THE WILBOURN WAY BLOG
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| www.thecattherapist.com |
Dear Readers,
Take a look at this email I received from a guardian:
"Pumpkin is by far the most expressive and sensitive cat I've ever had. He's the type that if he gives one of us attention and we are all in the same room, he makes sure he gives us all equal time, so as not to hurt anyone's feelings. So when his face looks worried or unhappy, my family gathers around him for a round robin of affection. I’ve attached a photo of Pumpkin after he groomed and listened to your relaxation recording."
CHARLOTTE TAKES A DUMP OUTSIDE HER BOX
(Indiscriminate defecation)
“There’s natural rivalry
between Charlotte and Sally,” I said. “They’re both vying for your attention.
So whenever you or your husband compliment or interact with Sally, it affects
Charlotte. Sally is more resilient.”
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| Charlotte |
Kali nodded in agreement. She
had engaged me to make a home visit to Charlotte, a four year old, spayed cat,
who periodically defecated beside the litter box or other choice spots on the
floor. Sally was the athlete whereas Charlotte was not as nimble and more
introspective. As I took Charlotte’s case history, she hung out on the window
sill, while Sally darted about.
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| Sally |
When Charlotte defecated out of the box, Kali noticed that Sally’s stool was somewhat hard. Her incidents were usually discreet. I told Kali that Charlotte’s “deposits” were probably a sign of discomfort and her signal for help. Otherwise, she wouldn’t purposely avoid her box -- or boxes as there were three boxes that were kept very clean. Charlotte did have a check up with the vet and her stool specimen was negative.
I gave Kali the following
treatment plan:
· Add an omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplement to Charlotte’s food
which will provide a lubricant for the passage of her stool and aid her
digestive system, skin and hair coat.
· Brush her daily with a rubber brush, mitt or soft bristle brush.
She may even prefer a comb. When finished, use a moistened paper towel to
collect any loose fur.
· A cat-friendly heating pad will help to relax her body.
· Remember to mention Charlotte’s name when you interact with Sally
and vice versa.
Kali mentioned that she and
her husband were both musicians. She played the cello, and Sally usually sat
front and center when she practiced. Charlotte kept a low profile. Kali
realized that Charlotte probably felt left out, even though she chose to stay
apart. “ So that would be a time when I should mention Charlotte’s name,” Kali
said.
“Yes, you could say something
like It’s so good of you Charlotte to enjoy the music from a different
location.” Kali laughed and added that she could have fun making up things to
say that would keep them all on the same page.
Near the end of the session,
Kali played a few notes on her cello with Sally close by and Charlotte in the
next room. She made a point to talk to Charlotte a few times and also included
Sally. When she finished, she thanked them both for being such an attentive
audience. I know I certainly enjoyed her performance.
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| Sally & Charlotte |
Kali followed up with a
progress report within the next week. Charlotte didn’t have any incidents and
the two cats hung out together more since their session. I told Kali I had sent
a case report to her vet and thanked her for the photos of her two girls.
OXFORD’S COMING OUT
I
recently did a session with Oxford, an animated senior cat who was wary of
people other than her guardian. When there were visitors, she was either
nowhere to be seen or came out fighting. Her guardian went on a business trip a
couple of weeks after Oxford’s session. The cat sitter was totally surprised
and flattered when Oxford made an appearance. Oxford’s last appearance was a
year ago and very fleeting. But this time she actually hung around with the cat
sitter nearby. So she got a chance to see how tiny and cute Oxford was.
She was
thrilled but no more than Oxford’s guardian, and I’m always happy when a cat
and guardian are happier.
THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT
My
Orion doesn’t normally hang out on the toilet seat, but he’s patiently waiting
while I fill his litter box with fresh litter. You might say he’s making sure I
do it the way he likes it. Why not!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE
OREGON
HUMANE SOCIETY’S DOGGIE DASH
Orion was sorry to hear that Bo wasn’t able to host Oregon Humane Society’s Doggie
Dash. The agency hopes to raise $450,000 at the event, enough to feed all the
pets housed at the shelter in Northeast Portland for a year as well as bring in
1,000 dogs from other shelters and pay for two investigative officers for a
year. Orion knows Bo will be there in spirit, and he will too.
