My Pet World: Is vomiting normal for a cat even when the vet says nothing is wrong?

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Feb 1, 2023

We need help with her barking, growling, and charging the door when guests arrive. She does not stop right away when I say it’s okay. When she stops, I tell her she is good and give her a treat. She hides in her crate in a different room when people come in. We have blocked her access to the crate to force her to stay with the company. She is scared of kids. One time, she growled at our nephew. What can we do?

— Geralyn, Florida

Dear Geralyn,

You have made so much progress with her. I am impressed with your patience and ability to continually work with her to help her overcome what sounds like a rough beginning to life.

You’re doing everything right regarding training and exposing her to people. But don’t force her to remain with your company if she is scared. Pets are less stressed if they have an exit strategy. Her exit is to go to her crate for comfort. That’s good. You want her to know her limits and find ways to self-soothe herself.

You might consider putting her in an Anxiety Wrap® or Thundershirt® and give her some calming chews daily. These things aren’t just for storms and fireworks. They can help calm anxious dogs, which makes it easier for them to listen and learn.

In addition, teach her the “leave it” command and use this when she is barking at the door. Because she is riled up, you must get her attention before she will listen to your command. Shake a can of coins or use a Pet Corrector (available online), which makes a shhh sound. This will interrupt her barking just long enough for you to say, “leave it.” Since she is eventually stopping now, adding this interrupter to get her attention should help you with the training.

Because she growled at your nephew, she should always be monitored around children. This is another instance when she may be happier in her kennel. Please respect that and let her go to her kennel whenever she needs to escape. She is managing herself when she does this, and that’s a good thing. On the flip side, do not let anyone bother her in her kennel. That is her space, and she must always feel safe there. Let me know how the training goes.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)