My Pet World: Cat claws at TV, but may just be a fan of Justin Bieber

As you seek holiday gift items, why not consider two e-books that I authored? One is called "Good Dog! Practical Answers to Behavior Questions" (Chicago Tribune, 2011; $6.99) with contributions from dog trainer Victoria Stilwell or "Good Cat! Practical Answers to Behavior Questions" (Chicago Tribune, 2011; $.3.99) with contributions from certified cat behavior consultant Pam Johnson-Bennett. Actress Betty White and Dr. Sheldon Rubin also participated in each book.

Here are some questions and answers from "Good Cat!":

Q: Whenever certain people are on TV, our cat, Lilly, runs to the screen and begins to scratch. This always happens when she hears Justin Bieber. She goes crazy! Lilly's claws have long been removed, so there's no damage to the TV. Why does she respond this way? -- S.U., Pasadena, CA

A: Cats often express their excitement with a good scratch. Even cats without claws will go through scratching motions. I can tell you that much. I can't explain why your cat has 'Bieber fever.' Apparently, Lilly is a fan.

Q: My cat is about 16 months old and he's very skittish, as I understand his siblings were also. His buddy, an 18-year old Siamese, recently died, and he seems sad. I can't get near him; he runs if I come too close. Yet, he sits next to me on the couch as I watch TV. He also enjoys when I brush him. How can I make him feel more comfortable? -- K.G., Las Vegas, NV

A: Cats mourn, too, and your kitty may feel more withdrawn than usual since the death of his buddy. Be patient. However, I am concerned that something medically could be going on, even in a young cat. Anytime there's a change in behavior, a medical explanation should be considered.

In general, the rule should be, let the approach you. When he does, offer a treat and talk softly and sweetly.

When you do approach him, try to get down on his level or bend over and then extend your middle finger. If he responds by touching your outstretched finger with his nose, he's just shook your hand -- cat style.

Interactive play may work as a kind of antidote to get him out of his shell. And with some catnip, he may shed inhibitions. Feliway, a copy of a calming pheromone, may tone down anxiety.

Meanwhile, your cat is a perfect candidate for clicker training. By offering treats when you click a clicker (available wherever pet supplies are sold), your cat will develop a positive association with the sound. Begin to click and offer a treat when you catch the cat acting affectionately. Over time, you may shape a more affectionate cat.

It's important to be realistic as well. Cats are like people, some are more outgoing than others. Some (cats) love to be picked up, held and fussed over, and others would rather call the shots on their own terms.

When you are ready -- and maybe when you perceive your cat is ready, consider adopting a kitten. I said a kitten because that way your shy cat may not be as threatened. Always, a gradual introduction is suggested when adding a new cat to a household.

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Q: My 15-year-old cat has been grooming himself forever, pulling out his own hair and eating it. His fur has gotten so thin. The veterinarian calls this "barbering" but doesn't know why the cat is doing it. Any ideas? -- D.T., Gloucester, VA

A: "We conducted a study which demonstrated that for most cats who over-groom themselves, there's a medical explanation, at least in great part," says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Gary Landsberg, of Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. "It may be a flea allergy, inhalant allergy, food allergy, or a combination. Other possibilities include a hyperthyroid or a response to intestinal pain."

I will assume at this point that your cat has been examined for parasites and has had a thorough physical exam. Landsberg explains that cats with an allergy usually respond to steroids. However, placing a 15-year old cat on a steroid might be problematic. Another option is to begin a novel food trial, feeding your cat only a prescription hypoallergenic diet for several months.

If your cat's "barbering" turns out to a behavioral problem, a sort of compulsion, ultimately it may make sense to see a veterinary behaviorist. For cats who lick themselves compulsively, an anti-anxiety drug may be recommended.

Increasing the indoor enrichment for your cat is one thing you can do that won't cost a penny. Offer a varying array of toys. For example, one day provide an empty box. The next day, cut a mouse hole in the box so your cat can poke through for a treat. The day after that, sprinkle catnip in the box. Instead of tossing out wine corks or plastic bottle caps, turn them into cat toys! Consider feeding your cat at least a portion (or even all) of his meals from food puzzles or food-dispensing toys scattered around the house, so he has to "hunt" for his food. Learn more at The Ohio State University Indoor Cat Initiative, https://indoorpet.osu.edu/home.

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Q: Our two cats will only sit on a lap if it is their idea. And at that time, they are very demanding to be petted, meowing, rubbing, bumping our hands. But if they don't want to be pet, forget it. My mom's two Siamese are much better about it. They will come occupy your lap and just sit there politely to be petted. I want to enjoy my cats, but they are annoying. -- C. R, Suffolk, VA

A: So, your cats are in control? That sounds perfectly normal. If they are really going overboard, getting obnoxious if you can't give them attention, just ignore the cats. It's interesting that the cats actually seem to be conspiring to work together.

Odds are the cat first meow, if that doesn't work, they meow and head bump. If that doesn't work they rub against you, meow louder and head bump. At some point, you say, "I give up." And your cats win.

In truth, when you ignore the cats -- which I suggest -- they will work even harder to get your attention. Who knows what lengths your cats will go to? They may order in a pizza, turn on dance music - no matter what they do, hang in there. Eventually the cats will get the idea. And your cats will be more reasonable in the future.

However, I also hope you're playing with these cats daily with an interactive toy (a fishing pole-type toy with feathers or fabric). If not, your cats have a point.