DEAR DR. FOX: I have the same type of cat as a friend of mine. Both cats can be very unpleasant and unpredictable, but sometimes totally endearing. My kitty, who is 3 1/2 years old, has been like this since I got her at 8 weeks. She's part Incredible Hulk and part Bruce Banner.
Our vets have called these cats neurotic or said that they have an anxiety disorder. It seems to come from too much or too little physical stimulation. I've tried all your possible solutions, and they work to a degree. Mostly my cat likes me to play with her a lot. After that, she is very happy. She sleeps nestled beside me every night, no matter what.
I guess I am getting used to the fact that she is just different from other cats. I deal with it and enjoy her sweetness when it shows up. -- J.N., West Palm Beach, Florida
DEAR J.N.: Cats can be our best teachers when it comes to understanding and accepting their temperaments and often predictable unpredictability. You have made a correct analysis, in my opinion, regarding too much or too little stimulation affecting your cat's level of aggression. Finding the right balance can be a challenge -- as with relationships with some people!
Some cats do seem to be somewhat bipolar in nature. Our new cat, Fanny (a rescued TNR "community cat" released on our property by our local "humane" society), is a case in point. I know she survived at least a year outdoors, hunting and killing to survive. Now, she adores our calm and loving dog Kota; she sits on Kota's face, and cries when I take her out for a walk. However, Fanny does not enjoy me picking her up, and the only time she purrs is in her bed, on her pillow. She will never be a cuddle-puss, but is a great spirit.
NEUTERED CATS ARE MORE STAY-AT-HOME
When 92 cats, allowed outdoors in a small town in Norway, were tracked with GPS, the average cat stayed within 164 feet of home 79% of the time. Most did not stray farther than 1,154 feet from home, according to a study in Scientific Reports. Lead author Richard Bischof said some cats traveled as far as several kilometers away, and co-author Bjarne Braastad said cats that are spayed or neutered are less likely to roam far. (Full story: HealthDay News, May 5)
This research supports my contention that cats' desire to roam far afield is greatly reduced when they are neutered. This makes them more content to stay indoors rather than be kept as indoor-outdoor pets, a practice which is bad for cats, wildlife and family health.
Ohio State University has some excellent advice on satisfying cats' needs when they are confined indoors. For details, visit the Indoor Pet Initiative's site at indoorpet.osu.edu › cats
NATURAL INSECT CONTROL
Visit earthanimal.com to find various botanical products that help prevent fleas, ticks and mosquitoes from possibly infecting dogs and cats with insect-borne diseases. Products include nutrient supplements, repellent collars, sprays, topical treatments and shampoos. With climate change and the documented harms of using insecticides on companion animals, these safe and effective alternatives are a wise choice.
For more details about these insect pests and integrative pest control, see my post at drfoxonehealth.com/post/preventing-fleas-ticks-and-mosquitoes.
(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)