My Pet World: Class Could Curb Feisty Behavior

By Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services on Apr 26, 2012

Of course, the more efficiently you clean up the better. Currently, you're not cleaning up the dogs' messes as much as spreading the odor around. Consider an enzymatic cleaner.

By the way, Jones was honored with the highest award presented by IAABC, the Animals and Other Nations Award. Previous recipients include veterinary behaviorists Dr. Lore Haug and the legendary (now 90-year-old) Dr. R.K. Anderson.

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Q: Last Christmas, we adopted a wonderful cat, but he bites, even drawing blood. He thinks of people's fingers as food. He was feral and caged for a long time, so perhaps that's why. I'm getting better at recognizing the signs of attack so I can avoid the bites. I'm very attached to this cat and don't want to give him up. How can I stop the biting? -- J.S., North Las Vegas, NV

A: Guadalupe Bermejo, a cat behavior consultant based in Montreal, Canada, wants to make sure you're not using your fingers as toys for your cat to play with (which may have occurred as people walked by his cage). And at least twice daily, use an interactive cat toy (fishing pole-type toy) to play with your cat. Twice a day isn't that much, as cats only need brief play periods, maybe five minutes.

Don't leave food out for your cat all the time. Instead, provide scheduled feedings. Feed your kitty dry food in various places around the house using puzzle toys. If he eats wet food, place portions in little plastic saucers to activate his prey drive for food -- not you.

"It's excellent that you're picking up on your cat's cues," says Bermejo. "If you see the cat is offering those cues, calmly get up and leave the room." If your cat actually goes to bite you, disengage, say "no" or "ouch," quickly leave (don't run off, inciting a chase) and go to a room where you can close the door behind you.

If you cat is biting at specific times -- for example always around 8 p.m. or when you walk down the hall -- prepare yourself by providing alternative sources of entertainment. If your cat is busy with a toy, he can't bother you. As you walk down the hall, toss treats (which you keep in your pockets) in the opposite direction.

This cat is a great candidate for clicker training. You can train your cat to come when called or to jump on a table (say, at the opposite side of the room from where you're seated when the cat often bites you). Training will enhance your relationship.

One great resource is cat behavior consultant Marilyn Kreiger's book, "Cat Fancy Naughty No More: Change Unwanted Behaviors Through Positive Reinforcement" (Bow Tie Press, Irvine, CA, 2010; $12.95).

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2010 Westridge Drive, Irving, TX 75038. Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.