Mihijo Takes Cat Food Advice

Hello Greyce,

Mihijo

Thank you so much for your sound advice. Herself purchased wet food for me and I LOVE it! I could eat that stuff all day.

And I have plans for a treat ball - for my kibble.

She insisted on taking more than one photo of me - even a side view which is less that flattering. However I am hopeful that I will now be in a position to shed some of my extra poundage and become even more handsome than I already am.

I will keep you posted.
Mihijo


Dear Mihijo,
Glad to hear that you are know eating yummy stuff.  I wanted to show you at your most handsome in this entry and so I have inserted the other photo in the past entry (Advice for Mihijo, posted 9/19/13).

Keep up the good work!
Greyce

Tyrone the Cat Gets More Advice on Living with a Puppy

Hello Tyrone,

I promised to advise you further about dealing with the new puppy who will soon become a part of your household.

In my last entry to you (published on 10/3/13), we reviewed:
- Getting you used to puppy sounds and smells in advance.
- Getting your folks up to speed on what it takes to raise a puppy and how to decode cat talk.
- Paying special attention to making sure puppy understands that you are much higher up in the family hierarchy, so you will be treated with respect (and be safe).
- Moving your food and water to a place puppy cannot reach.
- Bringing the kennel that puppy will sleep in into the master bedroom now so you can get used to it; locating it in a way that still makes your favourite sleeping spot accessible and safe for you.
- Using Feliway to enhance your sense of calm.
- Putting a puppy barrier to block access to your litter box so you can use it in peace.

Advice for Mihijo, The Cat Who Wants to Eat ALL the Time

READERS' NOTE: This entry mentions specific food brands and gives some dietary guidelines. These brands are used only as examples not as recommendations. And it should go without saying that the dietary guidelines are just guidelines. So any of you wishing to slim down should consult with your veterinarian to make sure that the diet process you follow is the right one for you.

Hi Greyce,

My brother Timmy says you are the best and I need the best because I have a problem. I am ALWAYS hungry and, at about 18 pounds (about 8.2 kg) of weight, I'm starting to look like a basketball with eyes.

Of course I'm handsome, too, being orange and white. I'm the cat Timmy used to intimidate. We live with Jigger (a dog) and a purrson. (Readers' Note: Mihijo's brother, Timmy, is the subject of the recently-posted entry, Timmy the Brave).

Here's the scoop: We are fed twice daily (morning at 6 a.m. and about 12 hours later) in separate rooms because Timmy gets prescription food. I am given dry food although I would eat anything. Since I will even sample the dog's food, Herself puts it away if Jigger doesn't eat it. Sadly I seldom get treats. Right now I'm eating Purina Cat Chow Weight Management Dry Food (1/3 cup in the morning and 1/3 cup in the evening). I think Herself is planning to switch brands again as soon as the bag is empty, because we've tried several weight management foods and none seem to work.

I gobble my food in seconds. I am ALWAYS hungry. The only time I don't want to eat is during the early afternoon because that is nap time. Otherwise I scream at all hours of the day because I am starving; and this gets Timmy going as well. When I burst into song Herself says, "Quit screaming at me!" and then gives me a few kernels of kibble to keep me quiet. She has tried to distract me by giving me attention (picking me up, petting me and talking to me); but I am too focused on getting food to care. Herself says we are driving her nuts.

Keko: Needs Lots of Challenge and Enrichment to Manage Litterbox Problems.High Maitenance But Worth It!

Keko is a Bengal cat who pees outside the litterbox when things get to be too much for her. Her problem started with peeing on the mattress (November 2010) , then transformed to peeing just outside her litterbox. The next month she consulted me about waking her purrsons up very early in the morning.  All appeared well until July 2012 when major changes in household routine led to her peeing in many places. She was in good health (no urinary tract infection). Being a Bengal, she has lots of energy and needs lots of stimulation and physical activity. And so she needed a richer and more challenging environment, to reduce her anxiety and give her brain and body a continual workout. She implemented a number of my suggestions and updated me the following year, saying all was going well. In her own words: I'm high maintenance but I'm worth it!

Cat Eats Elastic & Fabric: Pica

Dear Greyce,

I am an adorable beige kitten who was rescued from a garbage dump. I am about 8 months old, male and  neutered. I live with Rosie, a 4 year old female and two purrsons, Herself and Himself, in a bungalow. Like all kittens, I have two speeds: "full on" during which I'm a bundle of energy  and "full off" meaning that I am asleep.

I am very outgoing and love people. I always comes to visitors for a pat of my furs. I enjoy being held, especially on Herself's knee every morning before she goes to work. Himself is retired and so spends lots of time with me during the day.

A few weeks ago I had to have an operation. Some elastic hair ties and pieces of fabric were removed from my tummy. Soon after I had my Elizabethan collar removed (it prevented me from biting my stitches), I went after the elastic pull tab on a laptop case. Themselves are frantic with worry.

Now I must admit that I haven't gnawed on all fabric, for I sleep with Themselves and they have sheets and everything. I also like to nap on an acrylic afghan on the couch and I'm not eating it. But I sure went after the toes of a cotton sock.

While I love to play, Themselves have become extremely careful about what I play with because they are afraid I will eat it. I enjoy a tin foil ball and various mice. My interactive play is limited to the laser pointer. I also enjoy looking out the window, especially since we live by an elementary school where there are periods of action with the kids coming and going.

My eating habit is apparently causing household distress, along with another habit I have. I come over to be petted and really enjoy it. I love to have my head and neck scratched. And then all of a sudden, I  grab Themselves' hand(s) and arms with my teeth and start to claw. Admittedly Greyce I am getting better. Now they pull me off and hold their hands and arms close to their bodies and say, "No" in an attempt to have me understand that fingers and arms are off limits for scratching and biting. And I usually stop then. I used to attack their ankles suddenly too; but that is becoming a thing of the past.

And now for Rosie. She came into the household when she was 2 years old and is a refined, spayed tabby. She is on the shy side. For example when we have visitors she comes to see them and then disappears. She is curious about new things and enjoys being petted when she wants to be - which isn't often. She seems to know when people are upset and comes over and gives a kiss or a nudge.

We met quickly. I came to my new home and that was it!

Rosie and I get along. We have food bowls side-by-side and dip into each other's at whim; we are free-fed dry food. About twice a day (sometimes more), I pounce on her and there is a big, brief skuffle and then we're done. We have two window perches and while I enjoy window viewing or napping on the afghan on the sofa, she favours the chair which is pushed under the dining room table. So all in all, I think we get along well.

Now back to my problems, Greyce. What do you advise?

Energetically yours,
Rufus

The Cat Who Eats Too Much: Kitty's Story

Dear Greyce,

I'm an 11-year old, long-haired beauty with a problem: I want to eat all the time and it is getting me into a lot of trouble.

Quelling Anxiety in Cat Feeding Frenzy

Hello Sheffy, Mimoza and Cherry,

Just following up on my promise (made in the previous entry, Feeding Frenzy, to give you some suggestions for dealing with pre-meal anxiety:

Suggestion #1: chamomile. This is probably your easiest, most inexpensive remedy to try.

 There are two ways to receive it:
a) Get your Herself to purchase some good-quality chamomile tea and brew up a strong cup. When it has cooled she can offer it to each of  you in a bowl or saucer. Some of us love it that way. And this might keep you occupied while she is preparing your food.

OR

b) Alternatively, she could just use 1/4 teaspoon (no more) of the dried herb (taken from a teabag, for example) and gently rub it between her fingers until it is a fine powder. Then have her mix it into your meal. Obviously it won't settle you before the meal but its calming effects could carry you past your dinner.

Suggestion #2:  Rescue Remedy (a general stress remedy) OR Agrimony (a remedy for anxiety) one of the Bach Flower Remedies .

Either  is available in drops (often sold at health food stores and some pharmacies) and you can receive it as follows:
a) have a few drops added to your water (not as effective as I might like);

b) have a few drops added to your food (fine as long as you are okay with it). Start with 1 drop once a day, then go to twice a day, then go to 2 drops twice a day, etc. until you work up to 4 drops twice a day. This helps Herself to monitor your reaction because it may be quite effective at a lower dose (or you might find it a bit overwhelming and need to cut back).

c) have Herself rub a drop or two into the top part of the inside of your ear (no, NOT inside your ear, just on the inner ear flap so it is easily absorbed. Again, start with 1 drop once a day; then go to 1 drop twice a day; then increase to 2 drops, twice a day. Because it will be so readily absorbed into your body this way, I'm not convinced you need to increase the dose any further. You might like to receive this prior to meal preparation, but make sure Herself gives it to you when it best fits her schedule (because we don't want her stressed!).

If you like this, then she can extend the remedy by diluting it as follows:
- get a small dropper bottle (a one-ounce or 30 ml size) from the pharmacy and clean it well;
- adds good quality water (spring water, never distilled and never sparkling); even good quality tap water will be fine.
- fill it with water to the neck.
-  add 4 drops of the original remedy and gently shake the bottle.
It will last for a week in the refrigerator this way; after that, any unused portion can be thrown out.
This is a great way to extend the life of the original remedy (and thus reduce the expense) and does not affect its ability to do the job.

So think about these and let me know what happens.

Purrs,
Greyce

Feeding Frenzy

Dear Precious Greyce,

We are eating machines who gulp food down. We would eat everything and all the time, if we were allowed. We raid our companions' bowls. Themselves cannot eat in our presence because we get on their plates and nothing can stop us. If they try to eat standing up, we just jump and climb on them to get at the food.

Other than that, we are very affectionate, cuddly, playful and energetic. Herself says we are just purrfect. And we agree. But when it comes to eating, we are like small tornadoes.

Eli the Cat: Unhappy? Lonely?

Dear Greyce,

I have a lot of questions for you:
1.  Am I normal?
2.  Is there anything you can suggest that would better my situation?
3.  Do you think a new kitten is a good idea . . . for me?
4.  What should I do about those toms who come into MY yard?

Changes in the Eating Behaviour of Senior Cats

 The first installment of a series I plan to write about the behavioural needs of senior cats.

September is back-to-school time for many humans and Herself is no exception. She has now enrolled for cognitive enrichment course called Brain Fitness. I favour cognitive enrichment for humans because they need all the help they can get. Compared to we felines - the superior species - they have a way to go.

"Now what has this to do with cats?" you might ask.

Simply this: Like Herself, I, too, am getting on in years.  I am now in the 11+ category that marks me as senior. Indeed Herself and I are about the same age in human years, except I have a trimmer figure and am more agile. In these ways I have become her role model, though I doubt she'll resort to eating cat food and balancing on railings anytime soon.

Cat Food Matters: Eating Too Fast

 Dear Readers,

A few of you have written about an eating problem that is sometimes behavioural and sometimes not. The query usual goes something like this: While my folks were away, my hired slave noticed that I would, from time to time, wolf down my food. Some 10 minutes later, I would throw it back up. Somehow she didn't appreciate undigested matter on the counter top or the floor. What's with that?

Cat Continues to Lick Herself Bald

Dear Greyce,

I am a distinguished feline of 11 years who for the past 3, has had a licking problem. Simply put, I lick my belly and hindquarters bald! It started around the time my companion cat was dying.

I have tried a number of remedies. First Himself read that food allergies could be the cause and switched my food to a gluten-free brand. That is now my dry food mainstay (which I free feed). I do, however, insist on a spoonful of my adored canned food, three times a day.

Then Himself took me to the vet where I was tested for fleas and mites; there were none to be found. I was given a cortisone shot which helped for a short time. The second vet I saw took some blood, did some tests (the results of which were normal) and said, "some cats just do that sometimes." Then I went to a holistic vet who gave me mixtures to put in my food and water and to spray on my fur, as well as Feliway. He also tried acupuncture but I let him know what I thought of that: I scratched his assistant!

So far, NOTHING has worked for me.

I have no known medical problems. However when Himself touches my fur, my skin ripples.

When I lick, Himself puts a paper plate around my neck (as per the photo) and says, "Don't lick." When I stop, he removes it. I still get that stuff in my water and sprayed on my fur. And the Feliway diffuser is still plugged in. But . . . I'm still licking.

To put this in context: I live with Himself in a small, quiet home with lots of windows. I am a pretty relaxed cat, friendly, calm and loving. The only things I can't stand are thunder and loud noises. I get lots of interaction from Himself and have lots of toys to play with.

By the way, Himself's adult daughter will start to live with us soon and stay until she finds another place to live. Her cat, Elliot, might join us in mid-July.

Can you help me?

Urs

Dear Urs,

I assume that you have written me because you think your problem is behavioural. As you may know, I am NOT a veterinarian and thus am not qualified to deal with conditions for which there is a medical basis. From time to time I encounter a cat such as yourself, where the situation is not clear cut: Your issue could be medical; it could also be behavioural. And so for your benefit (as well as that of other readers) I'm going to write about the possibilities - even though most will require you to work with your veterinarian.

From what you have told me, I think you can look at one or both of the following options.
Option One: The potential for an elimination diet to determine if food allergies are the culprit.
Option Two: The possibility that boredom or inadvertent reward is contributing to your problem.
Option Three: Medication to either alleviate anxiety or deal with your compulsion to lick.

I will describe these options and what they could entail. Options One and Three will require further discussion with your veterinarian before you proceed.

Option One: Elimination Diet for Food Allergies

Some of us are sensitive to certain foods and others of us have allergies to them. If you were sensitive, it would be likely that you would show this by having a runny or smelly stool or gas; vomiting is also a possible symptom. But since the compulsion to lick is your only symptom I would think that food sensitivity is an unlikely issue for you. A food allergy could be a possibility, however.

I am quite surprised that you have never tried an elimination diet in your case - which either means that it got overlooked somehow or that there is something about your situation that made the all three vets look elsewhere (and of which I am not aware).In any case, this is worthy of discussion with your veterinarian - if only to clear up why such a diet has not been tried.

From what you have written, you have had many tests. However to the best of my knowledge, there are no definitive tests for food allergies other than an elimination diet. Yes you are on a gluten-free, organic food of high quality. And yes, you adore a very popular canned food three times a day. But that does not mean that you could not be allergic to something in at least one of them.

So let's look at the foods that are most often implicated in cat allergies: beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products, wheat gluten. While your dry food is gluten-free, I have every reason to believe that both your dry and wet foods have some of these ingredients. And that MAY mean that you have an allergy to at least one of those ingredients.

The only way to find out is to go on what is called an elimination diet. Here you have three choices:

Choice A: Try a  food with a novel protein and novel carbohydrate source (one you have never tried before), consistently for 12 weeks; examples of novel proteins include rabbit, venison, and duck; and novel carbohydrate might be peas. Such foods are available from your veterinarian and from some pet supply stores.

Choice B: Try a "limited antigen" or "hydrolyzed protein" food such as Hills z/d (in which case the proteins and carbohydrates have been broken down to such a small molecular size that they no longer cause an allergic reaction). This food is only available from your veterinarian.

Choice C: Try a customized diet involving Himself preparing your food from scratch according to a veterinary recipe. (Resist the urge to just download something off the Internet. This is really a case where getting a proper recipe from your veterinarian is very important. And if you need more reasons that this from me, just ask.) I don't recommend this option at this point. It is time-consuming and requires that Himself commitment to ongoing preparation of your food from scratch, using great care to ensure that it is done properly. And that is a lot to ask.

For more information about food allergies in cats, have a look at Food Allergies in Cats.

If you do decide to try an elimination diet, make sure Himself understands that we cats detest having a food changed suddenly. To get us to accept it, he MUST grade the new food in slowly. This helps us get used to the taste and also minimizes the chances of tummy upset as we adapt to the new food.

Here is one way to grade the new food in:
Step One: 1 part new kibble mixed with 9 parts regular. If you accept this, then eat this proportion for a few days. Then you are ready for Step Two.
Step Two: 2 parts new kibble mixed with 8 parts regular. Again, if you are fine with this combination, eat it for a few days and go to Step Three.
Step Three: 3 parts new kibble mixed with 7 parts regular
and so on until
Step Ten: all new kibble; no regular.
At any point, if you are NOT fine with the new proportion, go back a step or two and eat that for up to a week; then proceed with the next step and so on.

NOTE: Himself MUST do the same for that lovely canned food you adore. Since you eat such a small amount of this every day (but really, really enjoy it), I suggest he mix up the proper combination and store it in a very clean, glass jar in the fridge. He will need to throw out any un-used, open wet food within a week (or check with your veterinarian about food safety in this regard).

Urs, many vets will suggest a quicker grading-in process. The one I suggest is slower but that is because you are older, and because Himself and you have been through so much that I want to give you the greatest chance of success. If Himself and you are willing, then a faster grading-in process would be to start with 25% new and 75% old, then 50% of each, then 75% new and 25% old, and then 100% new  - all done within a period of two weeks (that means switching proportions every 3 to 4 days). It is quicker but it MAY be more difficult for you to except.

ONLY WHEN YOU ARE ON 100% NEW FOOD can you actually start the 12 week elimination diet period, to evaluate whether or not this is working. And if you try, for example, a food with duck and it doesn't work for you, the vet might suggest that you try rabbit, etc. Whatever you do, you MUST stick to the same food for the 12-week period UNLESS it is making your situation worse! This will be the only way you can find out if allergies are the culprit. It takes time, possibly some guesswork if you need to switch, and costs more than regular food.

So if you think that food allergies could be involved (or just need to clear up why an elimination diet has not been tried with you), consult your veterinarian.

Option Two: The possibility that boredom or inadvertent reward is contributing to your problem.

 Some cats start or continue to lick because they are bored, and licking is one way to alleviate their boredom - especially if they are indoor cats because the indoor environment can lack the necessary stimulation.

I know that you have toys and interaction with Himself. But it is important that you have interactive toys and that Himself gives you regular workouts (twice daily). 

Since I have written about this issue before, I suggest that you look to the labels column to the right of this blog entry. Then click on Play/Predation.You will get a list of articles; click on On On My Terms; don't worry that the cat has a different problem. The advice on toys and playtime can apply to you, too.

Have a look at your environment. You MIGHT benefit from having a new box to explore (just a carton from the store) if you are a box-investigating kind of cat. Or purrhaps you need a cat tree on which to perch and look out the window. Consider having a look at the article, A Cat Tree for Every Cat (2/7/10); just go the that label column again and click on Cat Tree and look for that entry.

Also humans whose cats have licking problems get upset when they see the licking and try to stop it. For example, they may ask you to stop or try to distract you. Unfortunately this might end up being the way you really get attention. If that is the case, the best thing that can be done (in addition to the other measures I've mentioned above) is to ignore you when you start to lick. That way you don't get any attention reward for it.


Option Three: Medication to deal with your compulsion to lick.

For some of us with compulsive licking, a solution is medication. You have mentioned a cortisone shot which helped you for a short time. You have also mentioned a number of non-pharmaceutical,anti-anxiety mixtures as well as the use of a Feliway diffuser. None of them has seemed to work for you.

Since you do not believe they are of any benefit, consider stopping their use - in consultation with your veterinarian. I suggest consulting your veterinarian just to make sure that any of the things that are being added to your food or water require a weaning-off process.

You can stop the Feliway right now. Just unplug the diffuser. No weaning-off process is needed.And if the Feliway is really doing you some good, it should become apparent once it is discontinued (and then it can be plugged in again).But save that Feliway because it will come in handy for another use I will mention it in another blog entry, related to the arrival of Elliot - that other cat.

You have also mentioned rippling skin. Have you brought this to the attention of your veterinarian? I ask because it could be part of  feline hysperesthesia syndrome. Cats whose skin ripples sometimes get quick jumpy and start to lick as a way to calm down. Should this be the case, medication (such as those listed below) may be considered.

Medication can also be considered if general anxiety is an issue - even though you say you are a relaxed cat.
Anti-anxiety pharmaceutical such as amitriptyline (Elavil) or chlomipramine can be tried. Of course, this can only be done under veterinary supervision.

Most are now available as a topical gel (if you specify this prefurrence) which means it can be gently rubbed on your ear flap for absorption rather than being given in pill form. This can be a great advantage for many of us. (I hate being pilled, so I opt for gel whenever I can.

So these are the options I think you have Urs.

Meanwhile you have mentioned another matter, the possible arrival of Elliot. I will address this in another blog entry because it is quite important too.

Do let me know what option(s) you try and how it works for you.

Best wishes,
Greyce

Low Petting Tolerance; Distorted Gait from Declawing: Two Cats Adjust to a New Home

Dear Greyce,

I am an eight-year old female who along with my companion, Spook, have recently been adopted by a new family.

We have been taking it easy getting used to our new home. We are confined to the upstairs for now but have enjoyed some time out on the deck (which is completely enclosed for our safety). There is a Feliway diffuser in the bedroom and in the living room. And Herself sprays a bottle with Rescue Remedy, Walnut and Star of Bethlehem around the house. Spook will let her rub this into his fur but she doesn't dare try it with me.

All is going quite well, though I do have some questions:

1. Is there anything else I should encourage my new purrsons to do, to help us adapt to our new surroundings?

2. How can I learn to tolerate being petted a bit more?

3. What can be done for Spook's gait?

Let me give you the background.

I am very aggressive with strangers because I was traumatized as a kitten by someone associated with my previous home who flicked a BBQ lighter in my face. As a results, strangers and I do NOT mix. Because of this, I was declawed when I was three years old. Still I am wary and will growl if approached by someone I don't know; I have been known to bit. I also don't like people trying to pet me (unless I ask for it) or getting too close.

At my new home the people are very kind. They extend a hand to me when they would like me to approach. For the most part, they don't initiate interaction unless I appear willing; and they stop as soon as I seem the least bit uncomfortable. They also don't make eye contact with me.

Knowing my propensity to growl, they behave in ways that keep me calm. For example, I feel it is a bit too close if I am sitting on the back of the couch and they want to sit down on it. So they slink into their spot and sit quietly, rather than making any fuss.

I am now freely jumping into their laps, especially if invited to do so. But I still don't like being petting much and just prefer being allowed to site. I don't like having my back stroked much and can go ballistic if they pet my face a lot. For me it is best to have limited pets, restricted to my face and between my ears.

Our purrsons have even bough us a toy called Da Bird and I understand we may get more things to play with. This is a BIG deal for us as we did not come to our new home with toys.

Spook has settled in well and has been quite affectionate. He did get noisy at night (coming into the bedroom and jumping around); but they now keep us out at night and he has settled down.
Like me, Spook is declawed. However he has a funny gait, almost a limp. He is a bit chubby, too. Can you suggest anything to help him?

Yours,
Jade

Moving Food Bowls & Litter Boxes to Different Locations

Dear Greyce,

Now that we are back to being friends, (see Cat Companions are Back to Being Friends  4/27/11) we need more help. Precisely, how do we return to using our regular food bowls and regular litter boxes, now that we no longer have to time-share space? For some reason, Themselves are not pleased with the thought of permanent installations in the master bedroom.

In the olden days, we used two litter boxes: 1) upstairs in the hallway bathroom and 2) in the main floor bathroom. The first box was moved to the bathroom in the master bedroom when we were time-sharing (since we both needed toilet access at all times). Our litter box on the main floor never moved.

In case you need to know, we have a spare box which is use in rotation, so Themselves have the chance to clean one of our soiled boxes and let it dry without disturbing us too much.
Let us know what you think.

Yoshi and Taro

Newcomer Hampers Sick Cat's Recovery

Dear Greyce,


I am in trouble – BIG trouble.

For the past two weeks I have been very ill with Irritable Bowel Disease. So ill in fact that I have had to stay in the hospital, have lots of tests and medicines, and specialist attention. I’m home now but am having problems recovering.

Yes Greyce, I know you don’t give medical advice BUT it all started with the arrival of a new kitten.

The Feline Early Morning Wake Up: What's A Cat to Do?

Hey Greyce!

Remember me, The Cat Detective? (See Keko Turns Detective, entry of 1/015/10). My peeing problem is solved (thanks for the advice) and I have great news. I have a cat wall! It is a small wall that is covered in carpet from the floor to the ceiling. It’s lots of fun to climb up all the time. And I’m told that Themselves find it quite amusing to watch me.

I’d love to say that things are going well, but . . . “We” have a problem: My very early morning (according to Themselves) energy.

I like to rise around 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. When I slept with Themselves in the bedroom, I thought it was a fine idea for them to rise with me. In fact I insisted on it. So what did they do? Stopped me from sleeping in the bedroom!

I pounded at the door. They covered it in tinfoil to discourage me. I no longer pound on the door. But I surely meow.

The good news is that I now get wet food in the evening, since I very loudly demanded an early morning feeding. We Bengals get hungry, you know.

They play with me a lot (that’s A LOT according to them, but as far as I’m concerned it is barely adequate); and we do get some extra play time in right before bed. And I get a small spoonful of food just before the bedroom door is shut.

So what’s a girl to do? Meow at the door relentlessly, I say. And I do . . . until Themselves finally rise.

It seems that my idea of a reasonable waking hour is quite different than theirs. What do you suggest, Greyce?

Looking forward to your suggestions,

Keko

An Indoor Cat’s Guide to Winter: Tips for Play, Tips for Digestive Matters, and Tips for Handling Your Fur

Hello Everyone,

It’s time for some tips on weathering the winter - 9 in total, one for each of our lives
- 3 tips about toys and playtime,
- 3 tips for deal with digestive issues, and
- 3 tips for handling your fur.

Inter-species Feeding Station: Cats and Dog

Dear Readers,

Discerning cats have suffered long enough. You know what I'm talking about: living in quarters that were designed for humans with nary a thought for us! Thank goodness that is over.

And just to show it, the New York Times posted an article, Raising the Bar on Pet Decor. Put your paw on the mouse and click.

I apologize in advance for items related to growlers. But do have a look at the slide show as well a read the text - most especially check out the pet feeding station designed by one caregiver who has both dogs and cats. It's a great idea.

Here's to happier inter-species meals,
Greyce 

Hard Poop

Dear Greyce, Remember me? I was the subject of your blog entry, Guess Why I Won't Use the Box? (3/14/10). I'm happy to say that my problem is solved. HOWEVER I have another one: I'm having a difficult time passing my stools which are so hard that I have to strain and that makes me pee a little. I've been checked by my vet (blood panel, too) and have been given a clean bill of health. Herself bought Laxatone but that seems to only work on fur balls and I don't have problems with those. I'd appreciate any suggestions you could give so that I can fianlly poop like I used to. Yours, Max

How Do I Get Princess Sissi Under Control? Suzi's Series 5

Dear Greyce, As you know, my prime tormentor is Sissi. So I am surprised at all the advice you have given about Jack (in your article, Suzi's Enemy: Bully Cat Jack) and yet you have not mentioned how to deal with her. And before you do so, let me give you some more information.

First as you well know, Sissi likes to attack me. At times we have had other female cats live with us. Sissi never bothered them. And she doesn’t bother the males. Just me!

Second, I have to sit very still or she will attack me the minute I get up and move. When I have been lying down in a place for a while, she will go over there and sniff it when I leave. When I am sitting still, she stares at me intensely. She never hisses or growls.

Third, when I use the litter box, she lies in wait for me behind the door and jumps just as I leave the room!

Fourth, Sissi behaves when Herself is present. For example, if I am sleeping on the sofa beside Herself and Sissi wants to be there, she climbs slowly and finds her place. But the minute Herself turns her back or leaves the room, I’m in for trouble. One day I was lying on the sofa next to Herself and Sissi was lying at her feet. So we were some distance from each other. When Herself went to the toilet, Sissi attacked me. Herself heard the fight and by the time she returned, Sissi was sniffing the place where I had been lying and I had a very badly scratched eye.

Fifth, Sissi never attacks me when she is eating. She can eat next to me without even looking at me. I can even try to steal some of her food and the only thing she will do is eat faster; she does not attack. Sissi just loves food.

So now that I’ve given you all this information, will you please help me deal with Sissi?