ArcaMax

Q: My elderly mother adopted an 11-year-old Siamese cat 7 months ago. After three months, the cat began to bite her. The previous owners claim the cat was never aggressive. Mom tries to play with the cat and give it lots of attention, which didn't happen with the other owners. When Mom was in the hospital, I watched the cat and was also bitten. I'm at a loss about what to do, because who wants a cat that bites? -- C.S., via cyberspace

A: Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Theresa DePorter, of Bloomfield Hills, MI, advises to first have the cat checked by a veterinarian to rule out a possible medical explanation, such as pain or feline hyperesthesia syndrome (cats lose control and have sudden though brief explosions which they may bite; some consider this a dermatological-based problem, while others suggest it's a seizure disorder).

This cat isn't accustomed to play, so maybe Mom is more energetic than you think, over-stimulating the cat by playing too much -- at least too much for this particular cat -- or playing inappropriately using her fingers as toys. (Of course, you indicate that the cat was also aggressive toward you.)

"If your mom can predict when the cat is going to be aggressive, (she should) calmly leave the room and go into a room where the door can be closed," DePorter says.

Perhaps your mom can speak with a veterinary behaviorist, certified cat behavior consultant, or her veterinarian about what specific circumstances seem to prompt the biting to see if there's a pattern to explain the behavior.

Could it be the previous owners simply aren't being truthful about this cat, who perhaps may have a long history of biting?

"Cat bites can become infected, and senior citizens with thin skin can be more prone to medical problems as a result of a bite," says DePorter. "Your mom's safety must be a priority."

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Q: A few months ago, I found a skinny, sweet cat on my deck. Now, Spot comes around for food, and we provide a bed and shelter. Spot never comes inside, though, because Prince, our 9-year-old cat, wouldn't stand for it. As it is, Prince gets very upset when Spot appears; he yells and screams and even becomes aggressive toward us. We would simply move Prince away from the window, but he seems to know when Spot will appear before we do. Any advice? -- V.B., via cyberspace

A: Certified cat and dog behavior consultant Darlene Arden, of Framingham, MA, says, "Cats are creatures of habit. You can keep a diary and see if Spot is appearing consistently at predictable times." However, what's cueing Prince might not be the time of day, but instead soft meows and/or the smell of the interloper, even though Spot is outdoors.

Prince is only doing what comes natural by defending his territory. In reality, instead of dealing with Prince, Arden says that the easiest solution might be to relocate Spot's bed, shelter and food to another place near the house which can't be as easily sensed or seen by Prince.

Also plug in Feliway diffusers, which emit a copy of a calming pheromone, in the rooms where Prince most often hangs out.

It's wonderful that you've stepped up to care for Spot. However, even better, have Spot neutered (if he isn't already). Your local shelter may offer a low-cost spay/neuter program. It's possible Prince might not be as offended once Spot is "fixed." Also, life outside will be safer for Spot, since he'll be less likely to quarrel with other male cats. And, obviously, if he's neutered, he won't reproduce.

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Q: I have a 3-year-old Pomeranian and am planning to buy a new friend for him. Which breed will make a good companion? (I hope you can suggest a Beagle or Cocker Spaniel!) --R.W., via cyberspace

A: David Frei is America's dog maharishi and perennial dog show announcer. For the 13th year, he'll be behind the microphone for the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day. Presented by Purina, the show airs at 2 p.m., after the Macy's parade) on NBC. Frei is also the TV voice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show each February.

"It seems a Beagle or American Cocker Spaniel may be slightly too large. Pomeranians can have attitude, but they're so small (3-7 pounds) and can be fragile," says Frei. "So a better choice than the Cocker Spaniel might be the slightly smaller Cavalier King Charles Spaniel."

Other recommendations include Pomeranian-size breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, Affenspinscher, Brussels Griffon, or Papillion. Or why not get another Pomeranian? Frei also doesn't discount the idea of finding a small, gentle dog at your local animal shelter.

Frei says he's assuming your Pomeranian is reasonably social and enjoys the company of other dogs. If that's not true, he might prefer to have you all to himself.

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Q: Many years ago, I used your ebook "Good Dog" to guide me. Now, 35 years later, I'm getting a new dog. Where can I find your latest book? -- M.V., via cyberspace

A: Actually, "Good Dog" was published only three years ago, in 2011. In any case, thanks for asking about my most latest book, "Decoding Your Dog (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014, $27)." It was a collaborative effort -- the first book ever authored by ultimate experts in animal behavior: members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. I co-edited the book with Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. John Ciribassi.

"Decoding Your Dog" covers everything from puppies (how to choose them and how to train them) to behavior issues ranging from aggression toward other dogs to compulsive behaviors and issues regarding senior pets. The authors also dispel many training and behavior myths, such as that you have to dominate puppies by forcibly rolling them over.

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