My Pet World: Curb cat's aggressive tendencies with play, enriched environment
Q: Our 13-year-old indoor/outdoor cat is very affectionate, yet for seemingly no reason sometimes circles our feet and legs, sounds and looks aggressive, then bites us savagely. How do we address this? -- S.R., Atlanta, GA
A: If the behavior is new, and not typical of your cat's personality, first see a veterinarian to rule out a medical explanation.
If the cat's health checks out, pay attention to your pet's body language and find a way to move away before an attack. (And don't run away; that will only encourage the cat to chase you, perhaps thinking you've started a game.) It's important to play (with your cat) daily using an interactive toy, teaching him to chase and pounce on the toy -- and not you.
Another idea is to carry little mouse toys or plastic balls in your pocket. If you see that your cat is poised to attack, toss the toys in the opposite direction.
Enriching your cat's environment is important, including rotating toys. Try feeding the your cat from various puzzle feeders (if you're providing dry food), such as the Eggsercizer or SlimCat. You place kibble inside these toys, then teach your cat to roll them around so the food tumbles out. Leave several feeders around the house for your cat to "hunt." If you use moist food, place servings in plastic dishes at two or three locations, so your cat has to search for them.
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Q: My 3-year-old Schnoodle will not go down our tile stairs. We've tried to coax her with treats, or carrying her down a few steps, but she freezes every time. It's not that she won't go down any stairs, as she goes down our cement stairs. Any advice? -- N.B., via cyperspace
A: "A veterinary evaluation is necessary, although your cat can apparently navigate other stars, which are easier," says Dr. John Ciribassi, a Chicago veterinary behaviorist and co-editor (with Dr. Debra Horwitz and myself) of "Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)."Still, a medical explanation such as a luxating patella (knee problem), needs to be ruled out."
Assuming your dog checks out medically, Ciribassi suggests that she apparently doesn't feel sure of her footing on tile stairs. Increase the traction by adding a carpet runner. Many stores sell carpet remnants that would fit the bill. Also, try coaxing your dog to use the stairs by rewarding her with bits pieces of turkey or low salt cold cuts. Since she's already associated the top of the stairs with a scary event, try coaxing her starting at the bottom.
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