65 – In Honor of Cats

I do not write columns about cats for a good reason. Cats are not dogs. Yes, the laws of learning apply to cats just as they apply to dogs and people and rats and fish and just about anything with a brain. Still, cats behave differently than dogs. I have not studied cat behavior to the extent that I have studied dog behavior and, while I can apply operant conditioning to training cats and certain behavioral situations, I do not consider myself an authority on cats. Several events have encouraged me to dedicate this column to cats regardless of that fact.

I received an email from a concerned animal lover who has recently encountered several situations with cats that are receiving less-than-optimal care. What does a cat require in order for him/her to be happy and healthy? Are cats better off inside or outside? Is it better to have two cats so one does not get lonely? Because there are an estimated 93.6 million cats in U.S. homes, the questions are more than just polite chatter. With so many felines interacting with humans, insuring cats are fit both physically and behaviorally is important.

It is a myth that cats are solitary creatures who will be fine left alone for days. A majority of veterinarians recognize that cats can suffer separation anxiety just as dogs can. Felines will express their distress through vocalization, refusal to eat, excessive grooming, or destructive behavior. If one must leave their cat at home for an extended time, it is recommended that the owner arrange to have someone come in several times a day to check on the cat and engage her in play. Likewise, leave a radio playing soothing background music to provide white noise, blocking out sounds which may be stressful to the cat.

Most cat experts agree on the fact that cats are much safer if they remain inside the home. The chance of them contracting deadly diseases or encountering a predator is reduced and the chance of being hit by a car is zero. Inside or outside, all cats need regular veterinary care . Most importantly, cats need to be spayed or neutered. Given recent headlines of the overwhelming number of cats/kittens relinquished to our Animal Shelter, it would seem owners are ignoring this piece of advice. Did you know an unspayed female cat can produce between 100 and 400 offspring within seven years? There just aren't that many homes available no matter how hard you try to find them. Most end up euthanized or warehoused in cages for life. Our local Humane Society is so easy to work with and they provide aid to low income families within a 14 county area. Their number is 931-372-2728 in Putnam County or 1-866-983-7729 toll free. Please call them and share this information with your neighbors.

If you follow recommendations and keep your cat indoors, look for ideas for cat enrichment. Having more than one cat can be a great idea, but not all cats like other cats. Provide the cat with climbing areas of varying heights. Set up a platform in front of a window so the feline can watch the birds and squirrels. The New York Times recently featured an article on “catios” - enclosed patio areas that allow the cat to be out in the fresh air without facing danger (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/garden/17catio.html). The book Click Your Cat to Better Behavior, by the Cat Coach, Marilyn Krieger, details how to solve common problems and train tricks through clicker training. Cats can even be trained to compete in agility! Check out the site http://catagility.com/.



Why am I even worrying about cats? They are so aloof, they just tolerate us because they know we are an easy food source, right? Not exactly. Just as scientists have turned their eyes to researching canine emotion, studies on feline emotions are increasing. Similarity between humans and cats are found in brain structure, reaction to behavior altering drugs, and brain chemistry. The results of the studies suggest we share many emotions including fear, pleasure, anger, and joy, even if we don't experience them in exactly the same way. Most cat owners will assure you their cats have a wide range of emotions which they display daily.

Above all, this column is dedicated to Vol Kitty. Cats are relatively inexpensive – their vet bills are less, you can get a cat for almost nothing, their upkeep is cheap – and some people think that means they are disposable. Perhaps that is why this small, soft, orange-and-white cat was left behind when her owners moved . The vacated house was her home and when she went back to her family, the new tenants' dogs attacked her, causing extensive injuries. The neighborhood kids found V.K. and brought her to us that Saturday, hoping we could help. Unfortunately, her injuries were too great and she would need to be euthanized. Even while suffering extreme pain, she managed to generate a purr that resounded through the studio while she rubbed against our legs. She sought affection from us. Guilty only of wanting to be with her family, she suffered because that family considered her a “thing” rather than a sentient being (they also broke the law by abandoning her). Does it matter? After all, she was just a cat with no feelings, right?