Dr. Karen Sueda

What Cat Lovers are Asking this Week…

• Q:

  My cat likes to reach in my guinea pig's cage and touch her. My guinea pig gets scared and turns around and tries to nip my cat's paw. How can I get my cat to stop "petting" my guinea pig? (My cat has also stolen food like lettuce straight out of my guinea pig's mouth!)

  A:

  Your cat probably thinks that your guinea pig is the BEST toy you ever bought him! Like any precious object, I recommend relocating your guinea pig to a spot your cat can’t reach such as a separate room with a closed door. Alternatively, use a deterrent around your guinea pig’s cage so your cat doesn’t want to approach it. For example, place a length of vinyl carpet runner (upside down with the nubby side up) under the cage. Make sure it extends further than “cat arm’s length” all around the periphery of the cage. Because it’s uncomfortable to step on, your cat won’t sit next to the cage and won’t paw at your guinea pig or steal her food.
  
  Since you’ll be taking away one “toy,” remember to give your cat other fun activities to do that don’t involve your guinea pig. Since he likes reaching into the cage, your cat may really enjoy a puzzle box toy. You can purchase one commercially (e.g. “Peak-A-Prize” toy) or you can make one yourself by cutting holes into a cardboard box and placing toys inside for your cat to fish out.

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• Q:

  What do I do to make my cat sleep in his own bed?

  A:

  To encourage your cat to sleep in his own bed and discourage him from sleeping in your bed, we have to make his bed VERY appealing and make your bed less appealing.
  
  Purchase a cat bed that your cat will enjoy. Most cats tend to curl up when they sleep and so prefer a bed with raised sides to rest against. If your cat likes sleeping under blankets or in small spaces, consider buying an enclosed, “igloo-style” cat bed. Place the cat bed in a location you’ve noticed your cat sleeping before, such as a favorite chair in your bedroom or the top of a dresser.
  
  One reason cats enjoy sleeping with us is because it is warm. For this reason, placing a heating pad in the cat bed may encourage your cat to sleep there, rather than with you. Select a heating pad specifically made for pets. These are less likely to burn your cat. I also recommend choosing one that does not have cords or wires so your cat doesn’t chew them.
  
  Encourage your cat to spend time in the bed. Gently place him in the bed or lure him inside using treats or toys. Give him lots of attention when he’s there. It may help to play with him before bed to tire him out. Settle him in his own bed when you’re ready to retire for the evening.
  
  If your cat insists on sleeping with you, close your bedroom door at night. However, if you want him to sleep in your bedroom, but not your bed, place a length of upside down carpet runner at the foot of your bed so he can’t jump up. If he does jump up, completely ignore any attempts he makes to get your attention. Petting him, speaking to him or allowing him to snuggle with you will only encourage him to spend more time in your bed.

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• Q:

  I have a 6 year old Maine Coon cat named Heidi, back in March I noticed her only going to the bathroom almost once a day and I'm always use to her going three or four times a day but suddenly the middle of April she started pooping in the floor downstairs and not going to her litter box upstairs. She has a spine injury and hip dysplasia I put two boxes downstairs and she's back to using it normally. She is on Metacam for pain but how do I get her to go back upstairs to use the litter? And not downstairs.

  A:

  Because Heidi has both a spinal injury and hip dysplasia, it’s probably difficult and uncomfortable for her to climb up stairs. If she spends most of her day downstairs, she likely doesn’t want to climb the stairs three or four times a day to eliminate. This may be why she “held it” and started using the bathroom only once a day when the one litter box in the house was upstairs. It’s great that you put two boxes downstairs for Heidi to use – I’m sure she appreciates it!
  
  Unfortunately because of her physical limitations, I’d recommend always having at least one box downstairs for Heidi to use. If you’d like her to use the box upstairs more often, carry her upstairs or encourage her to spend more time on that floor. For example, provide a heated cat bed (which could help her arthritis), food, catnip, toys or other fun activities upstairs so she wants to “hang out” there most of the day.

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