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                      Volume 5, Issue 4                               

Learn to Read Your Cat's Signals

The following appeared on www.veterinarypartner.com, Copyright 2003, Universal Press Syndicate. Written by Gina Spadafori.

Here's a rule to remember when it comes to dealing with feline aggression:  Never, ever hit your cat.

While it may make you feel better--at least in the short run--a smack won't help you change a cat who appears to delight in sinking teeth and claws into you at seemingly unpredictable moments.

Fear and pain can cause a cat to lash out.  The best way to deal with a scared cat is to let him be, while a sick cat surely needs a veterinarian.  But most times what we see as "meanness" in a cat is just part of being a cat.  You can change this behavior, but only if you understand what's behind it and react properly.  Here's what makes cats go crazy and how to correct the problem.

--Overstimulation.  You're petting your cat and suddenly he grabs you with his claws and teeth.  Not a full-powered attack, but you've still got those sharp tips around your hand.  What do you do?  In the short run, freeze.  Don't struggle or fit back, or you may trigger a real bite.  Sometimes smacking your other hand hard against a hard surface may startle your cat into breaking off the attack.  If you stay still, however, he will usually calm down and release you.

That's the solution if you've gotten to the attack stage.  The better option is to be familiar with your cat and his body language and stop petting before he becomes overstimulated.  Cat lovers often think such attacks come without warning, but the fact is that they missed the warning signs.  The tail is the key.  If your cat starts twitching his tail in a jerky fashion, it's time to stop petting, or switch to an area that's more relaxing.  Belly rubs are fine for dogs, but usually not for cats.  Instead of petting your cat's sensitive tummy, rub behind his ears or at the base of the tail.

--Play aggression.  Sure, it hurts all the same, but the cat who pounces on your feet and then careens off the wall isn't trying to claw you--he's playing.  Instead of punishing your cat, redirect his energy.  Increase your play sessions with your cat with an appropriate toy, such as a cat fishing pole or toy on a string, to help your cat burn off his excess energy before you try for a quiet petting session.

No matter what, never let your cat view you as a plaything, not even when he's an adorable kitten.  Wrestling barehanded with your cat is a no-no, because you're setting up a bad precedent.  A stuffed sock is a great substitute for a human hand when it comes to playthings--let your cat bit, claw and bunny-kick to his heart's content.

What if he persists in seeing you as a plaything?  As with the overstimulated cat, stop the behavior by freezing.  Don't give him a reason to continue the attack.  You can also inform him that attacks on you are not permitted by letting him have it with a shot from a spray bottle.  A nice theatrical scream helps, too, unless you have neighbors close enough to hear you and call the cops.

                      Volume 5, Issue 4                               

Employees of the Month

This month we have two special employees that we'd like to mention.  Kerry Backsen and Dionne Ferguson have both been accepted to LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine, which we all recognize as a wonderful accomplishment.  Both of these young ladies have been an invaluable part of our team, and we appreciate the years of service they have given to us at MSAH.  While they will be greatly missed, we all wish them the best of luck in their endeavors.  And, who knows...maybe we'll be seeing Dr. Backsen and Dr. Ferguson back at MSAH in a few years.

       Kerry Backsen

   Dionne Ferguson

   What's Your Diagnosis?

Lola is a two year old, spayed female, mix breed dog.  She was presented for vomiting which had begun three days earlier.  Although the owners had just recently changed Lola's food, the vomiting had started before that.  Physical exam was within normal limits.  The attending doctor performed some bloodwork and an x-ray.  The bloodwork proved normal and the radiograph appears at right.  What's your diagnosis?

Learn to Read Your Cat's Signals       (Cont. from Page 2)

--Redirected aggression.  Your cat sees another cat, an intruder, outside your living-room window.  He becomes enraged.  You walk by, and he nails you.  What gives?  You were just the victim of redirected aggression.

This one's tough to fix.  Try to discourage strange cats in your yard.  Thump on the window, or put an air horn out the door and give them a blast.  And, again, be aware of your cat's body language.  A cat who's looking for trouble is one who's best avoided.

With all feline aggression, the trick is to eliminate the triggers and work on your cat's tolerance levels.  If you're patient and consistent, your cat will improve over time. 

If you give in to temptation and smack your pet, though, you'll end up with a pet who's even more aggressive, or who's terrified of you.  Either outcome makes it well worth the effort to stick to a nonviolent approach.

Injury caused by self-mutilation

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                      Volume 5, Issue 4