6 Ways to Read Your Cat’s Mind

By: Christian Yost

May 26, 2012
Wouldn’t you love to know what your cat is thinking? You can sit and watch your cat for hours but you never know just what is going on behind those big dreamy blue (or green or amber) eyes. Your cat squints at you, fluttering his eyelids until they almost close. He switches his tail. Is he angry or just excited? We may not know, but we can make some pretty good assumptions about what cats are thinking based upon the full context of their behavioral signing and events that normally follow.

The Eyes Have It

Look into your cat’s eyes and you can tell a lot about his state of mind. The direction of your cat’s gaze will direct you to the subject of his attention. But gazes vary. Some are intense and focused while others are haphazard. When your cat stares without blinking, does he want something from you or is he feeling hostility? Either could be true.Although a fixed gaze and rigid body posture might mean hostility, the same look might be soliciting petting or some other form of attention in a relaxed, purring cat.

Another fairly definite eye sign relates to pupil size. If your cat’s pupils are constricted and slit-like, his mood is probably ambient, bordering on vegetative. Or perhaps it’s predatory. However, if your cat’s pupils become fully dilated in broad daylight, appearing as large black pool’s he’s either in pain or ready to fight or run away. Increased pupil size is not intended to intimidate other cats or people but rather to allow more light into the eyes. Cats’ pupils are always large at night but veterinarians learn very quickly to beware when a cat’s pupils are fully dilated in a brightly lit examination room.

The degree of opening of the eyelids can tell a tale, too. Wide-open eyes correlate with alertness and increased levels of mental activity – ready for action, if you will. Semi-closed or fluttering eyes mean that the cat is in a more cozy, complacent mood or may be in the mood for a nap. So if your cat’s eyelids flutter and periodically close while he is looking at you, it is a sign of faith or trust. Even if he is on the brink of falling asleep at the time, squinting at you is still a compliment because your pet is showing that he is comfortable and trusting enough to take a nap in your presence.

The Ears Have It, Too

A cat’s ears can adopt several different positions and for several different reasons:

• Ears erect and forward – alert, with attention focused ahead
• Ears swiveled sideways like a swing-wing fighter – on the offensive
• Ears pressed backward onto the head giving the appearance of a snake– extreme defense (ears folded back to protect them from harm)
• One ear forward and one back – ambivalence
• Ears rotating like radar dishes – listening carefully in an attempt to find the source of the sound.Mouth

  Your cat normally keeps his mouth closed. This tells us very little about a cat’s motivation. When the mouth is open, however, you can sometimes learn about your cat’s motivation.

• The gape. Your cat gets a far-away look, allows the bottom jaw to drop, and looks as if it’s grimacing in pain. What he’s actually doing is savoring certain pheromonal odors on the breeze.
• Open mouth with lips retracted. Your cat stares, bears his teeth and hisses. This indicates intimidation and aggression.
• The yawn. Yawning indicates stress, ambivalence, or sometimes preparedness for action.Head and Body Position

  A cat on the offensive often walks directly toward the subject of his angst with his head held low and moving slowly from side to side, with his eyes fixed on the target. When in this mode, your cat will swivel his ears sideways and his body will appear wedge-shaped as his rear legs stiffen. Watch out for this cat: He means business.

  When your cat is on the defensive, he will hunker down while backing up and lean away from the threat. His head is sometimes deflected to one side giving the appearance of a sideways glance and he will vocalize (hiss, growl or shriek). Other signs of defensive aggression include extension of claws in readiness for a fight, and piloerection (hair raised) – making him appear larger and thus more fearsome. A cat in this posture is less likely to attack than retreat – because he is afraid.

  Tell-Tail Signs

  Tail position and movement offers insight into your cat’s psyche. Basically a cat’s tail can be up, down, or sideways; it can be curved or straight; and it can be still or moving. Here’s how to interpret the various positions and movements of the tail:

• Tail tucked – fearful, defensive
• Tail held at half-mast and moving slowly from side to side – indicates mild interest
• Tail vertical or straight up – indicates anticipation and/or greeting
• Tail vertical but curved to one side – indicates playfulness
• Tail curved over the cat’s back – indicates expectation/monitoring
• Tail held completely to one side in a female – indicates sexual receptivity
• Tail held low with tip twitching – indicates a stalking, predatory stance
• Tail frantically switching in wide arcs – indicates heightened affect/aggression
• Tail puffed up (piloerect) – indicates fear and aggressionMarking Signs
• Bunting. Your cat may rub or push his face against objects with his forehead, cheeks or chin. What your cat is doing is marking them with subtle biological scents. Some say that a cat’s rubbing with the forehead or cheeks indicates affection, but rubbing with the chin is usually reserved for territorial marking.
• Furniture scratching. Contrary to popular belief, furniture scratching is not the cat’s way of sharpening his claws but is a form of visual and scent marking. Your cat’s paws are equipped with scent glands to facilitate this function. Territorial concerns will increase furniture scratching/marking and should be addressed if furniture scratching becomes a problem.
• Marking objects with urine or feces. This is an even more distasteful form of marking behavior to most cat owners. The function is similar to furniture marking signifying an olfactory warning.
• Anal sac secretions. Your cat may sometimes discharge his anal sac when in situations of extreme fear. Anal sac secretions are thought to contain a fear pheromone that serves to remind the cat not to pass that way again.There are benefits to caring cat owners in obtaining glimpses into the mind of their pet because it enhances their bond with their cat and facilitates communication. So, next time you are alone with your cat and don’t have anything to do, try reading your cat’s mind. You’ll probably learn something you didn’t know before and have a greater understanding because of it.
• Please visit us at   www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Guide to Behavior Problems in Kittens

By: Christian Yost

March 31, 2009

Your kitten is so cute and adorable – she could never do anything wrong. Or could she? Some kittens can be feline terrors, leading you to question your decision about bringing a kitten into your home. Before finding a new home or banishing your cat to the perilous outdoors, consider learning about the problem, how to deal with the behavior, and re-train your pet. With proper know-how, your cat can be a loving and playful member of the family, providing hours of amusement.

The best way to deal with behavior problems is to avoid them in the first place. Learn the best way to socialize and introduce your new kitten

to your home. If you are adopting an orphan kitten, be aware that they have their own set of issues. Here are a few behavioral problems that you might encounter:

Inappropriate elimination is not one condition but rather a cluster of conditions: some medical, some physiological (pertaining to normal biological functions), some to do with elimination preferences, and others related to anxiety and stress.

Feline aggression. Aggression is a natural behavior for the cat and was a behavior necessary for the survival of cats’ wild ancestors. Cats have five weapons with which to attack, including a widely opening mouth with well-appointed with penetrating teeth, and four paws bearing needle-sharp claws.

Play aggression. Kittens are adorable, but when they are around four months of age, a shady side to their personality sometimes emerges – a side that involves aggression. In an instant, a kitten can turns aggressive, inflicting painful scratches and bites. Play aggression, as it is called, is a normal feature of feline development. In time, it diminishes and eventually disappears but sometimes immediate relief is requested by anguished owners.

Aggression directed at other cats. Cats shows several different types of aggression toward other cats including status-related (dominance) aggression, fear aggression, territorial aggression, and redirected aggression.

Predatory aggression. Predation is the way in which cats in nature obtain their food. It is debatable whether this behavior classifies as aggression in the true sense of the word, but because it involves the destruction of a third party it is usually classified along with other forms of aggression. Typically, cats hide behind walls, stalking and pouncing on approaching feet and ankles, inflicting scratches and minor bite wounds. Mature cats will capture and kill small rodents and birds.

Medical problems. There are a variety of medical causes of aggression in cats. These include hyperthyroidism, ischemic encephalopathy,brain tumor

head trauma, and thiamine deficiency.

Feline fear. As unpleasant as fear may be to experience, it keeps us and our animals safe by encouraging caution and by preparing us for fight or flight when danger threatens. Problems arise, however, when fears become so excessive and irrational that they disrupt normal functioning.

Separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in any species implies a lack of self-confidence and over-dependence on others. Cats with separation anxiety don’t howl and bay like dogs and they don’t chew on doors and windowsills in frantic attempts to escape. Their misery is far less obvious than dogs’ and it sometimes takes a sleuth of an owner to appreciate what is going on. But inappropriate urination in the home, occurring only when the owner is away, is a good clue.

Thunderstorm phobia. Few species – including humans – are happy with the sounds of a rip-roaring thunderstorm, complete with darkened skies, lightning and crashing thunder. Some animals become extremely fearful, though, to the point that they show a full-blown phobia. Cats are probably far from comfortable in storms, but most don’t become overtly phobic – although there are some notable exceptions.

Compulsive behaviors. Compulsive behavior initially may be performed as a displacement behavior. For example, when a cat is torn between responding with aggression or running away, it may displace into a seemingly unrelated behavior, such as self-grooming, as a way of reducing emotional tension. The most common compulsive behaviors exhibited by cats include wool sucking or fabric eating, over-grooming/hair-barbering/hair-pulling behavior, and feline hyperesthesia.

Feeding compulsion. Many cats suffer from eating compulsions. Like people, cats may use their compulsive disorders as an outlet when their natural behaviors are somehow frustrated by poor management practices and/or a restrictive environments. Genetic factors may also be involved.

Hoarding behavior. In the domestic situation, depositing dead prey animals on the front doorstep is probably one of the most well known forms of feline gathering behavior. Collecting and hoarding of shiny objects, including jewelry and small metal objects, may also occur. The items are not just retrieved; they are stashed and hoarded for no obvious reason.

Hyperesthesia. Cats affected by this syndrome show the most bizarre character changes, sometimes appearing to hallucinate, act manic, schizophrenic, or even “possessed.” The behavioral change occurs in bouts.

Psychogenic alopecia. The result of compulsive hair pulling is alopecia (baldness) that can be so mild as to be barely discernable or so severe as to completely denude wide areas of skin. The areas most commonly involved are the abdomen and the inside of the limbs.

Furniture scratching. Cats love to scratch. Unfortunately, the things they love to scratch are often the legs of your antique table, your upholstered sofa, or your expensive stereo speakers. And no amount of reprimanding or pulling at your hair in frustration will make them stop.

Jumping on counters. There are two reasons why cats find counters so appealing:

1. Because cats naturally prefer a three-dimensional environment

2. Because they occasionally find food morsels on counters while patrolling there. You could work on training your cat not to jump on counters – or you could teach yourself not to worry about counter-surfing so much.

Once you understand what is behind the behavior and realize what is needed to correct the problem, you are well on your way to having a long and happy life with your new kitten.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Guide to Behavior Problems in Cats

By: Christian Yost

March 31,2009

Even though they have a reputation for being independent and self-sufficient, some cats develop behavior problems or bad habits that demand attention. Before finding a new home for your cat, or banishing it to the perilous outdoors, consider learning what is causing the problem, how to deal with the behavior, and how to re-train your pet. With proper know-how, your cat can once again be a loving and enjoyable member of the family.

Inappropriate elimination. Inappropriate elimination is not one condition but rather a cluster of conditions: some medical, some physiological (pertaining to normal biological functions), some to do with elimination preferences, and others related to anxiety and stress. Some cats just stop using the litter box. Others use the litter box for elimination purposes but also mark their territory with urine or feces.

Feline aggression. Aggression is a natural behavior for the cat and was a survival-necessary behavior for the cats’ wild ancestors. Although cats have long been thought of as solitary creatures, it has recently been recognized that they can live in true societies and that some may develop as leaders or “alpha” cats. Cats of this persuasion will use affective offensive aggression to procure privileges for themselves.

Aggression directed at other cats. Cat shows several different types of aggression toward other cats including status-related (dominance) aggression, fear aggression, territorial aggression, and redirected aggression.

Play aggression. Kittens are adorable, but when they are around four months of age, a shady side of their personality often emerges – a side that involves aggression. In an instant, a kitten can turn aggressive, inflicting painful scratches and bites on its owner. Play aggression is a normal feature of development. In time, it diminishes and eventually disappears but sometimes owners need it to stop or be redirected NOW.

Predatory aggression. Predation is the way in which cats in nature obtain their food. It is debatable whether this behavior classifies as aggression in the true sense of the word but, because it involves the destruction of a third party, it is usually classified along with other types of aggression. Typically, cats hide behind walls, stalking and pouncing on approaching feet and ankles, inflicting scratches and minor bite wounds. Mature cats will capture and kill small rodents and birds.

Medical problems. There are a variety of medical causes of aggression in cats. These include hperthyrodisim

, ischemic encephalopathy, brain tumor, head trauma, and thiamine deficiency.

Feline fear. As unpleasant as fear may be to experience, it keeps us and our animals safe by encouraging caution and by preparing us for fight or flight when danger threatens. Problems arise, however, if fears become so excessive and irrational that they disrupt normal functioning.

Separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in any species implies a lack of confidence and an over-dependence on others. Cats with separation anxiety don’t howl and bay like dogs and they don’t chew on doors and windowsills in frantic attempts to escape. Their misery is far less obvious and it sometimes takes a sleuth of an owner to appreciate what is going on. Housesoiling occurring only in the owner’s absence is a good clue.

Thunderstorm phobia. Few species – including humans – are happy with the sounds of a rip-roaring thunderstorm, complete with darkened skies, lightning, and crashing thunder. But some animals become extremely fearful to the point where they show a full-blown phobia. Cats are probably far from comfortable in storms but most don’t become phobic – although there are a few notable exceptions.

Compulsive behaviors. Compulsive behavior initially may be performed as a displacement behavior. For example, when a cat is torn between responding with aggression or running away, he may displace into a seemingly unrelated behavior, such as grooming, as a way to reduce emotional tension. The most common compulsive behaviors exhibited by cats include wool sucking or fabric eating, over-grooming/hair-barbering/hair-pulling behavior, and feline hyperesthesia.

Feeding compulsion. Many cats suffer from eating compulsions. Like people, cats may use their compulsive disorders as an outlet when natural behaviors are inhibited by poor management practices and/or a restrictive environment. Genetic factors may also be involved.

Hoarding behavior. In the domestic situation, depositing dead prey animals on the front doorstep is probably one of the most well known forms of feline gathering behavior. Collecting and hoarding of shiny objects, including jewelry and small metal objects, may also occur; the items are not just retrieved; they are stashed and hoarded.

Hyperesthesia. Cats affected by this syndrome show the most bizarre character changes, sometimes appearing to hallucinate, act manically, schizophrenic, or even “possessed.” This behavior occurs in bouts.

Psychogenic alopecia. The result of compulsive hair pulling is alopecia (baldness) that can be so mild as to be barely discernable or so severe as to completely denude the skin. The areas most commonly involved are the abdomen and the inside of the limbs.

Furniture scratching. Cats love to scratch. Unfortunately, the things they love to scratch are often the legs of your antique table, your upholstered sofa, or your expensive stereo speakers. And no amount of reprimanding or pulling out your hair in frustration will make them stop. But there are ways of redirecting this species-typical behavior of cats.

Jumping on counters. There are two main reasons why cats find countertops  so appealing:

1. Because cats naturally prefer a three-dimensional environment

2. Because they occasionally find food morsels while patrolling the surfaces. You can either work hard at retraining your cat(s) or teach yourself not to worry so much about your cat’s counter-surfing.

Once you understand what is underlies your cat’s behavior and realize what is needed to correct the problem, you are well on your way to keeping your family intact.

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Introduction to Feline Aggression

By: Christian Yost

March 31, 2009

Types of Aggression

As with other species, there are several different ways of classifying aggression. One describes aggression as either instrumental (as a vehicle to achieve some desired goal), fear-induced, territorial, sexual, irritable, maternal or predatory. This classification is commonly employed when discussing the different types of aggression in animals and is descriptive of purpose, as opposed to function. Furthermore, it has been added to over the years to include other terms such as petting-induced aggression, pain-induced aggression, and idiopathic aggression (of unknown cause).

An alternative method of classifying aggression is into affective and predatory types. The former means with enhanced mood change, and the latter refers to the relatively unemotional business of predation, i.e. procuring prey by hunting and killing. The affective variety of aggression can be further sub-divided into offensive and defensive types, with offensive aggression involving striking out at another animal in order to achieve some “selfish” goal whereas defensive aggression is self-protective and occurs in response to some real or perceived threat.

Body Language for Offensive Aggression

Ears forward or sideways

Pupils slit like or slightly rounded

Body posture with the rump higher than the shoulders giving a slanting-forward impression

Eyes riveted on the target and head moving slightly from side to side

Low pitched growl

Tail held horizontal or vertically down with the tail tip swishing from side to side

Body Language for Defensive Aggression

Ears held flat against the head pointing backwards

Pupils of the eyes widely dilated

Piloerection – hair on the body standing up on end giving the cat a puffed up appearance, including a large bushy tail

Crouching body posture or arched back

Tail curved under or to the side

Open mouth threat with hissing and spitting

Claws unsheathed and ready for action

Body Language for Predatory Aggression

Little or no mood change except intense concentration

Hunting stalking behavior

Crouching and then springing

Grasping with claws and biting

Aggression is a natural behavior for the cat and was a survival-related behavior for the cats’ wild ancestors. Although cats have long been thought of as solitary creatures, it has recently been recognized that they can live in true societies and that some may develop as leaders or “alpha” cats. To achieve this status they must possess certain willfulness and be physically competent.

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Sexual Aggression in Cats

The term sexual aggression implies aggression somehow linked to the breeding process, though there may be displaced or dysfunctional expressions of this behavior, too.

From Male to Female

As odd as it may seem, male cats spring on a receptive female and bite her in the scruff, pinning her down as they intromit for a few seconds of orgasmic pleasure. The bite is not a faint one, either, and is performed with sufficient tenacity to allow the brief mating process to take place without the possibility of the female turning on the male or running away. The female’s behavior both before and after mating may explain the male’s forceful approach that effectively secures the target of his amorous attentions and at the same time protects him from reciprocal hostility.

From Female to Male

As a female comes into heat, her impending receptivity attracts one or more suitors who, typical males that they are, all want to get on with the business of mating in haste without much courtship and with all due haste. Not so, slow down, is the signal the female gives as she waits for the correct moment before lowering her drawbridge. Premature advances are met with aggression, hissing, spitting, and batting, until just the precise moment for optimum biological success. At this point she allows the advance, stoically accepts the neck bite,   herself, and no doubt “thinks of England.” However, the very moment the dastardly deed is done, and perhaps not least due to the sudden withdrawl of his nibs barbed penis, she lets out a cry, rolls over, and (seemingly) tries to take a hunk out of him, swatting and pawing as she hisses and spits various indignities. All in all, not the most amorous of encounters.

From Neutered Male to Willing Recipient

I have often heard owners describe the aggressive behavior of their neutered male cat toward their neutered female cat  in in terms that sound, for all the world, like male mounting behavior. A recent case involved a small, blind female cat that was constantly attacked by her neutered male housemate. He would run up to her from behind , launch himself at her and bite her in the neck, pinning her for several seconds at a time. He engaged in this behavior so often that the hair was thinning on the nape of the female’s neck and she was becoming extremely anxious about these intermittent and inescapable attacks. This was not territorial aggression, because the cats got on reasonably well at other times and did not appear to be related to fear or dominance. The only reasonable explanation was sexual aggression by the neutered male. That the behavior was suppressed by adding the odor of a male pheromone to the female’s rump supported this explanation. Although sexual behavior by castrates may sound far-fetched, it is known that some neutered males continue to show male behaviors for some time after neutering, and “some time”can be almost indefinitely. This is because neutering does not make a male cat an “it,” rather a neutered male (i.e. a male with no testes and thus extremely low blood levels of the male hormone testosterone). Maleness is a property bestowed, in utero, by fetal testosterone as it first bathes the developing brain. The changes that result are permanent but are only fully activated by testosterone when it begins to flow during adolescence. When testosterone is removed (by castration), it is as if the lights are turned down, but not out. A dimmer switch analogy works well to describe this situation.

Sometimes, the recipient of residual maleness, mounting and aggression, is another male cat. I have even heard of it being directed toward objects.

Solution

Make the aggressor wear a large, loud bell so that the cat aggressed upon can hear it coming and get out of the way.

Topical pheromone treatment [e.g. Feliway® or androstenol] applied to the victim might serve to discourage unwanted attacks.

Medication of the aggressor with progesterone-like compounds might be helpful for short-term management.

Serotonin-specific antidepressants  (e.g. Prozac) can be employed for longer term treatment.

Conclusion

It might seem odd that aggression and sex would be so intimately linked but , then again, they often are. Even the brain centers that control these behaviors are next door neighbors. That pain is involved in the mating process is no big surprise either, since pain stimulates the sympathetic nervous system which in turn facilitates orgasm and ejaculation. The Beatles once sung, “You were told when you were young that pain would lead to pleasure.” Apparently they were right. The entwining of all these behaviors and experiences in the procreative act is normal and natural phenomenon. But neutered cats that mount, bite, and otherwise terrorize other cats in the household should – for humanitarian reasons – have their jets cooled. So, if you see a red-blooded tomcat biting a female in the neck or a queen cat giving her suitor hell, you don’t have to worry or assume the worst. However, if you see a neutered male beating up on an undercat, it’s time to report this behavior to authorities who can do something to help address the problem.

Please visit us at  www.simese-cattailscattery.com

Aggression – Medical Causes

By: Christian Yost

May 31, 2009

There are a variety of medical causes of aggression in cats. Here is a list of the more common ones.

Hyperthyroidism

Whenever an aging cat shows a sudden change of attitude associated with aggression, hyperthyroidism must be high on the list of differential diagnoses. Affected cats show unexplained weight loss, hyperexcitability, increased appetite, increased thirst, and may have palpably enlarged thyroid glands. Gastrointestinal upsets and cardiovascular problems are also often associated with the problem. Confirmation of the diagnosis is by detection of elevated thyroid hormone levels (T4 will suffice).

Ischemic Encephalopathy

This is a parasitic condition that primarily affects young to middle-aged outdoor cats. It is cased by aberrant migration of Cuterebra larvae.

A sudden change in behavior featuring, sometimes featuring irrational aggression may be the only presenting sign, but other neurological signs, including sudden onset blindness and circling may also occur. There is no established treatment though the parasiticide, ivermectin, along with appropriate supportive therapy, may help.

Brain Tumor

The presence of a brain tumor should be considered when an older cat shows a gradual or sudden change in behavior, sometimes including increased aggression. Other neurological signs are usually also present, though these signs may be subtle. Confirmation of the diagnosis is by CT scan or MRI, and treatment, if feasible, is by surgical removal of the mass.

Head Trauma

Sudden trauma to the head can cause a subdural hematoma or direct cortical damage with resultant changes in behavior. Surgical drainage of hematomas is sometimes possible and should be considered. Brain contusions (bruises) may resolve spontaneously or may be treated using corticosteroids or opioid antagonists.

Thiamine Deficiency

Cats fed diets including large amounts of uncooked freshwater fish may develop thiamine deficiency because uncooked fish contains high levels of the enzyme, thiaminase. Signs of thiamine deficiency include an unkempt coat, hunched position, and neurological signs including altered reflexes, disturbances of balance, aggression, and possible seizure.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Petting Aggression in Cats

Aggression is a natural behavior for your cat and was a survival-related behavior of his wild ancestors. Although cats have long been thought of as solitary creatures, it has recently been recognized that they can live in communities and that, in this situation, some of them assume a higher status (or rank). These more privileged cats are sometimes termed “alpha cats.” Alpha cats use affective offensive aggression to procure certain assets and privileges for themselves in preference to other cats.

Alpha cats also exist in the domestic situation and may attempt to control the behavior of others around them, including their owners. Petting is an act that may induce aggression in such headstrong cats. An alpha cat will jump up on his owner’s lap and allow himself to be petted – but only for a little while. When he’s had enough, he’ll glance sideways at the hand that is petting him and begin to switch his tail from side to side.

This is the writing on the wall that heralds an imminent meltdown: From acceptance to flat-out rejection, suddenly your cat is swatting, biting, and perhaps even rolling onto his side so he can attack you with all five sharp points simultaneously.

Petting-induced aggression is difficult for owners to fathom since many affected cats seek attention initially and appear to enjoy the physical contact. But these cats have a threshold for the level of physical contact they can tolerate.

Petting-induced aggression is expressed toward compliant owners. Cats with this penchant are often also aggressive to their owners over resources such as food, toys, or resting place, and may use aggression as an attention-getting mechanism. They may show aggression in response to annoying interventions, or if forced to do something they don’t want to do.

Nip Your Cat’s Biting in the Bud

If your cat bites you when he is on your lap and you are petting him, do not allow him onto your lap until he has learned some better manners. Then when you do allow him back into your lap, make sure that petting sessions are firmly under your control. Your cat needs to know that petting is not associated with excessive restraint or indeed anything unpleasant. He must also learn that being petted is a luxury, not a right.

When your cat approaches for affection, call him onto your lap and begin light stroking without any physical restraint. After a brief session, and definitely long before your cat begins to signal his growing dislike of the situation, put him back on the floor and give him a treat, such as food, play or a catnip toy. At each subsequent session, call your cat onto your lap, pet him without restraint, each time a little longer than the time before. Then put him on the floor and offer him a treat.

Be aware of your pet’s body language. Furtive glances and a twitching tail mean that it is time to quit. Keep petting sessions short and never try to pet your way out of a difficult moment.

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Inter-Cat Aggression

By: Christian Yost

March 31, 2009

Aggression is the number two feline behavior problem reported to behaviorists, second only to inappropriate elimination. Cat shows several different types of aggression including status-related (dominance) aggression, fear aggression, territorial aggression, and redirected aggression.

Territorial Aggression

By nature, cats are solitary hunters, not pack animals. However, when food is plentiful, as it is in most of our homes, a group of cats can often live harmoniously, at least most of the time. But even well fed cats retain their instinct to define and defend a territory. Outdoor cats mark their territory with urine, feces, and various natural odors (so-called “pheromones”) from various scent glands. Scent marking serves to indicate that the territory is occupied and reduces encounters between cats.

In close quarters, though, cats often live by certain subtle territorial rules, respecting distinct territories within a single room, like access to a particular couch or favored window perch. Moreover, some feline housemates learn to “time share” these favored locations with one cat taking the front window in the morning and the other taking it over in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, anything that disturbs the established “rules” can lead to confrontation, and what starts as occasional minor spats of aggression may erupt into a full-blown feud unless precautions are taken. It is important to keep in mind that when cats are confined indoors they have little chance to avoid each other, and aggression, once it occurs, is often compounded.

Problems with territorial aggression are most common when a new cat is added to the household. If sudden introductions lead to aggression, this can set the stage for future battles and may not bode well for the future. The way to circumvent this problem is to gradually introduce unfamiliar cats to each other across a closed door. A gradual introduction of a new cat to the household may take two to three weeks. This said, if initial animosities are mild, they often resolve spontaneously over a period of four months, even without such precautionary measures.

Territorial aggression between cats in the same household tends to develop gradually. The more confident cat may begin to guard various resources and threaten its feline housemate over the slightest infraction. Gradually the threats may progress to attacks and the victim may become progressively more frightened. Depending on the victim’s temperament, he may choose to retaliate or hide, only making an appearance when the territorial cat is not around. Occasionally litter box problems may arise because the fearful cat is too afraid to leave his hiding place. Additional problems of spraying and other forms of marking may occur if both cats are of close to equal status.

Non-Recognition Aggression

This explosive type of aggression occurs between feline housemates that have previously had a reasonable relationship. It probably occurs through “failure of recognition.” Non-recognition is most often triggered when one cat in the family is brought back from the veterinarian’s office, or the groomer, and smells and behaves differently. If a fight ensues, it can damage irreparably the relationship between the cats and lead to the development of territorial aggression. It is best avoided by separating indoor cats after outside excursions until it can be established that they are friendly toward each other.

Redirected Aggression

Aggression intended for an outdoor intruder that is redirected onto a feline housemate can also severely damage the social bond between cats that have previously cohabited in harmony. A typical scenario is of one cat resting by a window when a second cat sees an intruder cat outside the window and rushes to attack it. A sudden conflagration ensues with both cats fighting with one another. Theories as to who first attacks whom vary. One theory is that the would-be attacker, behind the window, being unable to attack the unwelcome visitor on the other side of a window, turns and attacks the cat next to it instead. This is true “redirected aggression” and is analogous to an angry man who punches a wall.

A second possible scenario is that one of the inside cats becomes extremely frightened by its buddy’s aggressive display (intended for the cat outside) and adopts a defensive posture with its pupils dilated, claws unsheathed, crouched body posture, ears flattened, and perhaps hissing and swatting. The other cat observes this display, interprets that it is about to be attacked, and takes the offensive. A fight ensues.

A variation on the theme of redirected aggression occurs when two cats are resting in the same vicinity when a frightening incident occurs, such as an unusual and particularly loud noise. Both cats are startled and assume a defensive posture. When they see each other in this stance, they each assume the other is ready to launch an attack. Each cat responds defensively, a fight erupts, and they remain fearful and aggressive toward each other afterwards.

In cases of redirected aggression, the cats should be separated immediately. If this is done and they are given several hours, if not overnight, to cool off you may be able to reintroduce them the next day over a bowl of food.

General Recommendations

Neuter all cats.

Keep nails trimmed as short as possible to lessen the chance of injury.

Set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day for each cat for interactive playtime. Encourage continuous aerobic play with laser pens, feather wands, or toys on strings to reduce anxiety and release energy.

Place bells on the cats so you can locate them. The bells must be loud and have different tones allowing you to distinguish the cats. This will also allow the cats to know each other’s whereabouts so there will be less chance for a surprise attack.

Rub each cat daily with a towel that has the other cat’s scent to familiarize each cat with the other’s scent.

Treatment with facial pheromones may be helpful. These pheromones are thought to have a calming effect and are associated with pleasurable experiences and “friendly cats.” If cats end up in a fight, do not reach between them as you could be injured. Instead, separate them with a blanket, broom, or whatever is handy. Alternatively, make a loud noise to startle them by dropping a pan or book. Cats become extremely agitated after an aggressive event and respond best to isolation until they become calm. You should banish the aggressor to a less desirable area. Cats may need to be separated for as long as 12 hours before they calm down and it is safe to reintroduce them.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Fun and Games

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009

If your pet is more like a couch potato than a curious cat on the go, it’s time to pump her up. Play. Experts agree on this cat care tip: some of us should do it more. It improves health, enhances appearance and adds a sense of mental well-being. And it only takes a few minutes a day. Exercise. You are your cat’s own personal trainer.

“Exercise benefits felines with increased overall health, including a longer lifespan. “It relieves stress, reduces aggression and keeps cats alert. Exercise just makes cats feel better.” A feline fitness plan may seem strange to you, but there are ways to get your cat in condition.

Let’s Play!
It may sound like work, but to cats, exercise is just plain fun. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to keep your kitty fit is to play with her. Just 15 to 30 minutes a day of play can help keep your cat in shape and strengthen the bond between the two of you. Here are some cat care tips to get you and your cat in the habit of regular exercise:

• Start slowly! Build up to 30 minutes of exercise a day, depending on your individual cat.
• Break play sessions into 5- to 10-minute segments throughout the day.
• Choose safe cat toys. Avoid string or other items she can swallow.
• Never force a cat to do an activity. Let her decide.
• If you feel like your cat is getting too wound up, stop playing.
• Play with your cat before meals, not immediately after.
• Have water available at all times.
• Use praise and petting instead of treats to keep her interested.

There are hundreds of cat toys on the market today as well as lots of low- and no-cost toys you can make yourself. “Cats get bored,”. “Have a good variety of toys, but alternate which ones you leave out.”

However, even the best toy won’t get your cat active without you. Cats like interaction. Although the toy is part of that, having a playmate will double her interest and the time she spends exercising.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com