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)

Cats & Kittens July August 2011 Issue

Playful Pixiebobs! Intelligent, affectionate, loving and playful…a Pixiebob can give you hours of entertainment…playing, loving and cuddling with you. Watch out for fever! It is very important to monitor your kitty’s body temperature to ensure she is healthy. Let’s see why. Ask the Expert.. Dr KG Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia. What’s normal? What's not? Smarten up! Your kitty is very conscious of her looks…let us also help him maintain his sparkling look! When’s the time to seek a vet? As a pet parent, we should learn to observe in detail and know when to take the cat to the vet. How do you decide? Just say ‘no’ aversive training your cat As much as you love him, it can be hard to maintain warm, fuzzy feelings when your cat scratches the furniture, jumps on the counters, or gnaws on plants. Of course, he’s just doing what comes naturally. Yelling or hitting won’t deter the bad behaviour, but it will make your cat fearful of you, which is certainly not your goal. So what can you do?

Just say ‘no’ aversive training your cat

As much as you love him, it can be hard to maintain warm, fuzzy feelings when your cat scratches the furniture, jumps on the counters, or gnaws on plants. Of course, he’s just doing what comes naturally. Yelling or hitting won’t deter the bad behaviour, but it will make your cat fearful of you, which is certainly not your goal. So what can you do?

Remote control

Aversive training uses textures, odours, tastes, sounds, and other methods to correct your cat’s behaviour in a way that’s unpleasant for him, but has nothing to do with you. Let’s say your cat tends to chew on electrical cords, a very dangerous habit. Smear hot sauce on the cords. He’ll quickly learn that chewing on them is no fun at all, and you’re still the good guy. In addition to deterring him from undesired behaviour, you’ll need to provide an acceptable alternative for him to express his needs. Tools of the trade A basic aversive training toolbox contains: Unpleasant textures: Nubby plastic carpet runner, duct tape, rough rocks, anything that won’t feel good to your cat’s paws. Bad tastes: Hot sauce or a non-toxic spray or ointment available at pet supply stores Bad smells: Cologne and citrus scents. Loud sounds: Whistle, can of pennies or pebbles, pot lids, book dropped on floor, hand clapping. Surprises: A squirt from a water bottle, a blast of canned air.

Using your tools

The advantages of having so many training tools are flexibility and creativity. You can pick, choose, and adapt your tools to any situation. If duct tape doesn’t work, try carpet runner. If your cat likes Bitter Apple, use hot sauce. If he ignores a squirt of water, blow a whistle. You can even combine your tools to send a really strong message.

Element of surprise

Aversives such as noises and surprises are effective training tools when you’re home to watch your cat’s movements. If you catch him considering whether or not to jump on the coffee table, kitchen counter, etc, don’t shout at him; instead, interrupt him by squirting him with water, blowing a whistle, or throwing a pillow in his direction (don’t hit him). These actions are intended to startle and distract him from his intended mission. Try to take action from outside his line of sight so he won’t associate it with you. He’ll think the coffee table did it. You can also use noises and surprises if your cat starts scratching or chewing something, tries to run out the front door, or engages in any other type of naughtiness. (Note: Don’t use surprise methods if you have a particularly timid or fearful cat. It’s not good for his nerves.)

Timing is everything

The right timing is crucial to the success of these methods. You have to catch your cat in the act in order for them to be effective. If you squirt him or blow the whistle after he’s finished, he won’t connect the consequence with his behaviour, and your effort will be wasted. But you can’t follow your cat around the house or be home 24x7 to supervise; that’s when your other tools come in handy.

Passive aversive

Passive aversives are training methods that don’t require you to be directly involved—a disagreeable odour, a bad taste, or an uncomfortable texture can make your cat think twice about doing what he’s doing. Here are some of the most common cat habits and ways to reduce or stop them:

Scratching carpet or furniture

• Cover favoured areas with plastic carpet runner, nubby side up, until the cat stops scratching.


• Spray areas with cologne or citrus scents, which cats don’t like and usually avoid. Test surfaces for staining by spraying on a hidden area first.

Jumping on tables, counters, etc.

• Cover with plastic carpet runner, nubby side up.


• Cover large pieces of cardboard with double-sided tape or loops of duct tape, then place cardboard on surfaces. Your cat won’t like his feet sticking to the tape.


• Set a few upside-down mousetraps that will snap when he touches them, but won’t hurt him.


• Tie some soda cans together and set them up on the surface. He’ll knock them over when he jumps up.

Chewing plants, cords, wood, etc.

• Spray plants with Bitter Apple, cologne or citrus scents


• Apply hot sauce, Bitter Apple ointment, or aloe gel to cords, wood, other solid surfaces

Digging in plants

• Cover soil with aluminium foil or small, rough rocks

Feline fun

Your cat’s habits may be incompatible with your lifestyle, but they’re perfectly normal for him. Give him approved outlets for his natural behaviour so he’ll be less tempted to use your stuff. Place scratching posts near his favourite hang-outs so he won’t go for the couch or carpet. Give him a tall cat tree to satisfy his instinct to watch the world from on high. Make sure he has toys of all shapes and materials to keep him from destroying your belongings. And shower him with time and attention as often as time allows.

(This article is contributed by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Established in 1954, HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals; www.hsus.org)

When’s the time to seek a vet?

As a pet parent, we should learn to observe in detail and know when to take the cat to the vet. How do you decide?

• Know how much your cat eats. If this amount changes significantly (except in a growing kitten), know what the reason is. See the veterinarian in the absence of a good reason.


• Cats should have good habits, including keeping their fur and anus clean. If you still find your cat does not look as clean as she should be or if she stops grooming herself, seek a vet as chances are that she might not be physically fit to groom herself.


• New problems deserve an answer. Fleas could signal their presence by black flecks and scabs. Excessive matting may indicate a need for better quality fatty acid balance in the diet. If you notice any such abnormalities, seek your vet immediately.


• Lift the cat’s tail and look at the anus. If there are rice like objects, light tan in colour hanging on the anus, they are probably tapeworm eggs. Take your kitty to the vet who will set a proper deworming schedule for your cat. Beginning four months of age, your cat should be dewormed every three months. But, if you have a kitten, she would need to be dewormed every three weeks.


• If the cat (particularly a long haired cat) has faeces clinging to the perianal area, ask your vet to trim the fur in that area. This can prevent infection from having the faeces trapped next to the skin.


• Although you provide an excellent diet, and the cat appears to be in the best health, a yearly veterinary visit is recommended much like a yearly doctor’s visit for humans.

(Kit Humphrey, featured columnist of Cats & Kittens, is a retired physician from Siberian Gatos Cattery in the US)

Smarten up!

Your kitty is very conscious of her looks…let us also help him maintain his sparkling look!

Coat care: Combing and brushing your cat once a week is an excellent habit as it helps reduce the incidence of hairballs. Place your cat on any comfortable surface. Use a fine-toothed comb on short-haired cats and a wide-toothed comb on cats with long hair. Stroke gently and evenly from the head towards the tail. Finish with brushing – always working in the direction the cat’s coat grows.

Dental care: Dental disease can cause sore, swollen gums and loss of teeth. But even more serious, it can allow the bacteria in your cat’s mouth to gain access to the body, which may lead to infections of major organs. Your veterinarian will show you the proper way to brush your cat’s teeth.

Proper dental care should begin when your cat is a kitten. Maintain your cat’s oral hygiene with a weekly tooth brushing with a cat toothpaste. Finger brushes are also available. They fit over your forefinger to make it easy work with your cat – and this is probably the best way to clean a cat’s teeth. Any time you put your fingers in a cat’s mouth, be careful not to get bitten. Always work with your cat from above and behind, to maintain control over your restless patient. Remember, you are going to begin regular tooth-brushing, it is best and very wise to start when your cat is kitten. You can also use dental chews to keep his teeth clean.

Time to call a vet: Cats tend to be fastidiously neat and your cat will clean and groom himself. But, if he begins to neglect his appearance, chances are that there is something physically wrong. Consult your vet immediately.

(Joan Henderson is based in Australia and she has judged furry felines in many other countries including USA, Bermuda, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand)