ArcaMax

If all else is ruled out, Christensen suggests seeing a veterinary behaviorist who may consider canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (like Alzheimer's in dogs) or a compulsive behavior.

----

Q: We adopted a cat, about a year old from a local shelter, who tears and chews up paper. We do have another cat in the home, and they mostly get along. What's going on? -- Y. G., Leesburg, FL

A: "Some cats just need to chew on something," said veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ken Martin of Spicewood, Texas. So one option may be to give the cat something more interesting to chew than papers. Some cats enjoy chomping on dental chew diets made for dogs such as canine td (available through veterinarians and online), cat grasses (available at many supermarkets and pet stores), CET chews (available through veterinarians).

"The chewing behavior may be motivated by anxiety," Martin added. "One hint is that you said the cats mostly get along." Feliway (a copy of calming pheromone) may take the anxiety level down a notch or two.

Martin also suggested you further enrich the environment, giving your cat an additional energy outlet. Hide treats, including chewy ones, for your cat to "hunt." Provide more vertical space, and rotate toys. Homemade toys count too. For example, you can drop catnip into an empty box, or an empty egg crate.

However, Martin also adds that a veterinary visit is imperative to rule out dental, gastrointestinal or kidney disease contributing or causing the behavior.

Martin indicates that some cat breeds might be more predisposed, such as Siamese-related breeds known for chewing on fabric.

And one more piece of advice, try your best to keep papers in drawers. Your cat may force you to become better organized.

----

Q: We adopted two bonded Collie sisters 2 1/2-years ago. We've had Collies for over 50 years, so we certainly know the breed. About six months ago, one of the dogs began to piddle on both dogs' beds. That's the only place she goes in the home, and is otherwise housebroken. We took the beds away, and there was no marking. The guilty dog slept on a chair with no issues, until we re-introduced the beds. Can you offer an explanation? -- L. B., S., Manchester, CT

A: "Assuming there is no medical condition, I only assume you didn't completely eliminate the odor from the dog beds," said veterinary technologist Julie Shaw, co-author (with Debbie Martin) of "Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses" (Wiley Blackwell, Ames, IA; 2015; $45.50).

Shaw adds one choice (if the fabric allows) is to wash the dog beds several times, or buy other beds.

Shaw said she assumes the problem isn't medical, since when the beds were removed, the pup stopped piddling -- still it can't hurt to talk to with your veterinarian.

========

(c) 2015 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.