Specialty: Cat Behavior
Veterinary Behaviorist and Book Lover with a Perky (Yet Practical) Personality
As a Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor, I’ve been helping cat owners just like you answer questions about their cat’s behavior. So go ahead, ask me your question! I’ll do everything I can to get back to you right away via email.
*This information is required in order for a Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor to contact you via email.
My five month old kitten Squints has been jumping on top of my snake's cage, which is like mesh. It is not very sturdy and I am afraid it will collapse eventually. I have consistently taken him down and told him no, I know he is still a kitten and is very curious but he bugs me through the night.
Kittens are very curious especially when the subject is another animal or reptile. For safety, when you are not there to supervise, the separate the kitten from the snake. It also would be a good idea to reinforce the top so that it is a bit sturdier. It also might be useful to reward the kitten for remaining on the floor when he is near the cage so he will learn what you want him to do.
I was holding my cousin's new baby and my 8 month old kitten jumped up on the sofa, meowed at me very weirdly, and then wrapped her front paws around my arm and bit me softly. Should I be concerned? She does not act like any cat I had before.
Kittens are naturally curious and find any different being something to investigate. Because a baby may make unusual noises, smell differently and move in a random manner, many cats and kittens may become anxious when around babies for the first time. If a kitten or cat begins to show agitation around a child, calmly and gently remove them to another room so that the baby is safe. Then, on subsequent visits, slowly introduce the cat or kitten to the baby using praise, and food rewards for calm and quiet behavior. If the visit is going to be a short one, it may be simpler to confine the kitten away.
I have adopted a 1 year old female cat. She was the only cat in the household. I also have a male cat that is 2 years old. They get along great. The female has a feather toy that she plays with all the time. When she is done playing, she carries the feathers to his food bowl. I cannot figure if she is trying to share, or wants to play. Can you explain this behavior?
Many cats seem to “store” favored items in or near their food bowl. It is not clear why they do it, or what they expect to happen.
My cat, Baxter (former shelter cat) neutered male, tubby tabby has been with me for almost 11 years. Was a 1 year old when adopted. His "daddy" my late husband has been gone for almost 7 years now. We moved houses 6 years ago. I am dating a nice person, but he does raise his voice during sports on TV. Well, we both cheer! Baxter usually runs off. He is the poster child for "scaredy cat." He will rejoin us then constantly "stare" at my boyfriend, Bruno. Then Bruno will comment, "Baxter is staring at me, he thinks I'm a pork chop!" What is up with the constant staring? Is Baxter jealous of Bruno? Does he miss my late husband and his original "daddy"? How can I get these two to get along?
If we look at things from Baxter’s perspective, it probably is not maladaptive to run when you hear loud noises. When he finally returns, he probably is watching Bruno to see if the noise is going to occur again. In most cases of noise sensitivities, the animal adjusts over time. It might help the relationship if Bruno spent some time playing with Baxter and offering him treats so that he can learn to associate Bruno with good things.
I have had my cat all her 16 years. I have left her for six weeks while I visited my mom. I cannot find anyone to watch her and its upsetting to her so I thought I would bring her to my mom’s. I will stay three months come back home for a month and return. Will my cat adapt you think? My mom is 90 and I really see no other way to solve this.
Some cats adjust well to travel and new environments and others do not. One thing that can help is to make sure the cat is used to the cat carrier long before they need to spend a great deal of time in it. Begin by leaving the carrier out all the time so that the cat gets used to seeing it. Place some treats inside to entice her to investigate. It also might help to place a soft and fleecy pad or blanket inside so that she might even nap in there. Once she gets used to it, it will make travel easier and when she gets to her new environment, she will have something familiar and safe. It also will help in the new place to keep her in a quiet space close to her food, water and litter box. Be sure to take her medical records with you just in case.
Mia
I exercise, spend time outdoors or enjoy a good book.
How does a cat find its way home after being lost for a long time?
“Cats are very diverse. The variety of personalities, behaviors, interests and temperament is what makes living with a cat so rewarding and should be embraced.”
“Usually quirky questions about sleeping in the sink, licking people’s hair or using their paw to drink their water. To me, these are the very things that make cats so entertaining.”
“When I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back to sleep and my cat jumps on the bed, gets under the covers and snuggles close by and just purrs until we both fall back asleep.”
“I love their passion for life and how at the end of the day, they are always a cat—loving, loyal, fun and great to come home to.”
1,000s of Mentor Articles, Q&As, and Videos
Dr. Debbie Horwitz
Dr. Janet Jackson
Specialty: Nutrition
Dr. Karen Sueda
Specialty: Cat and Kitten Behavior
Dr. Steffen Runquist
Specialty: Physical Well-Being
Amy Shojai
Specialty: Emotional Well-Being