Wool sucking: feline obsessive-compulsive disorder

We all love cuddling our balls of fur, giving them warm hugs, showing how much we care for them. But imagine if they start chewing our sweaters while we are expressing our love...well, a bit inconvenient. This strange behavior when they chew on sweaters, towels, blankets or even carpets is commonly called wool sucking... here’s more info about the same.

Cravings to chew...

• The causes of this behavior are not well understood, but it is mostly seen in oriental breeds (Siamese and Burmese cats).


• Some kittens are weaned early resulting in suckling deprivation and such cats when grow up mostly exhibit this habit.


• It has also found that odor of lanolin in wool is similar to the odor of the fur around the nipples of the kitten’s mother, which contributes to this inappropriate behaviour.


• Anxiety and stress also contributes to this behaviour to some extent.

Remediation...a better solution

• The best solution is to keep ‘Chews’ out of reach, keep sweaters etc in closet or at a place, where kitties cannot reach...to chew on.


• If there’s a favourite spot to chew on...spray it with a bitter spray or apply anxious-tasting substances such as cologne, pepper sauce or a commercial repellant to these objects...once bitten twice shy...this will work wonders.


• Leave kittens with mother for at least twelve weeks.


• Provide other things for the cat to chew on, such as a sock with a ball in it or a cat toy.


• Keep a vigil on your cat and if found sucking, immediately use trusty water pistol to shoo her way.


• Consult your veterinarian for a solution and medication...if required.

Respond...straightaway

In some cats, the sucking begins with wool, but then progresses to other available materials such as cotton or even plastic. The behaviour most often begins at puberty; if it is not cured at the initial stages, sometimes it might prove fatal, as they may swallow non-food items, such as plastic or fabric, which could lead to an intestinal obstruction or serious digestive illness. It is therefore essential to get rid of the habit at its earliest.

(Dr. Deepa Katyal, MVSC (Mumbai), MVSt (Australia) is a veterinary practitioner at Chembur, Mumbai. She is CEO of K-9 Klub for dog lovers. She can be contacted at 9819742557.)

Preventing common kitty problems

We all know that prevention is better than cure. Here are a few ways to prevent common problems in your furry felines.

We cannot keep our cats safe and well all the time, but a little forethought can help minimise the risks to which they are exposed. Our cats cannot understand what these are. So, it is up to us to think about how we take care of them and to keep them as healthy and well protected as we possibly can.

Acute renal failure

Some cases of acute renal failure can be prevented by removing the causes from your home. Easter lilies and some other similar plants are toxic to cats and even a sprinkling of pollen licked off the fur can be enough to cause problems. Make it known to your loved ones that you prefer to be given other types of flowers. Antifreeze can also cause renal failure and some cats seem attracted to its smell, so avoid having it in your house or garage if possible, or at least keep it safely shut away. If any antifreeze is spilled, then clean it up properly.

Urinary tract obstruction and bladder stones

These conditions may be triggered and can certainly be exacerbated by cats having an insufficient intake of liquids. So, ensure that there is always a plentiful supply of fresh, clean drinking water for your kitty. You can encourage cats to drink by putting additional water bowls around the house, using drinking fountains and adding ice cubes to the water bowls. Providing drinks other than water as occasional treats can also help increase the liquids intake, but these should only be suitable drinks, such as cat milk, spring water from a can of tuna (not brine as it is too salty), or a little homemade meat or fish stock with no salt. Adding water to their food can also be useful with cats who seem to dislike drinking.

Foreign body ingestion

Many cats become seriously ill or die each year from this but it can be avoided. Sharp objects may stick in the throat, but it is more common to find foreign bodies stuck in the stomach or small intestine. If an object such as a toy of teat from a baby’s bottle is swallowed and cannot pass through the cat’s digestive system, it can cause a blockage. Also pieces of thread, string or shoelaces can cause problems if they trail through the intestines and cause them to fold over or knot up. Be aware of such kind of things that could cause problems and do not allow them to be left lying around. Make sure sewing kits and small objects are not left in accessible places, especially when playful kittens are running about. Keep an eye on your cats’ behaviour and if they enjoy chewing toys, make sure you throw away any that come apart. If you see a cat swallow anything and then start vomiting, rush to a vet immediately.

Gingivitis and tooth loss

It is known that gingivitis in cats can be significantly exacerbated by other conditions, so keeping your cat generally healthy is a good first step in preventing it. However, any cat can be affected and avoiding dental plaque and tartar is an important preventative measure. Too much soft sticky food can lead to the development of plaque and tartar and this can be minimised by feeding dry food, especially large kibbles which need to be bitten before the cat swallows them. There are also treat foods available to help keep teeth clean, including special cat treats as well as foods such as jerky, or dried (unsalted) fish. Large chunks of meat such as ‘ham ends’ can also be given. Some owners give raw chicken wings, but cooked bones should never be given as they can splinter.

(Anthony Nichols has been showing cats for about 20 years, starting with non-pedigrees, and breeding for about ten years. He has bred Devon Rex and Singapuras, but mainly focuses on breeding LaPerms in a range of colours, particularly the reds, creams, torties, chocolates and colourpoints).

Caring for Your Cat: The Top Ten Essentials

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you’ll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

1. Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely. 
   
   


2. Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments protects both cats and people in the community. 
   
   


3. Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community. 
   
   


4. Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral. 
   
   


5. Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation. 
   
   


6. Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. 
   
   


7. Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviours such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part. 
   
   


8. Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs. 
   
   


9. Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share. 
   
   


10. Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behaviour problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet’s behaviour, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the HSUS’s Pets for Life campaign information.

(This article is contributed by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization. Established in 1954, HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals; www.hsus.org)