General Chat

Interesting thread for catlovers PD.....will print it off....the electric wiring is a good idea but not for my kitties lol

If the cat continues to remain awake through the night, there are two options that might be considered. The first is to lock the cat out of the bedroom by either shutting the bedroom door, or confining him to a room or crate with bedding and a litter box for elimination. If the cat is ignored, he may learn to sleep through the night, or he may be able to keep himself occupied if there are sufficient toys, activities or another cat to play with. Under no situation should the guardian go to the cat if he vocalizes (even to try and quiet him down) as this will reward the behavior. If the cat must be allowed access to the bedroom, inattention, and punishment devices such as an ultrasonic alarm, compressed air, or a water sprayer, can be used to decrease or eliminate the cat’s desire to vocalize. Will neutering help? If your cat is an adult male or female and not yet neutered or spayed, then some forms of vocalization are associated with communication, especially with regard to estrus cycles and mating. Cats in estrus are particularly vocal 'calling.' Neutering and spaying should help to reduce vocalization in these cats. Neutered and spayed animals still may wish to go outside and roam. If there are other cats in the neighborhood that frequent the home territory, this may encourage your cat to vocalize. Blocking visual access, and providing 'white noise' may help if you are unable to get the outdoor cats to leave your property.

If you google senility in cats you will find several good sites with lots of info including this below; Vocalization: Excessive Most guardian complaints about feline vocalization are either to do with the intensity and persistence of the vocalization, or the fact that it occurs at night, when family members or neighbors are trying to sleep. Attention getting behaviors, sexual (estrus or male) behaviors, play behavior, medical problems, discomfort and aggressive displays are the most common reasons for feline vocalization. Of course, since some cats are quite active at night, it is not surprising that many guardians are concerned about their cats night time vocalization and activity. Some breeds, such as the Siamese are much more likely to be vocal than others. What can be done to prevent undesirable vocalization? Providing sufficient play and exercise during the daytime and evening may help to schedule the cat so that he sleeps through the night. Never reward vocalization by providing food, attention, or play, when the cat vocalizes. Mild outbursts of vocalization can either be ignored or interrupted with remote punishment techniques such as a water gun, compressed air, loud verbal no, or an alarm device, but never through physical punishment. How can excessive vocalization problems be treated? Understanding the problem The cause of the cat’s vocalization, those stimuli that are associated with the onset of the behavior as well as all factors that might be reinforcing the behavior, must be understood. For some cats, especially those that are middle aged or elderly, veterinary examination is recommended to rule out potential medical causes of vocalization such as pain, endocrine dysfunction and hypertension. Some older cats may begin to vocalize as their senses or cognitive function begins to decline (senility). Modify the environment If the cat can be denied exposure to the stimuli for the vocalization (e.g. the sight or sounds of other cats), or prevented from performing the behavior (e.g. keeping the cat out of the guardian’s bedroom at night), the problem can often be successful resolved. Modify the pet The most important aspect of a correction program is to identify what may be serving to reinforce (reward) the behavior. Many guardians inadvertently encourage the behavior by giving the cat something he values during vocalization. Attention, affection, play, a treat, allowing the cat access to a desirable area (outdoors, indoors) are all forms of reinforcement. Reinforcement of even a very few of the vocalization outbursts perpetuates the behavior. Although removal of reinforcement (known as extinction) ultimately reduces or eliminates excessive vocalization, the behavior at first becomes more intense as the cat attempts to get the reward. This is known as an extinction burst. Punishment Physical punishment should never be utilized in cats. Not only is it ineffective at correcting most behavior problems, it can also lead to fear and anxiety of the guardian, people in general or being handled and petted. Although ignoring the vocalization, so that the cat receives no reward for the behavior, is the best solution, in the long run it can be difficult to do. Punishment devices can be used to interrupt the behavior immediately and effectively. A spray of water, an ultrasonic device, an audible alarm or a quick puff of compressed air (from a computer or camera lens cleaner) is often effective at stopping the behavior, and at the same time ensuring that the cat has received no form of reward. Punishment that is not immediately effective should be discontinued. With some ingenuity, remote control devices can be used to activate punishment devices and, therefore, remove the guardian as the source of the punishment. What can be done for cats that vocalize through the night? For those cats that vocalize through the night, it is first necessary to try and reschedule the cat so that he stays awake and active throughout the daytime and evening. Food, play, affection and attention should be provided during the morning and evening hours, and as many activities as possible must be provided for the cat during the day (cat scratch feeders, activity centers, or perhaps even another pet). Drug therapy may also be useful for a few nights to help get the cat to adapt to the new schedule. Older cats with sensory dysfunction and geriatric cognitive declinemay begin to wake more through the night and vocalize more frequently. These cases will need to be dealt with individually depending on the cat’s physical health.

I've got an ageing tabby and a tortoiseshell. The tabby sits in the middle of the room crying for no reason, even if I'm in a different room. The tortoiseshell won't leave me along....forever wanting to be on my lap, on the computer (turned my letters to numbers yesterday!) and is now currently sitting on my family history index box. She's covered my desk in cat hairs, papers aren't safe.....in fact nothing it with this one. Two younger black and white ones are bliss......fussy but know when their time of being stroked is up and they play together beautifully. Do cats go senile ? I've often wondered

I need protecting from my aged female tabby....she is 18 and I am sure is senile.. She sits in the middle of the floor and cries...she is not in pain, she has food, and does not want to go out.. When I let her out of the back door, she goes round to another part of the house, and cries at the doors there....she is driving me nuts....just have to put up with it I suppose...

Oh Michael, so glad I am not a fella! Have this picture in my head lol

An old Aussie country trick- connect an electric fencer up to the mens urinal in the Pub!!

Only jokin PD! I love my puddys. But the electric wire is VERY good for keeping foxes and wombats out of the garden - and the chookhouse! (Cats are too smart to fall for that one!).

Michael, I would think if you had cats they would be farm cats? I would be careful of going out on the bevy if you have electric fencing lol Deb, I often read things wrongly as I have varifocals and sometimes don't get the angle right lol Have had a few surprises sometimes lol Am off to bed in a mo, so will say goodnight to you both even tho it isn't that time of day with either of you. Take care, have a good day. Lizxx

I need new reading glasses. I read it as 'how to carproof' your home. Images of cars crashing through houses came to mind :)

I find an electric fencing wire at cat nose level is very effective at cat proofing my house! hehehehee

Feline Safety—Cat-Proofing Your Home Cats are naturally inquisitive and playful, so it's important to eliminate any potential indoor dangers before they get their paws on them. Hanging cords, electrical wires, and anything small enough to be swallowed can be hazardous to your cat's health and should be kept out of reach at all times. Windows should always be closed or properly screened to avoid accidental falls or runaway cats. Other common potential dangers at home include: Foods: Chocolate and coffee are not the only kitchen items dangerous to your cat. Improperly stowed garbage can harbor dangerous bacteria and toxins, as well as choking hazards such as discarded chicken bones. Read more about off-limits people foods. Plants: If you suspect your cat has eaten part of a poisonous plant, immediately bring your cat to the veterinarian. If possible, provide a sample of the plant to assist with identification. For a comprehensive list of toxic plants for pets, visit the ASPCA. Medicines: Never give your cat medicine without first consulting your vet. Human medicine, even in small doses, can be potentially fatal to cats. Flea treatments intended for dogs are also dangerous. Never use canine flea treatments on cats. Garages: With its sweet flavor, antifreeze is a common cause of feline poisoning. Oil, gasoline, and other spills should be cleaned up immediately, and cars should be checked regularly for leaks. Fertilizers, cleaning supplies, insect traps and bait, pesticides, and paints all present dangers to your cat. Keep all containers tightly sealed and out of reach, and be sure to clean spills immediately. Yards: Cats who walk or play on pesticide- or fertilizer-treated lawns can be poisoned via consumption or skin absorption. For this reason, treated lawns should be off limits to pets until they are deemed safe. Check your lawn-care products for specific safety instructions. If you suspect your cat has had external contact with a poisonous substance, whether it's fertilizer, insecticide, or other outdoor poison, it is important to bathe your cat thoroughly and immediately. Additional household items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include potpourri, pennies, mothballs, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents, toilet water, batteries, homemade play dough, and all forms of nicotine. For more information on toxins and pets, visit the National Animal Poison Control Center.

Read the tips below - lots of things I didn't know about danger to cats.