My Pet World: Why has formerly cuddly cat changed his tune?
TORONTO, CANADA -- These cat questions are answered by three board members of the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation who were in Toronto for the foundation's annual symposium July 2. Chiming in are: Dr. Drew Weigner, of Atlanta, Ga., Dr. Brian Holub, of Boston, Mass., Chief Medical Officer of VetCor veterinary clinics; and board president Dr. Glenn Olah, of Albuquerque, N.M.
Winn Feline Foundation supports cat health studies. Much of what's now known about cat health -- from how to treat most illnesses to vaccines, and even care at shelters -- was once funded by Winn. Learn more at www.winnfelinefoundation.org.
Q: About the time my cat turned a year old, he stopped sleeping with me in favor of the screened porch or the kitchen floor. He made the switch about the time the weather turned especially warm here in Florida. Does he want to be more independent as he gets older, or is this change related to temperature? Also, though my cat head bunts me and rubs against me all the time, he no longer enjoys sitting in my lap. Is there any way to make him more cuddly? -- C.C., via cyberspace
A: Dr. Weigner suggests the change in your cat's preferred places to nap is more about temperature than about you.
"As the thermometer drops in winter, you might find your cat in bed with you again," he notes.
"Some cats just aren't lap cats," says Olah. "The good news is, it sounds like your cat is expressing affection by those head bunts."
Holub suggests there may be a communication issue at play. You want the cat in your lap, and place him there. For a time, he's OK with that, or not. In any case, he doesn't want to spend the afternoon there. He may be telling you this, using cat body language you're not be picking up on or are ignoring.
Holub suggests making your lap more enticing. Spray your lap with Feliway, a copy of a calming pheromone. Also take a clean washcloth, rub it gently along your cat's head and place it in your lap. Now, you're awash with soothing pheromones. You won't smell a thing, but your cat may suddenly act as if your lap is filled with $100 bills.
Let the cat make the choice to settle in your lap. Assuming he does, let him rub his head against you. Avoid petting his back end, which some cats dislike. Finally, gently get up, leaving your cat thinking, "Hey, what happened, I want more of that!"
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