March 18, 2009

Dear Obie,
My Siamese cat, Sir Wonderful, has a habit of dropping his toys into his water bowl, then walking away. Is there a reason he does this or is he just crazy?
Signed, Allyson
Bend, Oregon


Dear Allyson,
I can't tell you if Sir Wonderful is crazy or not, but dropping toys in water or food bowls is not uncommon in cats. If Sir Wonderful is anything like me, his food and water bowls are two of his favorite places in your house, kind of like his favorite sleeping spot (where you are also likely to find his toys.) Don't forget, in the wild, large cats tend to carry their prey to their "nest" site to be consumed later, as this is their safe place. To Sir Wonderful, his food or water bowl is his safe place. So rest assured that his behavior isn't unusual!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My human mommy gets frustrated with me when I play during the night, and she is trying to sleep. Please tell her that this is natural!
Signed, Carolina
Lincoln City, Oregon


Dear Carolina,
Cats are nocturnal. That is the long and short of it. In the wild, most cats hunt by night and sleep during the day. As descendants from wild cats, such as lions and tigers, our most natural period of activity is at night. When we race through the house at two AM, bowling over the other cats or knocking down lamps, we are hunting. This is instinctual. We can't help it.

One thing your human can do to make her life a little easier is to accept it! Just kidding. If she plays with you just before bedtime, maybe using a toy to really wear you out, she might get better sleep. Also, having two cats helps give them a playmate they can chase around during the day, helping to burn off some of that energy. Other than that, there isn't a lot that can be done to alter instinct. One good bit of news for her, though, is that, as cats age, we are more likely to sleep at night rather than rip through the house, the way kittens do. So tell her to be patient, enjoy you as you are, and sleep when she can!

Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Easter is coming, and the thrift shop at Salem Friends of Felines on Commercial Street has some great Easter gifts. Stuffed rabbits, baskets, wall hangings; everything you need to decorate for this great holiday! So stop by and check out their stuff, and visit with the kitties while you're there!

*****

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!