Ask Cleo

Q: My new cat Sam is really nice and very loving, but at night he is running all over my apartment, jumping on things and playing with his toys. How can I get him to sleep when I do?

A: Felines are nocturnal animals – meaning we were born to hunt at night and sleep during the day. Have patience with Sam as he tries to adjust to your sleeping schedule. The best you may get is for him to spend part of the night cuddling with you (as I do with my two-legged Mom). It may take awhile, but don’t punish him for doing what is instinctual behavior. Make bedtime inviting by picking him up and petting him on your way to bed. He’ll learn to be more than human as you learn to be more feline!

Q: I heard that you like dogs, so I hope that my “dog question” is one you can answer. My cute little Beagle Smitty just won’t stay home. He digs under fences and gets out at least twice a month. We have nice neighbors who call me or bring him home, but I have had to “bail him out” of the shelter three times which is costly. Please tell me how to keep Smitty happy at home!

A: Smitty is just doing what comes naturally to Beagles – digging and hunting. There are a couple of things you can do that may help your problem. Be sure your fencing goes down at least a foot in the ground. You also may need to go to electronic fencing. It will give Smitty a mild shock when he tries to go over or under it. Exercise is a great way to slow him down. Take him for a walk once or twice a day and be sure to play with him in the yard. Throw a ball to wear off some of his energy. And of course, lots of love and attention keep all of us canines and felines happy!

Q:My dog constantly wants to eat my cat’s food. Is it ok to buy just one kind of food for both of them?

A: A cat and a dog have different nutritional requirements,the most important of which is an amino acid called taurine for cats. A kitten raised without taurine in it’s diet will go blind or develop cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart muscle). Taurine is continually lost from the body in order to digest fat, and meat protein is necessary in the cat’s diet to stay healthy. The best food for both animals would be a high protein, low carbohydrate diet (my mom says she can’t stay away from carbs no matter what they are!) to avoid obesity and the resulting diseases, like diabetes or heart disease. See? We are not so different from people after all!! Please consult your vet about his/her recommendation for the best food for your animal since there are so many on the market.

Q:I have a beautiful Maine Coon cat who comes when he is called and actually plays fetch. My friends are amazed and say that he doesn’t even know he is a cat. Is he normal or should I be worried?

A: Just like humans, “normal” is a highly overused and overrated word in discussing the behavior of our feline friends. Your cat’s behavior is proof that he is willing to please you as much as your dog would, and although not a lot of cats come when called (preferring to take a message and get back to you when it suits them), it is a good sign of his affection for you. I wish a long and happy relationship for your obedient and fun-loving cat. Please remember to keep him indoors for his health and safety, and lavish love and praise on him daily. I myself am kissed and cuddled on a regular basis and my human is a much better person because I have helped her to learn more about animal behavior.