Are You Awake? (Or, Why I Wake Up Before Dawn)

Walk With A Cat.

Yes, that scratching at your bedroom door is not the boogeyman – it is far worse…

It is your wild and crazy cat!

I will meow and wail until I hear your lovely voice cry out -ah-ha! I got what I wanted – attention.

I will pace and race around the rooms, knocking off knick-knacks and clearing the counters of any small objects to make disturbing noises.

I will flex each paw, popping out individual nails carefully honed to make the most offensive scratching ever heard. Over. And Over. And Over on your closed door.

Finally, I will get fed.

Why? Is it that you appreciate my exciting tricks and sound-making factory? Or are you desperate for a few minutes of quiet?

I understand that you MIGHT want another solution to my wee-hour antics? So though it pains me, here are my TOP THREE ideas:

1. Let me out on a screened in porch where I can chase bugs.

2. Let me out on a LEASH while you garden. PetSmart makes a great adjustable harness that I can’t get out of easily. (Use a long nylon leash that won’t get tangled).

3. Provide me with a playmate! Even thought I am independent, I am also lonely. It is a myth that cat’s don’t need anyone around and are “just fine” being home alone all day.

According to that VET you send me to I am “Sleeping too much during the day, home alone too often, and in need of stimulation. Your cat is bored ma’am…” (well DUH).
“…this leads to being awake at night and FIRED UP in the morning.”

Some good interactive play with me at night well help wear me out (laser pointer, small ball, dragging a string).

Are you still awake?

Then you just might want to reread this article and invest in one of my TOP THREE ideas.

Helping Cats Live In Harmony

kitkats

Cats, like people, don’t always get along with one another. Before you bring home a new cat talk to your vet or pet sitter. These professional animal lovers can help you decide if a new cat will get along with your current pets. In most cases, the pets work things out amongst themselves. Here are some tips that you can use to increase the peace among your cat friends.

When you introduce a new feline member of the family, you can expect some personality conflicts. Kittens are going to annoy older cats, and mischievous cats will thoroughly enjoy taunting the more easy-going cats in the family. This behavior is normal. You can try to head off problems by gradually introducing the new cat or cats to established pets in the household. You may put the new cat in a crate or spare bedroom and let the cats hear and smell each other before they meet face to face. Next, try to allow the cats to see one another without being able to interact. This gives the cats a chance to get used to the idea of a new friend.

Once the cats have seen each other from afar, you can let them be together in a neutral room while you are present. Make sure that the new cat has its own food dish and litter box. This can prevent territorial arguments. Be prepared for hissing, spitting, swiping, or a total lack of acknowledgment. Cats will not fight to the death as dogs do. If they fight, they will give it their best shot and then someone will back down. It is advisable to make sure that cats with claws have had a nail trim before being exposed to new pets.

Make sure that you don’t ignore your other pets when you bring a new one home. Jealously is a major reason that fights start. If anything, give your established pet more attention, while the new one explores his/her new home. You can also provide distraction by using toys to play with the cats. Having fun is a relaxing way to break the ice.

If you need to go away, have a pet sitter come to your home rather than boarding your cats. They will be happier and much more comfortable in their own surrounding. It is stressful, especially for a new pet to go to another new environment, even for a brief period of time.

If a cat begins to exhibit aggressive behavior for no apparent reason, the owner needs to watch their pet carefully to determine what the cause of the problem is. Observe carefully to see if you can pinpoint a pattern to the aggression. For example, does it happen around mealtimes or when you are giving attention to the cats. If the conflict seems to be over food, attention, or sleeping quarters, try to provide a variety of options. Increase the number of food bowls, cat beds, and litter boxes. Offer plenty of vertical spaces and hiding places such as cat trees. Something as simple as a cardboard box may be appreciated. Remember that cats enjoy quiet, secluded places to relax. If conflicts are not about food, you can use food, treats, and mealtimes to help the cats develop a positive association with being near one another. Feed close to one another if they will tolerate it and reward them with treats for not showing aggression.

Feline pheromones such as Feliway can help calm cats and facilitate their acceptance of other cats. If you cannot figure out why your cat is exhibiting aggression, consult your veterinarian. Your pet may be ill and need medical attention. Aggression is a common sign of discomfort or pain. You should separate your cats if any of the following occurs:

  • The cats have injured one another, requiring medical care.
  • One cat becomes ill because of stress from being bullied.
  • One cat begins to hide, and a medical condition has been ruled out.

Looking for a cat sitter in the Raleigh, Cary, NC area?

Call Four Paws Pet Sitting Services! (919) 388-PAWS