When Good Cats Do Bad Things

Has Your Cuddle Buddy Become A Little Monster?

Don’t worry, there IS help…and you don’t need to build a time machine…you just need the right doc.

You still remember the day you brought Mr. Whiskers into your house and made it his forever home.  You showered him with kisses and love and bought everything you could to please him.  That was just three years ago.

It was great!  He’d curl up on your lap and purr while you sat reading the latest issue of Cat Fancy.  He’d rub his little face on yours to show how much he loved you and you’d stroke his fur until dreams of sugar mice danced in his head…work with me.

Ah, the joys of owning a cat!  Life was grand!

Wait.  What’s that?  He stopped doing those things?  He no longer sleeps with you on chilly nights?  He stopped eating that expensive cat food you paid a small fortune for?  You mean, he won’t even come running when you open a new bag of his favorite crispety-crunchety treats? 

Instead, you say, he’s peeing on the wall by the TV; no longer wants to play with your shoestrings; and he even scratched you the last time you tried to pick him up?

Sounds like you’ve got a few problems there.  Have you taken him to see Dr. Whats-his-name?  And everything was OK physically?  I see.  

Well, don’t give up.  I know exactly how you feel! You’re not going crazy.  

I remember when I rescued my first little furball, all seemed right with the world.  You know how it is, you feel good for saving a life, knowing you made a difference.

And you did and you do!  But after a while, kitty changes.  You know, into a horrible-hell-spawn-of-destruction!

So, what is up with Mr. Whiskers? 

Did someone break into your house and secretly replace your sweet, nubby-bear (hey, I’m not going to judge you!) with the beast from 20,000 fathoms?  That may be what it seems like, but let’s think about this.

You’re smart.  You went to college.  You’re a respected professional, figuring out a cat can’t be that hard, right?  Right?

Well, you’re partly right…you are smart and a professional, but that last bit…well…

Studies show that cats have 300 million neurons compared to dogs with 160 million neurons. That’s some supercharged animal intelligence.  And not only smarts – they’re emotional critters, too.  They can feel fear, happiness, sadness, curiosity, anger, grief and anxiety, to name a few.  

And, get this, they can read and even understand human facial expressions over time.  

You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy!

I know this is frustrating, so let’s see if we can fix your problem, because you’ve already fixed Mr. Whiskers…sorry, couldn’t help myself.

There are many reasons why a housecat starts misbehaving.  Once you rule out the physical, such as pain, loss of eyesight or hearing, dental issues, or urinary problems - you get the point, we need to look at environmental and emotional triggers.

Did you move Mr. Whiskers’ bed into the laundry room because you had your parents over and your mom’s allergic?

Have you moved it back?  You have?  Did you wash it?  Well, did you use liquid softener or a dryer sheet when you dried it?  

You say there have been a few strays in the neighborhood and one or two might’ve sprayed outside?

And, sorry to ask, but didn’t you break up with that guy you met online, Jason.?  Jared?  Jingle-Heimer-Smith?  Whatever.  I know you’re bummed about it.  Have you been wearing your emotions on your sleeve?

Did you, maybe, rearrange the furniture…again.  No, I like it.

See, all of these could be factors in why Mr. Whiskers is acting up.  Maybe it’s one or two or maybe all combined.  Complicated little fella, isn’t he?  

You want your cuddle buddy back, and believe it or not, so does he?  But you may be holding the keys to making it happen.  Sure, pet stores, the big one here in town, for instance, or the online ones, will sell you anything and everything to solve the problem.  And some of these toys, foods and sprays have merit, but maybe Mr. Whiskers’ problem’s a lot simpler than you think. 

You could try building a time machine, or…

Maybe you just need the right doc.

Let me tell you about this doc I found:  Dr. Taylor E. Scott, he’s an animal behavior guy who helped me a ton with understanding the herd of kitties I have.  He knows his stuff!  

And his cost is reasonable.  I looked him up when my Nessa wouldn’t stop bullying my poor little Tauriel, and he came out to my house and gave me a plan to arrange defined territories for both of them.  Then he helped me set them up.  It took a few weeks, but the bullying stopped.  No more breaking up fights.  I can’t tell you what a relief that is!

He gives a 25% New Client Discount.  Yep, sure does.  I was thrilled with the price, especially after seeing both cats in my home.  You might qualify for his online video conference rate since he may not need to come out to the house…but he will if you need him to.

And he’s a licensed vet, so if meds are necessary, he can prescribe them.  But he says that’s always a LAST RESORT.  Natural is ALWAYS better.  I love this guy!

Look, here’s his number:  1-800-330-6143, or you can go online to dr.taylorescott.com.

That’s all I did, just Googled him.  

Besides, I know how much you love Mr. Whiskers.  You’re like me, there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for our little fur babies.  Now give him a call, while I raid your fridge (hey, I didn’t judge you)!

Call 1-800-330-6143 or visit the good doc online at drtaylorescott.com to get your appointment set up today!  Same day service in most cases.  

And, he loves dogs, too!!!

• For a fictitious cat magazine in the home state of the imaginary doctor.