Have your questions answered by our resident feline expert. Maverick C. has been a spoiled tabby cat for the last decade (don’t ask how old that is in cat years – he won’t tell). If you want insight into the mind of your pet, don’t ask a human, ask a cat.
The Answer cat demonstrates just how cute and adorable
a savage biting kitty can be.
Questions from owners being bitten by their cats were by far the most popular this month:
My seven-month-old male kitten, Jasper, bites me and my husband. Do you think he'll change his ways as he gets older?
-theholts@earthlink.net
We have an 11 month old kitten named Zoey. Recently, Zoey has begun biting us. My kids are 10, 8, and 6. How can I "train" her, not to attack us?
-cree707@iserv.net
I have a wonderful 10 month old Maine Coon that could not be more loving but likes to bit me and my wife. If you try to take him off an end table that he really likes and is not allowed on, he bites hard. He has a great personality otherwise.
-Hambeard@aol.com
AC: Don't worry. Your cats will all outgrow this biting behavior and become model felines as they mature. Not! If you allow your kittens to bite you they will continue to bite you all their lives and you will become a large, interactive cat toy. Your cats must have a variety of cat toys and you must spend time each day playing with your cats. Use wand and fishing pole type toys and do not put your hands near your cats face during playtime. When your cat does bite you, instead of pulling away which only encourages your cat, gently push toward the cat until the cat releases his bite. Then leave the room for a while.
If your cat bites during petting or grooming, you have to watch your cat's body language and end the petting or grooming before he bites. Pet and groom for short periods of time and slowly increase according to your cat's tolerance. Cats like the Maine Coon who bites when removed from his favorite end table should not be disciplined by hand. Put a few coins in an empty soda can and shake it when your cat misbehaves. You can also prop the can on the edge of the table so if falls and disciplines the cat when he jumps on the table.
Be patient with your kitties. Biting is natural behavior that you may have unknowingly reinforced. Following these tips consistently will help make all your kitties more cuddly and loving.
-lailt@webzone.net
AC: Please take your kitty to the vet to make sure that he doesn't have any health problems that would cause this behavior. His litter should be scooped once a day and changed once a week. The pet store sells products to clean your carpet and to keep your cat away from this spot in the future. Perhaps you should take kitty with you the next time you buy home furnishings so you can be sure they are to his liking before you bring them home.
Why does my cat drink out of the toilet instead of out of his water bowl?
-Hb600401@aol.com
AC: Is the toilet water fresher and colder than the water in his bowl? Please give your cat fresh water every day (preferably Perrier). Answer Cat has a question for you: Why is your cat in the toilet? Lids down please!
Why does my cat Grey like to sleep on my side or leg? Why does Lucky insist on sleeping on my wife's side from under her arm to her hip? When my wife sleeps face up Lucky likes to sleep across her throat.
-hattie7@cswnet.com
AC: From birth kittens sleep with each other or with the Mother cat for warmth or comfort. They rhythm of each others breathing and beating heart is soothing and reassuring. Your kitties have transferred their needs to you and your wife. Gosh, you have a lot of questions about sleeping cats. Can't you just let a sleeping cat sleep how and where it wants?
-gstern@micron.net
AC: Well, I know that cats are easily irritated so please refrain from irritating your cats or their bowels.
What is the name of the cat with the cartoon Maxine's Cards?
-Dakotaking@webtv.net
AC: Is this a trivia contest? I don't recall that cartoon but I do know the name of someone with too much times on their hands.
I know this column is for cats but please help me with my dog. When I let him out in the yard to play he eats his own feces.
-Dumbdog@yech.com
AC: One, clean up your yard. Two, trade in your dog for an animal smart enough not to eat it's own feces such as a cat. Three, do not write The Answer Cat about dogs or other inferior species.
How do I know when my cat needs a bath?
-Dirtykitty@fleabag.com
AC: When it reaches subzero temperatures in Hades your cat will request to be submerged in water and washed. Cats normally groom themselves and rarely need assistance. If your cat isn't keeping herself clean, please bring her to the vet. If there is some reason why your cat needs a bath with water I would highly recommend you invest in professional services. If you choose not to hire a professional, please have a large box of Band-Aids nearby.
If we use your question in this space, Maverick will send you an Answer Cat art print, specially autographed to you!
See what you and your feline half may have missed!
Answer Cat #5
Answer Cat #4......Answer Cat #3
Answer Cat #2......Answer Cat #1.
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