To me, this photo show just how beautiful cats really are.
To me, this photo show just how beautiful cats really are.

Cats are wonderful creatures and bring much joy to their owners – from small children to the elderly living on their own. They quickly become part of our family, in fact they think they own us! However, there are times when they have a problem that can’t be resolved immediately, when we, as responsible owners, need some advice. It can be anything from finding out why your cat is continually scratching at his or her ears, why they have suddenly stopped using the litter box or what’s the best food to feed them. Perhaps you want to house train your cat with a minimum of stress to you both, or you want to stop your cat scratching the furniture. You may want to know what is wrong with your cat and whether a trip to the vet is necessary.

Cat Problems Resolved contains a growing library of articles on various problems that I or others have had with our cats or kittens.  Please feel free to browse through them either by using the links below or you can search by category to the right. If you have specific questions or problems, leave a comment and I will answer them personally.

I have started a new page called ‘From the Web…‘ where I will be posting articles and videos from other people’s websites for your interest and further education. The link is at the top of this page.

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Feline Worms -Ring Worm

quarintined for ringworm 150x150 Cat Problems Resolved Blog

Until a friend approached me asking what the bald patch on her cat was and I did some research, I assumed that ringworm was an internal parasite. Do you know what feline ring worm is and what to do about it?

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Helping Your Cat Move House

moz screenshot 3 Cat Problems Resolved Blogcat in carrier 150x150 Cat Problems Resolved Blog

We all know how stressful it can be to have to move house. There is the confusion of things being packed away and shifted. You and I know what’s going on, but your cat doesn’t. He will be confused as nothing is in its right place. Do you know the best way to help your cat shift house?

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Cat Eyes

minni the face photo courtesy MaschinenraumCat eyes can be so expressive and tell you so much. They can gaze directly at you and if you’re not used to it, it can be disconcerting. Your cat’s eyes truly are the window to their soul. Learn more about your cat eyes and how to look after them.


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Cat Kidney Problems

i dont fancy your bed today 150x150 Cat Problems Resolved BlogI came across this article about how to recognize the signs of kidney failure in cats and have posted it here for your information. Cat kidney problems seem to be on the rise and this is one of those cat health problems that needs to be dealt with quickly. Its critical to seek immediate veterinary treatment when you notice the signs of a problem kidney in a cat. Find out more about cat kidney problems in Kate Reiger’s article.


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Cat Hissing

hisssssss photo courtesty mattieb

When people hear a cat hissing they usually try to stay clear of it. Hissing often comes just before a fight with another cat or scratching and biting a human. Would you know what to do if confronted with a cat hissing at you?


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Toe Biting Cats

new-toy-mid-pounce photo courtesy Al AbutDoes your cat like to chase after your feet when you are walking, or try to bite or nip your feet and heels when you are relaxing in the evening or perhaps enjoying the garden or sitting in the sun? Sometimes cats can get carried away and you need to know what to do about these over aggressive toe biting cats.

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Older Cats and Dogs

cat and dog2 photo courtesy turtlemom4baconIf you have cats and are asked to take in a dog for whatever reason (the death of the dog’s owner or relocation overseas etc), you need to find out if they get along with cats. If they don’t, this can be a problem.  Find out the best way to introduce older cats and dogs so there are no problems.

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Cats and Their Sense of Smell

A cat's nose is incredibly sensitive and essential to so many parts of your cat's existence.Even though your cat’s nose is tiny, are you aware that it has a highly developed and very keen sense of smell? This helps with feeding, social life, and much more.  Learn why your cat’s sense of smell is so important to its survival.

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Cat Hair Loss

bald spot photo courtesy ashley_drydenCat hair loss can happen, just like in humans. The causes could be hereditary, alopecia, or due to outside reasons such as fleas or stress. Find out what you can do if you notice your cat losing its hair.

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Cat Neutering And Spaying

preparation for neutering photo courtesy AmazonCARE

There are many people, myself included, who advocate having their cat spayed or neutered. Despite the ever growing media coverage of having pets spayed or neutered to prevent a feral cat explosion, there are still many people who choose not to spay or neuter their cats. Learn why it is a very good idea to have your cat neutered or spayed.

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Avoiding That Cat Urine Smell

coming-out photo courtesy FrenkiebThere is a distinctive cat urine smell that signals your cat has stopped using the litter box. Sometimes it will be in the bedroom or on the bed, in the lounge room on on your children’s clothes. Discover some easy tips that can help you solve this smelly cat urine problem quickly and easily.

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Training Your Cat To Use The Litter Box

donut-pearl photo courtesy stevevoghtUpdated information on training your kitten to use the litter box. Training your new kitten or cat to use the litter box is probably one of the most important things to do.  In the wild, a cat will scratch a hole in the soil or leaves to go to the toilet. Learn the easiest way to train your kitten or cat.

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Cat Behaviors or Just Who Owns Whom

080120_bella_00991 photo courtesy David Redding PhotoAs any cat owner will tell you there can be a dispute about owning a cat and having a cat own you. Depending on the bond that exists  between you and your feline friend, this can change daily or even hourly. Cats, according to cats, are superior to any creature on earth. Find out how you can be the one in charge!

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Why Cats Love Being Stroked

img 9516 1 cat massage 150x150 Cat Problems Resolved BlogI’m sure you know just how much cats love you to pat and stroke them.  I’m not sure who becomes more relaxed, my cat or me. The skin of a cat is very sensitive and so are the hairless pads on the feet.  Find out why cats love being stroked in some places more than others.

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Your Cat’s Natural Instincts And Behavior

kaley-plays-with-a-mouse photo courtesy polandezeCats and kittens are a wonderful creatures. They are inquisitive, energetic, and love to play. The games that kittens love to play are those that will help develop their natural instincts.  Be prepared for your kitten to practice on you. Find out how you can help your kitten develop its natural instincts and behavior.

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Introducing Cats

hanz-and-fritz photo courtesy woody1778aWhen you introduce a new cat to your home, it’s much easier if you can do it while the cats are young. However, this is not always possible. You might take in a stray, or look after a cat for a friend who is away on holiday. Do you know the best way to introduce cats?

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Cat Food Nutrition

yummy photo courtesy Janet 59Good cat food nutrition is essential for the health of your cat. It is not important what type of food you give your cat – tinned (wet) food, dry food or cook it yourself, however it is important to make sure the food is nutritious, healthy and suitable for the age of your cat.  Are you aware of just what your kitten or cat needs in the way of good nutrition?

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How To Keep Cats Out Of Your Garden

p1250912 photo courtesy shimgrayNeighborhood cats using your garden as their own playground or toilet can be extremely annoying. Especially if these other cats frighten or fight with your own cat. There are some tricks and methods you can use to keep these unwanted visitors out. Just plugging the gaps won’t necessarily keep cats out of your garden but there are some inexpensive ways to get rid of them.

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If Your Cat Is Not Eating

awww-sweety1 photo courtesy tifotterThere can be many reasons why your cat won’t eat. The first thing I would check is to make sure she isn’t sick. Check with your vet to find out how to check your cat’s temperature. If your cat has been vomiting or regurgitating its food, a trip to the vet is advised. Find out more reasons why your cat is not eating.

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Caring For Older Cats – Teeth

truman-gets-his-teeth-brushed photo courtesy John MortonIt is important for all cats to have healthy teeth. This is even more so in older cats. Just like with humans, their teeth break and chip. If they are in any sort of discomfort, it will be much harder for them to eat and stay healthy. Learn the best way to check your cat’s teeth and how to clean them.

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Does Your Cat Scratch Your Furniture?

Don't let your cat scratch the furniture. Retrain it to use a scratching post.I guess 99% of us have had to growl at our cat or kitten for scratching the furniture or climbing up the curtains. Find out why cats do this and what you can do to prevent them scratching your furniture and ruining it.

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Cat Ear Mites

ear mites 150x150 Cat Problems Resolved BlogCat ear mites are most often seen in kittens, though they can and do affect cats of any age. They are extremely contagious, and can be passed from cat to cat and even from a dog to cat. Learn how to check for cat ear mites in your pet.

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Cat Spraying

marking-teritory photo courtesty Ahmed RabeaCat spraying or urine marking is when your cat sprays small amounts of urine to announce his presence. This is usually done on vertical surfaces such as door frames, walls or furniture.  Do all cats spray to mark their territory?

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Feline Heartworm

hiresmedillustration photo courtesy www.knowheartworms.orgFeline heartworm is something you don’t want your cat to get. Heartworm can kill your cat suddenly without any signs of infection. Learn how feline heartworm is spread  and  when a trip to the vet is necessary.

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Is Your Cat Vomiting

frank-ate-too-much-leaves-and-he-threw-up1 photo courtesy bradleygeeCat vomit is something that every pet owner will have do deal with eventually. Sometimes it is just a hairball or perhaps too much food that causes your cat to be sick. Find out when it’s time to take your vomiting cat to the vet.

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Creating A Safe Environment For Your Cat

usb-cable photo courtesy taraleKittens and cats are inquisitive animals and love to play with anything that will fit in their mouth. This includes small toys, balls of wool, feathers and electrical cords. If you are adopting a kitten, make sure your home is safe for them.

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Your Cat’s Play Aggression

kittys-play photo courtesy faerybootsDoes your cat pounce on you when you walk past? This can be normal kitten behavior. However, if your cat doesn’t know when to stop attacking you, you might have an aggression problem. Chasing and playing with moving toys is part of play aggression and is an important learning activity for your cat or kitten.

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Cat Urine Removers

coming-out photo courtesy FrenkiebI find it very sad that many healthy and beautiful cats and kittens end up either abandoned on the side of a road or left at a shelter because their cat ‘makes the house smell’. First find out why your cat eliminates inappropriately, then retrain it. There are many easy to use and non chemical cat urine removers on the market today. Find out what you can to do stop this problem and keep your beloved cat.

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Cats Make Wonderful Friends

cat-2 photo courtesy Homg Its MelanieCats really do make marvelous pets. They help keep our older citizens company, they can help children learn responsibility and they can make young children laugh with joy. I find it very relaxing and soothing to have a cat curled up on my lap in the evening while I watch TV after a busy day.

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Feline Diabetes

tikki facing right 150x150 Cat Problems Resolved BlogUnfortunately Feline Diabetes is more widespread than most people realize. It can affect up to 1 in 400 cats and seems to be more common in overweight cats and male cats. With care, cats with feline diabetes can live long and fulfilling lives. Learn how to treat your diabetic cat.

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Up To 60,000,000 Homeless

cats-cats-cats-arrow-rock-missouri-20050703-03-feral-cats photo courtesy rsgranneThis staggering number is the estimated number of homeless or feral cats in America today. Cats become feral when they are dumped by thoughtless people who no longer want their cat or kittens for whatever reason, or when they find it is too expensive to take them to a shelter.

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How To Keep Your Cat In Top Condition

stretch photo courtesy J i J yLike all of us, cats need exercise to keep in top condition. This is especially so for cats who catch prey such as mice. Cats seem to spend a lot of the day sleeping so it is important to make sure your cat gets enough exercise. Find out some easy ways to help keep your cat in top condition.

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Cat Grooming

time-to-brush-the-kitty photo courtesy IndyDina and Mr. Wonderful Grooming and brushing your cat can not only be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your family, it can also be extremely relaxing. Having a purring cat arching its back as you brush it gives a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. It can be likened to having your hair washed and brushed at the hairdressers, something I love. Learn the best tips on grooming your cat.

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Caring for Older Cats – Incontinence

enjoying-the-early-morning-sun photo courtesy Janet59It is hard for cats when they face incontinence problems. Because cats are such fastidious creatures, they are highly embarrassed. They feel they have ‘let the family down’ and will even withdraw from being around them. Older cats in particular can have problems with incontinence. Do you know what to do when faced with cat incontinence?

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Training Your Cat – Keeping Them Off Your Counter or Desk

guilty photo courtesy Janet59Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures and love to know what is going on and what their favorite person is doing. They can no doubt also smell the food you are preparing and will want to check it out.

It is important to stop this behavior as early as possible. Learn the easy way to keep cats off your counter or desk.

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Cat Adoption

has-no-name photo courtesy 2 e.p.Too many people rush into getting a new kitten for the family or children. They see a friend with a kitten or find an adorable one in the pet shop. There are responsibilities that come with owning a pet and a cat or kitten is no different. Find out the steps to take before adopting a kitten.

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Cats, Kids and Responsibility

kisuhali-another-visit photo courtesy jskookeAre you aware that giving children responsibility for looking after his or her own kitten or cat can help them develop into caring, responsible adults with the ability to plan ahead and form lasting relationships? They understand from an early age that pets are for life and are relying on them for their very existence. Learn more about how to use a cat to teach your children responsibility.

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Domestic Cats – Indoors or Outdoors

sorry-i-disturbed-you-dilly photo courtesy Janel59There has been much discussion as to whether domestic cats should be kept indoors or allowed to roam free outside. There are pros and cons for each side – indoor cats live longer and are at less risk of infection or accidents with other cats, dogs or cars but can become bored easily and create havoc in the house. Some people don’t have the choice – they don’t have an outdoor place for their cat to roam in. Find out how you can keep your indoor cat happy.

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Cat Urine Problems

pee photo courtesy of kudumomoIf you start finding cat urine in unexpected places, you need to find out the reason this is happening. Make sure your can is not in pain or uncomfortable when eliminating.

Finding the reason for this unwanted problem is the focus of Cat Urine Problems.

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Creating a Cat Friendly Home

show-off-cat-with-scratching-post photo courtesy Mel BCats are beautiful independent creatures that can bring much joy to a home. However, it is necessary for you to make your home ‘cat friendly’. By this I mean having a cat door if your cat is to be allowed outside, somewhere warm to sleep and lots of love and play time toys. Read more ways to make sure you create a cat friendly home.

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Your Cat’s Skin Problems

my-latest-ninja-move photo courtesy Dr HemmertSkin infections can be the source of a cat’s distress; they can also be the consequence of self-mutilation, which then causes her to scratch even more. The original diagnosis could be fleas, an allergy to something in the home such as chemical cleaning products or her food, mange, ticks or ringworm. Find out just what your cat’s skin problems are.


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Cat Aggression

fighting-cats photo courtesy J i J yIn cats there are normally two types of aggression – play aggression (such as kittens exhibit) and serious aggression (when the cat bites, scratches for no discernable reason). Kittens, and some older cats, will engage in play aggression such as pouncing, chasing, biting, hissing, stalking and scratching behavior, something that is completely normal. Learn to read your cat’s body language to avoid being injured.

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Cat Massage

kasimir-massage-1-2 photo courtesy avatar-1We all enjoy a massage when we are lucky enough to have someone knead the shoulders, neck or back. Cats enjoy a massage as much as we do and it is especially beneficial to them. Massaging your cat in the evening can be a wonderful bonding experience.


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Feral Cats

feral-cats photo courtesy Sara GolemonI came across a wonderful article called Without A Voice by Jessica Crawford and have posted it here for your enjoyment and education. It truly shows the “throw away society” we appear to have become. The “used-to-be” pet finds itself left behind or abandoned on the street, or caged in a shelter among many other unwanted souls in a shelter. The once loved pet is now feral and a menace to society.


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41 Responses to “Cat Problems Resolved Blog”

  1. Mara says:

    Hi Kathy,

    your page as a whole, pics and posts prove you are an cat expert!

    Having our 17 year old ‘Lady Jane’ around has always been a pleasure, watching as well as listening.

    Only recently she seems to feel old and lonely if nobody is in earshot and tapping through the house she begins to moan out heartbreakingly loud.

    All the best for your project.

    Mara

  2. Very nice blog. I can tell, like me, you love cats. Thanks for visiting my .

  3. lyn says:

    My cat is pulling chunks of fur out but doesn’t appear to have any skin irritation,fleas or ticks I am puzzled to say the least,
    do you have any suggestions?

  4. admin says:

    Hi Lyn

    Has something happened lately to upset her routine? It could possibly be attention seeking. If extra love and attention don’t work take her to the vet to be on the safe side.

    Kathy

  5. Melissa says:

    I have a very anxious cat who constantly meows at me, no kidding! He follows me everywhere I go and often, he’ll race me to the place he thinks I’m headed to. He truly is my shadow and no matter how much love he receives, it’s never enough. He likes everyone he sees and meows at them too. Sometimes long drawn out meows. It may sound “cute” but it is very annoying. I’ve grown up with cats my whole life and have NEVER encountered a cat like mine. So I guess my question is, what’s his problem? How do I get him to stop? Other bad behavior things he does, include scratching my couch and rug and jumping on my counters.

  6. Tom Bergeron says:

    My cat wants to defecate in mostly one area inside the door going to the garage. He does not want to go outside; he has never been. I can leave the door wide open and he will never pass the door. One person told me to put him in the washroom for a couple of days away from everyone, but this has not worked. We have also placed a dish with food near the spot; this worked for a while but doesn’t anymore. There are no other cats and his litterbox is cleaned regularly. This is an on going problem. Save this cat from a trip to live in the barn. I can not take it!!!!!

  7. Kathy says:

    Hi Tom,

    Cats don’t like defecating where they eat and sleep. Try moving the bed as well as his food to the exact spot. If this doesn’t work, try spraying some citrus scent or crush up a leaf or two from a lemon tree on the spot. Other tips include getting some plastic carpet runners and turning them upside so the nobbly side is up – cats don’t like walking on this. The same goes for foil. They don’t like the feel or sound of it. Let me know how you go.

    Kathy

  8. Kathy says:

    Hi Melissa,

    Have you tried picking him up and cuddling him? My cat nearly drove me crazy with her meowing. I got angry then one day decided to ignore the meow and just pick her up and cuddle her while talking gently. It worked! She still comes in and meows at me but a cuddle seems to be all she wants. It takes about 60 seconds. Apart from that, try playing with him. It sounds like he just wants attention. I hope this helps, please let me know.

    Kathy

  9. Guy says:

    Hi Kathy

    I can’t seem to find a contact link on your site. I do have a question for you though. Don’t worry it isn’t anything unpleasant but would be better if you responded via email.

    Thank you
    Guy

  10. admin says:

    Sorry about that Guy. I’ll fix that but you can contact me at kathy.robkat@gmail.com

  11. Len Urban says:

    Have a stray cat. She drinks a lot of water and eats ok now (roast beef in gravy only). Sleeps all day & night. Expels a lot of water but very little poop. Is there a laxative for cats?

  12. admin says:

    Hi Len,

    There are a few really cheap laxatives around the home. Try milk first. I’ve had to stop giving my cats milk as it caused diarrhea. You can also try putting Vaseline or butter on the paws. The cat will lick it off and this should help. Is the roast beef and gravy a cat food or your leftovers. If leftovers, the gravy could be too salty. If you’re feeling really generous to a stray you can buy cat specific laxatives from your vet or pet store. Make sure there is plenty of water available as this will help also.

    Hope this helps.

    Kathy

  13. wendy says:

    HI-
    I have a problem that I realize is TOTALLY my fault. My husband heard of a cat that the owners didn’t want and were going to “put down”. We brought her home (which was already occupied by a male cat,5 yrs old), and all cat fur broke loose. Cappy, my original cat HATES Izzie, our new cat. He stalks and attacks her. Neither have front claws so no physical damage occurs. Lately both cats have started urinating on our beds, the dog beds, cushions, just about anything.
    Help!! We love both cats, what can we do?

  14. admin says:

    Hi Wendy

    I’ll write an article on this and put it up this week. In the meantime, make sure Cappy is getting lots of love and attention. He could be feeling that he is being ‘replaced’ by the new cat. Cappy is undoubtedly trying to make himself the Alpha cat. It is important that he doesn’t do this as Izzie will end up always be on the receiving end of everything. If possible, keep them separate until they get used to each other. Put Izzie into a different room for a while and only let her out when there are two of you there to ‘referee’. Feed them separately until they learn to live together. The urinating will pass. It is horrible while it’s happening though. Each cat is trying to ’stake its territory’ by marking it. Read the articles on Spraying and Litter Box Problems for some ideas on how to stop them doing this. Let me know how it goes.

    Kathy

  15. Sue Dryden says:

    not sure how old my cat is. She was a drop off I have had her for a little over a year. My problem is fleas. She has never been bath. I have given her pills and used different treatments from the Vet.& store. I have noticed she has what I would guess to be flea poop on her skin.Digs and licks all the time. Mostly in the house does run in and out all day long. Love her very much but not sure what to do I don’t think she would let me bath her. She doesn’t even like to be brushed. Can you help?

  16. admin says:

    Sue this is a difficult one. How tame is she. Will she allow you to pick her up and stroke her? Once she trusts you, you may be able to brush her which will remove some fleas. Can you use a flea collar? I believe there are also some topical creams which are just applied to the head/neck area or powders which you can shake over her. If at all possible try to use a natural treatment as adding chemicals to her skin is not advisable. I wouldn’t suggest bathing her, she’ll lose trust in you.

    It is very important to wash all bedding she uses and to thoroughly vacuum carpets and furniture if she is in the habit of jumping up on it. As she has access to the outside she could be picking up more fleas from neighborhood cats. I’ll write an article on this later in the week.

    Kathy

  17. Kathy says:

    Sue this is a difficult one. How tame is she. Will she allow you to pick her up and stroke her? Once she trusts you, you may be able to brush her which will remove some fleas. Can you use a flea collar? I believe there are also some topical creams which are just applied to the head/neck area or powders which you can shake over her. If at all possible try to use a natural treatment as adding chemicals to her skin is not advisable. I wouldn’t suggest bathing her, she’ll lose trust in you.

    It is very important to wash all bedding she uses and to thoroughly vacuum carpets and furniture if she is in the habit of jumping up on it. As she has access to the outside she could be picking up more fleas from neighborhood cats. I’ll write an article on this later in the week.

    Kathy

  18. sue dryden says:

    She is a very trusting loving cat. Loves to be held and stroked. On either my husband or my lap all the time. I did bath her, with
    Sergeant’s Gold Flea &Tick Shampoo for cats and Kittens stated kills fleas&ticks flea eggs for 30 days. Last night after only a wk. I felt lumps on her skin and she has flea poop and fleas all over her. She is also wearing a collar. I plan on bathing her again in a little while. She is usually a loner so I think she is getting them from the field beside our home. This is a real problem sure which there was a easy solution.

  19. casey says:

    I am not a cat person and I have a cat who is 10 yrs old it drives me nuts, I hate everything associated with it. The cat box the constant meowing, the cat hair on everything. I would love to give it to someone to love but no one wants her.
    Any suggestions?

  20. Kathy says:

    Casey if you really don’t want to have a cat, I suggest taking it to your nearest cat shelter or rescue place. Giving it to a friend doesn’t really work as the cat can escape and try to get back to you. Cat shelters are the most humane way of getting rid of a cat. If they can’t find a home for it they will euthanize it.

  21. Kathy says:

    Hi Sue,

    I’m glad she allows you to do these things. Talk to your vet. He may be able to suggest something stronger to get rid of the fleas. If she is getting re-infested, she is either picking them up from other cats or from bedding or similar in the house. Cat fleas can’t live for long away from their host but they also live on dogs, rabbits and rodents. You mention your cat getting them from the field. Is is possible to keep her inside for a couple of weeks? I don’t want to frighten you but the total flea life cycle can range from a couple weeks to several months, depending on environmental conditions. Have you washed the bedding/vacuumed the carpets and furniture?

    Please keep in touch and let me know how it goes.

    Kathy

  22. casey says:

    The local shelters are full and I only want a non kill shelter I am willing to pay. The only reason I kept her is for that reason she use to belong to my son. Any other suggestions.

  23. Kathy says:

    I’m not sure where you are Casey. Are there other shelters further away? Is your son able to have her? Can you try your local council to see if they have any suggestions? If you can give me more information I may have a better idea of how to help you.

    Kathy

  24. amily says:

    how to mating my male and female cat. they don’t like each other

  25. Kathy says:

    I’m not sure if I understand your problem Amily. You want to mate your male and female cats? Are they siblings or from completely different litters. Cats may appear to fight and not get on, but this could easily change as soon as your female comes on heat. Females do make a lot of noise when they’re on heat and when the mating is actually taking place so don’t get upset by that.

    Please let me know if you need more information.

    Kathy

  26. Donna Garland says:

    Does anyone know why a cat is so sensitive when touched where the tail meets its back? I have a female cat that is over ten years old and when I touch her in that area she lets me know she does not like it.

  27. Kathy says:

    Hi Donna

    One of my cats absolutely loves being scratched there. I guess it must vary for individual cats. Like having our feet rubbed I guess. I love it, others hate it.

    Kathy

  28. Sue Dryden says:

    We have discovered the reason Sister Kitt has so many fleas that seem to be infesting her daily. She has discovered that the vacant home beside us with the field she is a great hunter of field mice. We watched her and after she sits for hours spying on movement she will capture her prey and after she plays with them she sits on them to make sure no one gets it. I take this to be a natural skill.LOL I still am fighting fleas we stripped her bedding vacuuming and throwing away the bags cleaned carpet and furniture. Bathing,brushing,collar,sprays,pills,pro-cision flo tubes, vet visit didn’t seem to be the answer. I’m hoping that when the weather gets down to freezing she won’t be out hunting anymore rodents and maybe our problem will be resolved.

  29. Kathy says:

    Good luck Sue!

  30. Amy says:

    Hello, Kathy (and anyone else who may be able to help),
    Ruby, one of our 15 month old orange tabby cats recently started chewing on the carpet outside our bedroom door. (We shut the bedroom door and do not let her sleep with us.) We have tried covering the area with a towel, which Ruby pawed out of the way so she could chew. Two kinds of bitter and citrus spray applied directly to the carpet have not stopped her from chewing. We even sprinkled the carpet with red pepper flakes which Ruby pawed out of the way before going at the carpet again. Any suggestions?

  31. Kathy says:

    Hi Amy,

    This is one of those strange behaviors that cats sometimes have. It’s more common than you might think. Does she only chew on that one spot? Cats that chew carpet seem to prefer doorways or near a wall. Often they will do this when they are relaxed or tired.

    Have you always shut Ruby out at night? There are a couple of other tricks you can use to stop her. Instead of red pepper flakes which she can move, try sprinkling some pepper or cayenne pepper on the carpet. You could also tape some tin foil over the spot or put sticky paper (in Australia it’s called contact paper and is used for covering books etc) on the floor, sticky side up but taped down so she can’t just move it. There is also something called a scat mat which gives off a mild static electricity charge when it’s walked on (try your vet or pet store).

    Is it possible that something was spilled on the carpet? Even if you can’t still smell it, Ruby probably can and she may be trying to get to that. A 50:50 solution of vinegar and warm water left to soak for a couple of hours should fix that.

    If you have any offcuts from the carpet, try using it to make a scratching post (sturdy) and put some toys and catnip on it to encourage her to use this.

    It’s important for you to stop this behavior as cats can’t digest the fibers. They could get caught up somewhere in the digestive system and require costly surgery to fix.

    Please let me know how you go.

    Kathy

  32. Anna says:

    Dear Kathy,

    I was wondering if you had any tips on some trouble I’ve been having with my cat. He is 5 years old, and truly perfect in most ways. The only problem is travelling. I have moved twice since I got him, and he truly hates it! He hates being in his bag altogether and will meow very loud and claw at it the entire duration of the trip. I am afraid he hurts himself by tearing out his claws. I have already been asked to leave a train compatment because of this. Once, in an airplane it got so bad the crew asked me to lock him in the bathroom. Normally he is such a friendly, loving cat, but tavelling just freaks him out. I can’t avoid travelling at least once every twp years, so am dying to find a solution to make his (and therefor) my trips more bearable. If you have any suggestions they are more than welcome!
    Thanks,
    Anna

  33. Kathy says:

    Hi Anna,

    Unfortunately most cats hate moving to somewhere new. They don’t usually like being in cars or any other mode of transport. The only thing I can suggest is to get him used to his carrier by having toys and something with a familiar smell to it – a piece of your clothing or his blanket. A week or so before you have to travel, speak to your vet and see if you can get something to calm him and make him drowsy. Let the vet know about how long you will be traveling (in hours preferably). He should be able to give you either tablets or an injection. Depending on your vet and your relationship with him, he may have to give the injection or he may be happy to let you do this. Follow the instructions on how long before actually traveling to sedate your cat.

    When we shifted nearly 16 years ago, the tablet didn’t work on my cat and he nearly wrecked all our belongings (and us) as he got out of his box. We were all a nervous mess when we arrived at our new home. I learned that cardboard boxes are useless for keeping cats in. I’ve since bought a cat carrier!

    Hope this helps.

    Kathy

  34. tony says:

    our cat leaves tird balls around the house almost every day.They aren’t messy and easy to clean up but are annoying and nasty.We only feed him iams and he never goes outside.Please let us know what we can do about this.Thank you

  35. Kathy says:

    Hi,

    I suggest you keep an eye on your cat and each time he squats to eliminate, pick him up and put him in the litter tray. Use a lemon or lavender spray on the areas he has used to discourage him returning there. It might take some time but it sounds like he needs retraining. Have there been any major changes in your home lately? Is it possible for him to go outside to eliminate? He might be objecting to the brand of litter you are using or even the litter box itself. Experiment and see what works. It’s important to spray those areas to help mask the smell and to stop him coming back to them.

    Kathy

  36. ashliee ramirez says:

    you need to add a link to where ppl can ask you questoins

  37. Kathy says:

    Hi Ashliee,

    Scroll down to the bottom of each article and there is a comment box there.

    Kathy

  38. Alina says:

    Hi
    I have 2 year old female is attacking my 10 year old male. He is neutered and she has not been spayed yet. She was fine until recently and then all of a sudden she is so territorial that we are thinking about taking her to Peggy Adams no kill shelter. They use to play just fine together..a little kitty play fight is ok but she is super mean now. My older cat will walk completely around her and avoid her at all cost. I dont understand why she is so mean now. Please advise I dont want to get rid of her but my older cat cannot take the stress.

  39. Trish says:

    I have a male cat. He is around a year old, not for sure the exact age.I have never had problems with him but the past few days he has started urinating on clothes and bedding. There have been no changes around the house and I keep his litter box clean. He still uses the box but evidentally not all the time. If I get him neutered would this possibly help the problem, or is he to old to be neutered now?

  40. Kathy says:

    Hi Alina,

    The only thing I can think of is perhaps the female is on heat and doesn’t understand why the male is ignoring her. How long has this problem been going on for. Why not try some gentle retraining. If you are home during the day and see this behavior, take the female and shut her in a room such as the bathroom or laundry where she can’t do too much damage. Make sure there is water there. After 30 minutes let her out again and repeat each time she attacks the male. Increase the time spent in the bathroom so she will associate the bad behavior with being shut away. It is a lot like time out with naughty children when they are sent to their room.

    I really think you will have to have her spayed as this will calm her down considerably.

    Please let me know how this goes and I will do some more research for you.

    Kathy

  41. Kathy says:

    Hi Trish,

    Your cat is spraying to mark his territory. There is an article on this at http://www.catproblemsresolved.....d-spaying/

    I strongly suggest having him neutered as this should solve the problem. Age is not a problem with neutering him.

    Kathy

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