They aren’t as widely studied as dogs, but we’re learning more about cats’ behavior. A new book shares their secrets

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When your cat is purring, you probably assume that she’s happy. But do you really know all of the things that make cats happy -- or unhappy, for that matter?

In her new book, “Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy” (Greystone Books), author Zazie Todd -- a psychologist with a Ph.D. in social psychology and creator of the website Companion Animal Psychology -- takes readers on a tour of cat behaviors and desires, sharing the science behind feline play, greetings, communication, socialization and more.

Over 14 chapters -- plus checklists, appendices and training plans -- she uncovers the evidence on why cats need hiding places, what they look for in terms of resources -- from food dishes to litter boxes to toys -- and how and why they interact with humans and each other. Chapters cover getting a cat; setting up a home that’s attractive to a cat; addressing behavior problems, care and lifestyle; and the needs of cats at every life stage: in short, all the things that can affect a cat’s happiness. I spoke to Todd about what people should know when it comes to keeping cats happy.

Take scratching. It’s a normal behavior for cats -- important not only for grooming but also for communication and exercise -- but no one wants their furniture shredded by sharp claws. But not all cats scratch alike. They have individual preferences on exactly how they want to scratch -- preferences that aren’t always recognized by their people.

“Many people have scratching posts that are not very sturdy or not tall enough or they’re made of a surface the cat doesn’t like,” Todd says. “And some will prefer a horizontal surface rather than a vertical one. It’s up to us to provide cats with surfaces which they can scratch and encourage and reward them for using those rather than trying to punish them for scratching in what we think is the wrong place.”

Petting is another aspect of feline happiness that can leave people scratching their heads. New cat owners, especially those more accustomed to dogs, can get a sharp-clawed reprimand if they try to pet a cat’s belly -- even if the cat has rolled over to expose it. While some cats allow it -- briefly -- most prefer to be petted elsewhere. And they like it if you ask permission first.

That’s right. Just as you would get consent before, say, touching a pregnant woman’s baby bump, you should give cats a chance to come to you and request petting, as well as the chance to move away when they’ve had enough. Knowing where they do and don’t like to be petted is important, too.

“Most cats do not like to be petted around the base of the tail or on the tail, and most cats really don’t like to be petted on the tummy,” Todd says. “There will be some exceptions, especially if you have a really good relationship with your cat, but most cats prefer to be petted around the head and face, which is where their scent glands are.”

What does Todd hope readers take away from the book?

One wish is that readers will toss away spray bottles, shake cans and other forms of punishment.

“Punishment isn’t good for cats,” she says. “It can make them stressed, and it risks affecting their relationship with us.”

But she also believes many readers will find that they’re already doing a good job.

“I have a checklist for a happy cat at the end, and I think people will find things that they’re already doing,” she says. “They can give themselves a big pat on the back for that, but they probably will also find some things they’re not doing. They can think about whether or not that would work for them and their cats in their home.”

Q&A

Dog paws have

distinctive odor

Q: Why do my dog’s paws smell like corn chips?

A: Most of us have asked that question at one time or another.

Give a dog’s paws a good sniff and they indeed have a pleasant odor of tortilla chips, or maybe popcorn. For the science behind the smell, we turned to Harold McGee’s book “Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World’s Smells.”

There are a couple of reasons, it turns out. One is that paws, like our own feet, provide microbes with an abundance of things they like in an environment: warmth, moisture, food (think skin oils and dead cells) and protective skin folds, such as between the toes. When microbes take up residence, they generate strong odors, which is why we humans like to wash our feet thoroughly and frequently.

McGee didn’t find any peer-reviewed studies of dog paw volatiles -- organic compounds emitted by skin -- (we didn’t, either) but attributes the odor to the likely presence of a volatile called aminoacetophenone, which not only contributes to the smell of corn chips, but also to grapes, strawberries and chestnut honey.

“It’s also diagnostic for the presence of a specific bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause serious infections in both dogs and humans,” McGee writes.

The good news is that this microbe is relatively innocuous rather than aggressively infectious. It’s commonly found in soil, water and in the air. “So while the corn-chip smell may be pleasant and amusing, it’s also a reminder of the invisible multitudes clinging to those paws, some of them biding their time for a scratch or cut to infect. If the smell is strong, it’s probably time to think about a bath,” McGee concludes. Or possibly a trip to your veterinarian to make sure an infection isn’t brewing from an overgrowth of yeast organisms. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Pet custody:

what to know

-- Married with pets? Even if your relationship is happy, it’s a good idea to have a pet custody plan in place in the event of a breakup. Attorney Patti Lawson, author of “What Happens to Rover When the Marriage Is Over?” recommends setting up a “petnuptial” agreement that states who the pet belongs to, who will receive custody in case the marriage or partnership ends, and spells out options for joint custody. She also recommends using a mediator if you’re having difficulty reaching an agreement. Most important, be ready to provide proof that you’re the primary caretaker or reasons why it is in the pet’s best interest to remain with you.

-- Cleanup on aisle B -- for bird! Birds are messy. To clean cages, you’ll need brushes with plastic bristles to clean fecal matter off perches, toys, dishes and cage bars. For birds who drink from hanging bottles, you’ll need a long, skinny bottle brush. Be sure any brushes you purchase can be run through the dishwasher on the sanitize setting. Do the same with food and water dishes, perches, some toys, and cage grates and skirts if they fit. Rope toys can go in the washing machine. Use bird-safe cleaners and disinfectants, and remove your bird from the cage before cleaning. Avoid cleansers with strong scents, especially those with pine oils, which can damage your bird’s respiratory membranes. Finally, a powerful hand vac is useful for sucking up pellets, dust, feathers and seeds.

-- If you’re observing a dog training class, look for a trainer who clearly explains and demonstrates each behavior, including how to teach it; provides written materials students can refer to at home; allows time during class to practice each behavior; works individually with students on problem areas; and treats people and dogs courteously. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker.

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Pale gums, especially when combined with abnormal behavior or lack of appetite, indicate an emergency situation

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

I had taken my dog Harper to the veterinarian for some routine blood work. The veterinarian came out to the car, looking worried. “Her gums are really pale,” he said. “Usually when I see gums that look like that, the dog is near death.”

That seemed odd. Harper was acting normally and eating well. But he urged me to take her to the emergency hospital. They were booked, though, and I suggested we continue with her lab work there and see if we could rule out anything serious.

His concern was understandable. Pale gums can signal “seriously bad stuff,” says Tony Johnson, DVM, an emergency and critical care specialist who practices in Chicago. That includes anemia, poor blood circulation, blood loss and shock.

“A dog that just got hit by a car and is bleeding out of a lacerated spleen into his abdomen will have pale gums. A dog that got stung by a bee and is having an anaphylactic reaction will have pale gums. The dog in congestive heart failure will have pale gums,” said Dr. Johnson.

It’s a good idea to check your dog or cat’s gums on a regular basis so you know what’s normal and when your pet needs to see the vet ASAP.

Start with good lighting. In a dimly lit room at home, gums might look pale, but in a well-lit exam room, they may look fine.

Behavior is a clue. “A dog or cat won’t be happy or eating and then have pale gums,” Dr. Johnson says. “They’ll usually be lethargic or not getting up.”

Know where to look. Flip up the lip and check the area just above the canine tooth, the big one in the front of the mouth.

Know what’s normal for your pet. Some animals have pigmented gums that aren’t normally pink. Early in our marriage, my husband and I took our first cat to the veterinarian because she had black spots on her gums. We were sure it was something dire. It was normal pigmentation. And Harper’s cardiologist said some spaniels she sees have gums that are lighter than normal. In general, though, gums should be a healthy, vibrant pink.

When your pet has pale gums, the veterinarian will start with a health history and what’s called “signalment”: age, breed and gender.

“A 10-year-old Doberman pinscher with pale gums, I’m going to weigh more heavily toward heart disease because they’re prone to it,” Dr. Johnson says. “A 10-year-old German shepherd with pale gums and sudden collapse -- they’re prone to masses on their spleen that break open and bleed.”

The veterinarian may also check blood pressure. Low blood pressure can signal shock. A packed cell volume test, or hematocrit, can indicate anemia if the red blood cell count is very low.

If you don’t know of any trauma your pet may have experienced or any poison they may have ingested, your veterinarian can perform tests that can help to determine whether they’re experiencing internal bleeding. One is what’s called a FAST ultrasound exam. That’s an acronym for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma. It involves placing the ultrasound probe on the abdomen in four specific areas to look for evidence of fluid.

“It’s a very sensitive indicator of internal bleeding, even more sensitive than an X-ray,” Dr. Johnson says. “You can take an X-ray and not see fluid, but the ultrasound is much more likely to pick up fluid that’s in the abdomen.”

Pale gums are considered an emergency, but if your pet is bouncing around, happy and eating, the first thing to do is to check your technique, Johnson says. Have somebody else look at them, or get a flashlight for better illumination.

“If it’s a patient who’s not feeling well and their gums look pale, that deserves a run to the ER,” Dr. Johnson says.

Harper, as it turns out, was fine, but given her age and history of heart disease and cancer, I’m glad we checked.

Q&A

Double the cats,

double the fun

Q: Is it better for cats to live as singles, or with a friend?

A: Cats don’t always have a reputation as social creatures, but more often than not, we think they enjoy having a friend. You’re not always home, and it’s nice for them to have a catnip buddy, a grooming partner, a playmate, someone to catnap with in a sunny spot. Whether you’re deciding to get one or a pair of kittens or considering adding a second adult cat, we think two is the magic number.

Feline friendships usually work best if the cats are of the opposite sex. Another pairing that works well is an adult cat and a younger cat. A kitten or adolescent can help to enliven an adult cat who might have forgotten some of the joy of play. If your adult cat is a senior, though, another quiet adult cat can be a better choice; a kitten might be too rambunctious and annoying. You can also ask if the shelter has a bonded adult pair that would like a home together.

If you’re considering a kitten, go ahead and get two from the same litter; they’ll be best friends for life. You can learn more here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/better-together-a-kitten-combo-is-fun-and-smart.

Any time you bring a new cat into a household with a cat who already lives there, expect a period of adjustment that can last weeks, months or even a year. But it can be worth the effort. Veterinary studies show that when cats have company, both cats are healthier. Animals with buddies are sick less often, require shorter stays when they are hospitalized and live longer.

Two cats are twice the pleasure, but not twice the effort to care for. Just make sure they each have their own gear; cats take sharing only so far. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

What’s in a word?

3 pet-related origins

-- Most cats have five toes on their front paws, but only four of them hit the ground. The fifth toe is called a dewclaw, and it is found on the inside of the front paw. The dewclaw is the equivalent of our thumb and is used for grasping prey and climbing trees. A normal feline back paw has four toes that are all called into service when walking. Any number of toes over the norm (usually an extra one or two, but occasionally as many as three or four) makes a cat polydactyl, meaning "many fingers." Polydactylism is a dominant genetic trait, so just one polydactyl parent is enough to make a litter of polydactyl kittens. These cats are also called "Hemingway cats," after the ones kept by Ernest Hemingway.

-- One of the best beloved exports of the Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are the little yellow finches we now call canaries, prized for their singing voices. They were introduced into Europe in the 15th century and became popular when it was discovered that they would sing prettily when exposed to other singing birds or to instrumental music. In the late 19th century, the word canary was used to refer to female singers; later it came to mean an informer who “sings” to the law. Although the birds can be other colors, the word canary has also come to refer to a bright, clear yellow color.

-- A pup, or puppy, is a young dog. We often refer to “puppy love,” applying it to adolescent infatuation. Puppy love is described as sweet, intense and foolish in ways that emotionally developed adult dogs are expected to have outgrown. But we think you’re never too old to give or receive that kind of love -- especially with your dog. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Do you know these 5 dogs from the Netherlands?

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

I love seeing different types of dogs on my travels. The Netherlands, which I visited last month, is home to several interesting dog breeds, some of which are starting to be seen in North America; others are well-established. Here’s an introduction if you happen to see one in your neighborhood.

In Dutch, the word “stabijhoun” means “stand-by-me dog,” and they are indeed dogs who love to be close to their people, says Ari Goerlich, DVM, who lives with her own stabyhoun, as the breed name is spelled in the United States. “They are very cuddly. I love their combination of sensitivity, willfulness and intelligence.”

The mid-size staby stands out for a solid black head, black and white body, and white-tipped tail.

The kooikerhondje -- kooiker for short, pronounced “koy-ker” -- has a pretty silken white and red coat accented by black “earring” tassels, a plumy white tail, and a lively and affectionate character. Sensitive and intelligent, the spaniel-type dogs, originally bred to lure ducks, guard homes and kill vermin, are highly trainable and devoted to their families. They’re not for newbies to dogs, though.

“The kooiker can be a little fierce when alerting to strangers and impulsive when their prey drive is engaged,” says Betty Dalke Wathne, who has had kooikers for nine years and currently lives with two of them.

For best results with this affectionate and athletic dog, a family should have some dog experience and be willing to put time into consistent and positive training, providing them with regular mental and physical challenges.

Dogs resembling the markiesje (pronounced "mar-kees-juh”) are often seen in Dutch paintings dating as far back as the 17th century, but the dogs were not actually developed and recognized as a distinct breed until the 20th century. Romantically nicknamed the Dutch tulip hound, or sometimes the black pearl, the markiesje is a small, elegant type of spaniel with a silky, medium-length coat in solid black or black with white markings, and feathering on the ears, tail and backs of the legs. Cheerful and curious, they enjoy spending time with their people.

Whether in police and military settings, on farms or in the dog sports scene, the Dutch shepherd is an up-and-coming star. In looks, the breed is distinguished from German shepherds and Belgian shepherds by a brindle coat, as well as other physical characteristics. Originally, the versatile dogs not only herded sheep, but also worked as guide dogs, police dogs and in search and rescue, all areas where they still excel today.

Dutchies are busy, busy, busy and need a person who can keep up with their intelligence and high activity level. Owner Robin Greubel says, “They need a job, or they will invent one you don’t like. They also require a level of situational awareness that most people are not prepared to live with on a daily basis.”

Also known as the Dutch barge dog, Keeshonden (plural) acted as watchdogs on barges carrying goods on canals. As befits their watchdog status, Keeshonden are barkers, important to know before acquiring one. The smiling Dutchman is another nickname for this fluffy spitz breed. The compact dogs have a double coat in a mix of gray, black and cream, with small, dark, pointed ears; cream-colored legs and feet; a lionlike ruff; a plumed tail that curls over the back and has a jaunty black tip; and distinctive “spectacles,” markings and shadings around the eyes that make them look as if they’re wearing eyeglasses, imparting a “smart dog” expression. A thickly coated rump and hind legs give the impression that the Keeshond is wearing trousers.

Q&A

Heads up

about hairballs

Q: My cat is constantly throwing up hairballs, and I’m tired of stepping on them. Is there a solution?

A: Hairballs -- aka trichobezoars -- are icky, sticky, cigar-shaped clumps of fur that result from feline grooming habits.

Cats clean themselves by licking their fur with their raspy tongue. The tongue grabs hold of loose hair, and there’s only one way it can go after that -- down the hatch and into the stomach. But hair is indigestible, and eventually it forms into a clump, your cat has a hack attack -- usually in the middle of the night when you’re trying to sleep -- and then you step on it because it blends into the carpet.

But hairballs don’t have to be a normal part of living with a cat. Diet and grooming can both help to prevent them. Plain canned pumpkin -- not pumpkin pie filling -- is high in fiber and helps swallowed hair make its way through the digestive system rather than coming back up and plopping onto your carpet. Regularly offer your cat a teaspoon of pumpkin mixed with canned food or with a tasty liquid such as some water from a can of tuna or clams.

Some cat foods are formulated with high levels of fiber to help reduce the incidence of hairballs. You can also offer hairball-control treats or gels. Gels, which work by lubricating the hair in the digestive tract so it doesn’t form clumps, should not be given if you’re already feeding a hairball-control food.

Daily brushing is the best, easiest, most natural way to prevent hairballs. Brushing removes loose, dead hairs, reducing the amount of hair available for your cat to swallow during grooming.

Sometimes hairballs, or what look like hairballs, are bad news. They can signal conditions ranging from asthma to heartworm disease. Learn more here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/hairballs. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Budget bill helps

vets, pet owners

-- Veterinarians and pet owners benefit from the recent spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Biden. It increases funding for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, which helps veterinarians repay education loans in return for practicing in areas with a lack of veterinarians. The Veterinary Services Grant Program received an additional $500,000 to provide grants for developing, implementing and sustaining veterinary services in rural areas. And $1 million for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will strengthen oversight of imported dogs. It also includes funds for veterinary diagnostic programs at the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, opening this year in Manhattan, Kansas.

-- Have you washed your pet’s food and water dishes today? A recent study by North Carolina State University found that fewer than 5% of survey respondents followed FDA pet food handling and storage guidelines, which include washing hands before and after feeding and washing bowls and utensils with hot water and soap after each use. Lack of hygiene puts animals and humans -- especially children or people who are immunocompromised -- at risk of illness after exposure to pet food contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. The FDA has more information on buying, handling and storing pet food here: fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/tips-safe-handling-pet-food-and-treats.

-- Dust baths, hay and a secure multilevel habitat are all musts for chinchilla happiness. Chins are entertaining small companions, but have special needs. Special chinchilla dust, available from pet supply stores, keeps their coats from getting greasy or matted and helps to prevent respiratory and eye irritation. Besides commercial food pellets, they need good-quality hay, leafy greens and occasional small amounts of dried apple or sunflower seeds as treats. Finally, a good chinchilla habitat has multiple levels with hiding places, a plastic bottom to protect paws, and shredded paper, wood pulp or pine shavings for bedding. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.