ArcaMax

A: Dr. Vicki Thayer, executive director of the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation (which funds cat health studies), says first, it's important to determine what's going on with your cat, starting with a veterinary visit to rule out a medical explanation. If your cat is in pain, from a gastrointestinal or dental issue, for example, this might explain his behavior. Due to the extreme nature of the cat's response, the problem could conceivably be redirected aggression or feline hyperesthesia syndrome.

Thayer, of Lebanon, OR, suggests keeping a log of where and when these attacks occur, and exactly what's going on at the time. For example, did you just return home? Is your cat looking out the window just before attacks occur? If possible, videotape an attack, if only with your phone, and play it back for your veterinarian.

Feline hyperesthesia is a little understood syndrome during which a cat's skin ripples, the pet vocalizes, and then often attacks. This syndrome could be partially neurological, and might involve a dermatological issue. Usually, medication is required, as well as behavior modification, which may mean petting the cat less and rewarding him for calm behavior.

Other steps include enriching the cat's environment (such as adding more places to climb and food puzzles that dispense treats), and lowering the anxiety level with Feliway (a copy of a calming pheromonep to relax anxious cats), Thayer says.

If the problem is redirected aggression, it could be your cat is seeing something outside or smelling something on you, then directing his aggression at you. If redirected aggression is diagnosed, your veterinarian could suggest behavior modification, as well as using tools like Feliway (a copy of a calming pheromone), and perhaps psycho-pharmacological intervention, as well.

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Q: I went to the store and carefully chose positively-reviewed products to keep fleas off our dog, but nothing has worked! What should I do? -- V.D., Tampa, FL

A: "Most over-the-counter products have no studies to verify efficacy (that they're effective enough to deter fleas)," says veterinary parasitologist Dr. Michael Dryden, of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine-Manhattan. "Many contain pyrethroids, which fleas are often resistant to, particularly where you live."

Dryden, often called "Dr. Flea," says he's ecstatic about the newest generation of flea products that offer a quick speed of kill, including AcuGuard, Bravecto, Comfortis, Nextguard and Vectra 3D.

"They are remarkable," he cheers, "And they do work, even in Tampa, or any place in southern states. Using any of these products correctly, you will defeat the fleas."

Dryden explains, "Speed of kill is important for several reasons, among them the fleas don't have the chance to lay eggs in the environment."

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