preserve my bed room door shut as a result of I’m allergic to cats. I like cats, have all the time had cats, will all the time have cats, however I’ve to sleep in a “clear room” to stop assaults of allergy-induced bronchial asthma. These kitties all the time slept on their daddy’s mattress, so being shut out of the bed room now should make them really feel unhappy, lonely, forlorn, confused. I’d hoped they’d simply get used to the brand new regular, however nothing’s modified in 9 months. I go away loads of meals out earlier than I am going to mattress, and there’s normally some left within the morning, so it’s about consideration, not meals. I do give them an extended play session at evening to tire them out. Earplugs fall out by morning. I attempted to simply ignore it and keep in mattress, realizing that if I received up when the meowing began then I used to be simply cementing this dangerous behavior — however he received’t cease meowing (I waited 90 minutes as soon as!), and finally I do should rise up for the day — so in fact he’s realized that if he continues meowing, mama will rise up. Apparently they’re 1/2 Siamese (and 1/2 Maine Coon), so that may clarify a number of the vocal quantity. Assist! I’m sooooo sleepy. Thanks! (Karin Moore)
Mikel:
Patricia and Karin,
Your complaints are comparable sufficient that I’m going to deal with them collectively. Cats waking up their people in the course of the evening is without doubt one of the commonest causes I’m referred to as for assist. Sleep deprivation takes its toll, on our well-being, and on our relationship with our cats!
This habits is normally being maintained for a couple of causes, the important thing ones being that the cat will get one thing out of it and that they aren’t sleepy once we are – and they also want a “schedule shift.” Typically the scenario is difficult by the truth that there was a change (equivalent to with Karin’s kitties, the place they have been used to sleeping on the mattress) or a housing scenario or cat that doesn’t permit for the cats to be separated from people at evening.
So, to sleep by the evening: step one is to maintain the cat extra lively all through the day, and for some cats this implies greater than only a play session at bedtime. Meals puzzles, chicken feeders hooked up to a window, and vertical area can encourage extra exercise in the course of the day. No less than one or two each day play periods with interactive toys will assist.
Patricia, I wasn’t certain if Kat is simply tough to play with at evening – so there could also be a particular toy that you just reserve for an evening time play session, OR chances are you’ll need to shift your feeding schedule so she performs FIRST, then will get a meal. Lots of people feed their cats very first thing after they get dwelling from work, and it may be tough to get cats to play after they’ve not too long ago had a meal – similar to we don’t wish to train with a full tummy!
Meals also can get cats extra in your schedule. I like to recommend meal feeding (or some variation thereof) in order that your cat has train and the most important meal of the day shortly earlier than your bedtime. That can make them extra more likely to cool down for the evening. Should you don’t need to meal feed, then maybe choose and select when your cat has meals freely accessible, selecting up their bowls within the early night so they’re hungry at bedtime.
Now’s when issues get somewhat gnarly. To essentially cease this habits, it’s a must to ignore it constantly. Should you give in after 5, 10, and even worse, 90 minutes, then you may have simply rewarded persistence. Now it’s true, Karin, that sooner or later, it’s a must to get off the bed. Why not use clicker coaching and reward your cat for going to a perch while you go away the bed room – solely click on when he has settled and stopped meowing. You’ll be able to reward with treats or reward.
Just a few different issues that will assist you to out: a bit of cardboard with double-sided carpet tape exterior your bed room door will make your cats much less more likely to sit there (simply watch out to not step on it while you rise up!). I’ve additionally discovered {that a} heated mattress that’s turned on solely at evening may be actually useful for getting cats to surrender their human sleeping behavior – seems a variety of them simply use us for physique warmth! 😊 Additionally, I’m a lightweight sleeper, so I take advantage of an air filter for white noise, which helps me sleep, and would possibly boring a few of these annoying midnight meows!
Male feral cat is aggressive with different feral cats and stalks caregiver
I’ve a small colony of feral cats that I take care of and have my very own indoor cats that go exterior. A male cat joined the colony early this yr I had him trapped and neutered however 4 months later he has change into very aggressive with the opposite ferals and my very own cats as effectively – I’ve the feeding stations on the perimeter of my property however now he’ll stalk me and my cats close to the entrance door. Is there something that I can do in need of relocating him to tone down his aggressive habits? Thanks! ( Karen Aseltine)
Mikel:
Hello Karen,
Sadly, some cats are extra territorial than others – and it’s pure for cats to be cautious of different cats. I believe I would want a bit extra details about the interactions and what sort of habits he’s displaying to offer you concrete recommendation. The truth that he “stalks” you, suggests to me that he’s at the least somewhat bit socialized. That is additionally difficult by the truth that your personal cats spend time exterior, so ways that may preserve him away out of your entrance door (such because the motion-sensitive air cans) would even be disagreeable in your personal cats.
What would possibly assist: spacing out assets in order that the ferals’ feeding stations have loads of area between them. Encourage him to get his wants met as distant from your private home as potential (and even off your property). Should you can arrange any deterrents, in areas that your cats don’t go, you is perhaps preserve him from attending to comfy. If he’s pleasant sufficient, you would possibly strive giving him some playtime with feather wands (sure, you may strive them with outside cats) to blow off a few of his steam, particularly if there are specific occasions of day that he tends to be extra aggressive towards the opposite cats.
Sadly, once we let our personal cats exterior, it makes it difficult to handle what occurs open air. You would possibly need to contemplate holding your personal cats indoors half time so to arrange deterrents to let the ferals know that your private home is off limits. I might not rule out relocating, however we additionally know that for cats in colonies, it typically takes a number of months and several other makes an attempt for them to just accept one another, so it’s potential that point will heal a few of these wounds.
Kitten suckles and kneads on the whole lot, bites and claws
Hello my identify is Cindi and we simply received a kitten and i feel he was weaned too early he suckles and kneads on the whole lot together with us(me my fiancé n my 9yo son) additionally how do i get mittens to cease bitting n clawing us it getting dangerous we tried the use toy as an alternative of fingers factor and nonetheless bites us on a regular basis thanks. (Cindi)
Mikel:
Hello Cindi!
I really feel strongly that kittens want a buddy – have you ever thought-about adopting a second kitten? This can permit your kitten to have one other kitty to take out all that biting and tough play on. Cats can talk “you’ve gone too far” far more simply with one another than we are able to with them. If she will get too “bitey,” it’s finest to simply stroll away than attempt to right her. Over time, she’ll study that if she is just too tough, she is going to lose your consideration. Make sure to not pressure her to be held or petted at occasions that she would quite be taking part in!
Kittens are on the stage of life the place they will be most lively and so they do want a variety of playtime with interactive toys – so issues that preserve your arms distant from the biting exercise, like feather wands (these toy must be avoided kittens when not being immediately supervised), are finest.
Regarding the nursing and kneading, your kitten can also profit from some acceptable toys that permit her chew and kick, like kick bag fashion toys. Cat grass may be one other method to give cats an outlet for oral behaviors that is perhaps associated to early weaning.
All that mentioned, I nonetheless assume it will be nice to undertake one other kitten. Though it feels like it will be extra work, generally, the kittens preserve one another busy and it finally ends up being much less work for the people. Plus your kitten has the opportunity of a life-long companion of her personal species!
Demanding cat received’t cease screaming
Oh if solely you may get my cat to cease screaming. She desires her method…to overeat, go exterior, no matter…it’s all the time one thing….largely meals. She was about double her superb weight after I received her 4 years in the past. I in the reduction of on her meals, let her roam exterior after I was at dwelling and the load got here off in about 9 months. Now the neighbor received a sport’s automobile with a canopy and she or he ripped by 3 of them that I needed to pay for…so now she will’t roam free exterior. I attempt to stroll her supervised day by day for a bit earlier than considered one of her 3 mealtimes. That’s the solely method to get her again indoors…she is so meals pushed. However she screams continuously about 2 hours earlier than her subsequent meal. It’s driving me loopy so I attempt to outscream her…ship her to the bed room however she simply screams in there! What can I do to get her to cease? I’ve NEVER had this problem with ANY of my different cats earlier than. Thanks! (Samantha Sandy)
Mikel:
Hello Samantha!
Cats who scream may be actually annoying. Sadly, they’re actually onerous to disregard so they’re typically strengthened for his or her habits – both as a result of the proprietor “talks again” or provides in to the cats calls for for meals or to go exterior. Another excuse that cats meow incessantly is as a result of they’re bored. She must be saved busy and occupied sufficient that meowing for different issues doesn’t happen to her!
You didn’t point out your cat’s age, however extreme vocalization and weight reduction may be associated to medical points, so in case your cat hasn’t had a yearly vet examine, it will be price bringing her in and mentioning the habits.
It’s nice that you’re taking her on each day walks! However I believe it’s time to offer her some extra psychological stimulation and challenges to maintain her busy. Since she is SO meals motivated, why not get her working some meals puzzles. Cats like this could not get ANY of their meals without spending a dime. Each chew should be labored for or earned – which brings me to a different suggestion. Cats which can be meals motivated and stressed are sometimes excellent candidates for clicker coaching. You should use the clicker to speak together with her that you just like when she is NOT meowing – and you can even practice different primary behaviors, equivalent to sitting quietly earlier than meals, or cute parlor tips like “sit” and “excessive 5.” What I like about clicker coaching is that it provides cat mother and father a method to give their cat consideration for good habits as an alternative of responding to their cats when they’re being annoying. There are a lot of nice assets for clicker coaching accessible on-line or in your native bookstore!
Since she has transitioned to extra time indoors, I might additionally advocate boosting different forms of enrichment – equivalent to vertical area, window perches, chicken feeders to observe, and playtime with interactive toys. Attempt to tire her out a few times a day to assist her be extra relaxed…and IGNORE the meowing. Belief me, it will likely be onerous at first, but when she will get nothing from meowing, she is going to do it much less.
21-year-old cat received’t play anymore
I’ve a 21 yr outdated feminine, Chloe. Chloe doesn’t play anymore. The vet says she’s wholesome. I’ve tried a number of sorts of toys, the feathers, a ball on a stick, catnip mice (she used to play with these.). I simply cannot get her to play. Is it age associated? How can I give he the psychological stimulaton she wants? (Rebecca)
Mikel:
Hello Rebecca!
Congrats on Chloe dwelling to such an exquisite senior age! I like aged cats, and I’m glad she is wholesome. When taking part in with senior cats, it’s necessary to vary your thoughts set on what play appears to be like like – it won’t be backflips or lively chasing. On this case, the purpose is psychological engagement. Which may imply simply watching the toy, it would imply often pawing on the toy. Extra exercise than that would definitely be a bonus.
To get seniors extra engaged, I like to recommend utilizing small, quiet toys, equivalent to a cat dancer or feather wand – however strive transferring it vvvveeeerrrrrrrrryyyy slowly – and check out transferring the toy beneath a towel or piece of tissue paper – that’s typically irresistible!
Most senior cats love heat and looking the window, so a chicken feeder in a sunny window with a heated mattress would most likely be dreamy for Chloe. You’ll be able to strive encouraging her to make use of a meals puzzle for treats – if she could be very meals motivated you may strive them for a few of her meals, however with most seniors we need to encourage them to eat as a lot as they need, so examine along with your vet about whether or not meals puzzles would possibly work for a few of her meals. Different enrichment may embody cat grass, self-grooming nook combers, and the HexBug Nano cat toy, which is my favourite “computerized” cat toy as it’s small and quiet.
I hope you get to get pleasure from loads extra time with Chloe!
Cat likes to roll in freshly scooped litter field
After I scoop the litterbox my cat Bandit likes to go roll in it. Why does he do that and is there something that I can do to cease this habits? (Lorraine Anderson)
Mikel:
Lorraine,
Thanks for the query that made me smile. There are undoubtedly some quirky behaviors which can be onerous to elucidate! Many cats do wish to roll in dust, this habits not solely feels good, however within the wild, it may need some protecting results, like stopping parasites or serving to cats cool off. Cats can also roll to mark an space with their scent glands.
One chance can be to harness practice Bandit and take him out for a stroll across the time you clear the litter field – so he can roll in some dust quite than used kitty litter. Tactile enrichment, such because the CatIt Spa or nook groomers would give him another methods to scratch that itch and unfold his scent round. Extra playtime with interactive toys after cleansing the litter field is perhaps a pleasant distraction for him. Lastly, you may contemplate making an attempt a special model of kitty litter – though when altering litter, we all the time advocate doing so step by step and providing decisions!
Interview of Mikel Delgado with David Feldman
Wow, on a regular basis points and solutions, purrfect to share. I listened to an interview of Mikel Delgado with David Feldman simply yesterday, full of knowledge. (Bernadette)
Mikel:
Thanks in your type phrases, Bernadette! David Feldman was a very nice man, I had a variety of enjoyable doing that interview!
Leash coaching a cat
Hello, I not too long ago adopted 3 yo Peanut the cat from a rescue. We predict he use to have a house however received misplaced or dumped at a feral colony. He’s assured (tail all the time excessive within the air) and curious. He doesn’t thoughts being picked up tho he’s very impartial (not a lap cat) and sleeps on the foot of the mattress. I might like to leash practice him and I believe he has the fitting character however after I tried it as soon as (no points carrying the harness) he growled every time I touched him whereas he was exploring (however he wasn’t pulling away). It involved me sufficient that I took him again inside and he fought me (no accidents). Do you may have any ideas or strategies on methods to make this work? (Tanya)
Mikel:
Tanya,
Thanks for adopting a rescue kitty! Peanut sounds cute. It feels like when he’s exterior he will get fairly targeted on the duty at hand (exploring) and doesn’t need to be disturbed. Since he doesn’t have any downside with carrying the harness (generally that’s half the battle), I believe that you may use clicker coaching to assist Peanut perceive that when he’s on his lead, he ought to observe (and deal with) you while you name him. Goal coaching particularly can present him that following a goal will result in rewards. These workouts have to be practiced indoors first in order that he understands the duty at hand – as a result of as soon as he’s exterior he’s going to be distracted by all of the issues to take a look at there. However a stable base of coaching will assist mitigate a number of the results of all that distraction!
When he’s exterior, keep away from touching him, however as an alternative use the goal or different lure (toy or treats) to encourage him again indoors. I might choose him up provided that you could. Begin with very brief ventures exterior and preserve the lead brief at first in order that it received’t be too tough to lure him again in. As he will get extra used to being exterior, you may enhance his time and vary. Lastly, strive taking him open air earlier than meals, when he’s somewhat hungry, so he’s motivated to come back again inside for meals or treats.
Studying from responses to involved cat mother and father’ points
That is my first time studying your column, and I felt very educated by your responses. Thanks for giving effectively thought out replies to those involved cat mother and father! (Jean McCormic)
Mikel:
Jean, thanks for studying! It’s an ideal place to be sharing details about cats!
