January 27, 2009

Dear Obie,
I've been an only cat for about two years, and now my humans have told me they are going to bring a puppy home next week. They seem to think I need a new friend. I'm a little nervous; I've heard that all dogs hate cats and will try to eat them if they get a chance! Do you have any tips for my humans to make sure this works out and I don't get eaten?!
Signed, Maxwell
Jefferson, Oregon


Dear Maxwell,
I can understand your concerns, but don't believe all the rumors you hear. Not all dogs hate cats. In fact, in many homes, dogs and cats live together very peacefully, and even form lifelong friendships! I'll keep my paws crossed that the same happens for you.

To Maxwell's humans, here are a few tips for introducing Maxwell to his new canine friend. I live in a house without dogs, so I turned to my friend Sherry Woodard at Best Friends Animal Society for some help with this column. Sherry is Best Friends' dog training and care consultant, and she knows her dogs!

First off, Sherry says it's best if you have two humans there, one to grab the puppy and the other to grab Maxwell just in case their first meeting doesn't go so well! Keep the puppy on a lead, and watch very closely the body language of both kitty and puppy. See how they react to each other. If Maxwell is not acting aggressively, allow him to move around the room. Likewise, if the dog is not acting aggressively toward the cat, allow Maxwell to approach him and give him a good sniff. Signs of aggression in cats can include hissing, growling, arching his back, or laying back his ears. Signs of aggression in a puppy can include lunging, growling, barking and whining.

Never allow the dog to chase the cat at the first meeting! It may look like play, but remember that they just met. They don't know each other well enough to play yet! If the puppy lunges and tries to chase after Maxwell, it's time to try something different. Try putting Maxwell in a bedroom with a tall baby gate across the door. Make sure he has food, water and a litter box, of course! Then let the puppy see him for a second or two, followed by redirecting the puppy's attention to something else for a while. Praise the puppy for his restraint. Keep doing this throughout the day, but don't get frustrated. Some dogs will lose interest in the kitty within a couple hours, others may take a few days. The worst case is if the puppy never loses interest in the kitty and continues to act aggressively toward him, in which case they may never be able to be left together. Don't forget that a dog can seriously injure or kill a cat very quickly, and a cat can seriously injure a dog just as quickly.

Maxwell, since you are a couple years old, you might have the upper hand if your humans bring home a small puppy. In many cases, older cats are secure enough to put a puppy in its place. But hopefully your humans will know to always watch how you act toward each other, and will never assume all is well. If there are problems that are ongoing, humans, please seek help from a professional animal specialist. And don't try punishing either animal as a solution; punishment never solves a problem and could make things even worse!

Good luck, Maxwell! I hope the new puppy becomes your best friend!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My kitty, Gator, always runs from the room and hides when I play my stereo. Do you think my music hurts his ears?
Signed, Bonnie
Everglades City, Florida


Dear Bonnie,
I think you're exactly right. We kitties have sensitive ears, and loud music can make our heads hurt! Gator is very likely looking for a quiet place to rest his ears when he runs from the room. Really loud music isn't good for any animal in your house, and it's not good for you, either! Wouldn't you rather play your music quietly and have Gator sleep in your lap than play it loud and have him run away?
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Mark February 21 on your calendar! That's the Kitty Carnival at PetSmart on Lancaster Drive in Salem, from 11 AM to 4 PM! There will be fun games, an artist will be doing pet caricatures, humans can have popcorn, and, of course, there will be some awesome kitties there who would love to be adopted by you! All kitties deserve a loving home, and the joy they bring to your life will be immeasurable! So come by and visit on February 21!!!

*****

Remember, folks, I am not a vet! I am a cat! Always talk to your vet before making any medical decisions regarding your cat! Please!