The Wilbourn Way Blog
 |
|
|
(aka Cats on the Couch)
Dear Readers,
 |
TNR workshop
|
** Become a Certified Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Caretaker. Learn how you can help the feral and stray community cats in your area.
Carole's Take On Oscar The Cat Who .....
Pippi's Nutrition
 |
Pippi
|
"Pippi's fur is fluffy again, and my three cats are actually eating together with no fur flying", was Connie's latest email.
I first met Pippi, who was thirteen years old, when I did a session to treat her aggressive behavior with her two cat-mates - Louise and Daisy. Pippi's guardian was now in a hospice so Pippi had moved back to where she had lived six years ago. Only now there were two young cats in residence.
 |
Louise
|
Grief had triggered Pippi's fear which translated into aggressive behavior with Louise and Daisy. I gave Connie a behavioral program to slowly defuse Pippi's fear so the three cats could be companionable.
I recently did a follow-up session to reinforce Pippi's acceptance of her two cat-mates. Unlike the first session where Louise and Daisy hung out in the closet, they now romped about with the toys and nip that I gifted.
 |
Daisy
|
I told Connie I was really pleased with Pippi's progress, but her fur looked ruffled and unhealthy. When I last saw her, it was fluffy.
Connie told me how she had changed Pippi's food. I recommended that she slowly replace Pippi's current diet with her original food.
Evidently, it was the diet change that didn't agree with Pippi, and the return of her original food was a plus to the trio's relationship. It reminds me of the adage - "We are what we eat." Now Pippi can proceed in her matriarchal role in a happy and healthy manner, and Louse and Daisy will continue to mirror Pippi's transformation. Their behavioral program, proper nutrition and Reiki have nurtured their mind, body and spirit. That is why I find it imperative to treat the "total cat".
Evidently, it was the diet change that didn't agree with Pippi, and the return of her original food was a plus to the trio's relationship. It reminds me of the adage - "We are what we eat." Now Pippi can proceed in her matriarchal role in a happy and healthy manner, and Louse and Daisy will continue to mirror Pippi's transformation. Their behavioral program, proper nutrition and Reiki have nurtured their mind, body and spirit. That is why I find it imperative to treat the "total cat".
 |
Pippi after
|
Subscribe to Carole's free monthly Blog -- The Wilbourn Way
Orion's Catitudes
(Orion, a recovering feral rescue gives his cat-speak and ©whisker waves on cat issues)
Orion's fave for April ....
Cat And Carry
Orion appreciates this cat's view of the cherry blossoms at the Tongii University in Shanghai.
Orion is fascinated by Pretty Boy who acts as Midwife to a pregnant goat before her delivery
 |
Orion and robotic cat
|
Orion requests I take his robotic cat to my presentation at the Bergenfield Library in New Jersey and also to the Adoptapalooza sponsored by the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. (Scroll through March Blog - Dear Readers)
Bergenfield Library - Sunday May 7, 2017 New Jersey
Adoptapalooza -- Sunday May 21, 2017 Union Square
 |
Josephina on FaceTime
|
As Josephina relaxes to her distant Reiki treatment on FaceTime Orion gets a contact high.
 |
Josephina again
|
Will Our Baby Be Safe From Our Cat?
(Single Cat Syndrome - Aggressive Behavior)
"Heath started to nip a couple of months after we adopted him,"said Doris. "He calmed down a bit after he was neutered. But now that I'm nearly six months pregnant, we worry what will happen with our baby."
"Heath started to nip a couple of months after we adopted him,"said Doris. "He calmed down a bit after he was neutered. But now that I'm nearly six months pregnant, we worry what will happen with our baby."
As I watched Heath zip around the room, he was clearly a type "A" catsonality - so very wired , athletic and easily over-stimulated.
The Single Cat Syndrome
"Your Heath is affected by the single cat syndrome," I explained. "He needs a companion cat or a cat-friendly dog so that he could work out his energy in a healthy, acceptable way. Otherwise, his continued frustration will result in "nips" and unacceptable behavior."
"We are not in a position to add another animal to our family," said Doris. "What are our other alternatives? No way do we want to part with Heath. Too bad there's no chemistry between Heath and our turtle - our first born."
Robotic Cat Companionship
"Let's see how Heath reacts to this cat?" I said and wound up the robotic cat I'd brought along. As the cat walked about with random meows, Heath followed behind in a gentle, low key way. He appeared to be fascinated, not threatened.
"Let's see how Heath reacts to this cat?" I said and wound up the robotic cat I'd brought along. As the cat walked about with random meows, Heath followed behind in a gentle, low key way. He appeared to be fascinated, not threatened.
Doris and her husband commented on Heath's unexpected reaction. They were sure he'd beat up on the "intervention" and were surprised that he was so tolerant. I told them how some cats actually become cat nannies. This assumed role or preoccupation becomes a healthy, fun way to release their energy. So a robotic cat could be a fun diversion for Heath.
Treatment To Nip Heath's Nips In The Bud
- Arrange play dates with a cat friendly dog. The dog should be introduced on a lead so Heath isn't threatened.
- Heath might enjoy the company of a young child to hang out with.
- Whenever you play with him, don't wait for him to end the interaction with a hiss or a nip. Stop before he stops you.
- Some outdoor excursions could release some of his high energy. There are kitty strollers available for this pastime.
- Whenever you notice his ears flatten, the flick of his tail, or a ripple of his back, toss a toy with a shout of enthusiasm to re-focus his attention.
- Animal films on the internet or TV might hold his interest.
- Continue to play the link of music played during his session to reinforce the positive association that will help to relax him.
- Occasional catnip will give him a work-out and end with a cat nap.
- Tell Heath he's such a mellow and courageous kitty. Let's leave his aggressive profile behind. Accentuate the positive.
 |
 |
Scroll through my earlier Blogs for these articles
May 2016 - Monkee Now Toddler-Friendly,
November 2016 - Monkee's Toddler Friendly Legacy
Heath escorted me to the door as I said my good byes. "What a hunk of a handsome cat you are," I said, as he darted after the toy I tossed his way.
...............................................................................................
Sight Impaired
(Surrogate Eyes)
Emerald is a young female who was blind at birth. But, Sapphire, her sister, became her surrogate or guardian eyes. Whenever Emerald made the wrong move, Sapphire would let out a shrill meow. If Emerald was in serious danger, Sapphire would run over to her and with her head, butt her out of harm's way. She even allowed Emerald to eat first and would sleep beside her at bedtime.
(Surrogate Eyes)
Emerald is a young female who was blind at birth. But, Sapphire, her sister, became her surrogate or guardian eyes. Whenever Emerald made the wrong move, Sapphire would let out a shrill meow. If Emerald was in serious danger, Sapphire would run over to her and with her head, butt her out of harm's way. She even allowed Emerald to eat first and would sleep beside her at bedtime.
 |
Emerald and Sapphire
|
Their guardians were careful not to rearrange the furniture but when there was a new addition, they would carefully introduce Emerald to its whereabouts. One of my suggestions was to always keep the two cats together, even when Emerald needed a visit to the vet. Fortunately, the vet was usually able to make a home visit.A cat that's impaired in one sense may be well-endowed in another. Emerald couldn't see but her hearing was keen to compensate for her handicap. She was very responsive to music and loved to curl up beside the computer, listening to her personalized MP3.
Saturate your environment with forces that nurture your senses and your cat will reap the benefits - especially when you're overstressed.
 |
Magic
|
Magic is a 20 year old who no longer is able to hear but she responds to loud vibrations on the floor and sometimes to the sound of a whistle or loud bell. Of course, this perky, gray tiger cat is sound-selective in her response. If it's a signal for dinner or a brushing, Magic wobbles her way over chop-chop. Otherwise, it may be a toss-up.
