CAT OWNERSHIP

Ways Not to Modify Your Cat’s Behavior

You can’t keep your cat from jumping on the counter, but you can get him to jump back down by spraying him with a...

Do We See What They See?

Cats can see better than we can in the dim light of dawn and dusk, but the anatomy of their eyes puts them at...

If You Die Before Your Cat

Because cats live an average of about 18 years while our life- span averages closer to 80, we don’t generally expect to go first. Yet...

Dear Doctor August 2022

Helping at a shelter — virtually Q: I would love to be able to volunteer at my local cat shelter, but my schedule makes it...

Dementia, Heart Disease, Less Likely Among Cat Owners

Death from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia increased by 16 percent during the COVID pandemic, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. But people...

Allergic to Love

Cats are thought to be the third most common cause of indoor allergies (after pollen and house dust mites). Yet few allergic cat owners...

Dear Doctor: Human emotions, or just emotions

Q. You often hear that you’re not supposed to anthropomorphize and that you’re guilty of a scientific error if you do. But what does...

What Not to Say to Someone Who Has Lost a Cat

Which of the following things should you not say to someone whose beloved cat has died? A) He’s not suffering anymore. B) At least you got...
Jackie Dobrovolny wonders if her two cats, Ebby (left) and Pumpkin, can be left alone at home longer than a cat by itself.

Dear Doctor: Can two cats be left alone longer than one?

Q.  In your article “Home Alone, But For How Long?” (November 2021 Catnip), you said that even though the rule of thumb for how...
He’ll need attention after the baby comes, too.

Baby on the Way? Start Adjusting Your Cat Today!

You or someone in your household is expecting — congratulations! But don’t expect your cat to be thrilled. A lot of cats do not...
He’ll need attention after the baby comes, too.

Baby on the Way? Start Adjusting Your Cat Today!

You or someone in your household is expecting — congratulations! But don’t expect your cat to be thrilled. A lot of cats do not...
You’re drawn to the shy one who won’t come forward. But how do you get her to warm up once you bring her home?

3 Steps For Adjusting a Shy Shelter Cat To Your Home

You notice a couple of eager cats clamoring for your attention when you go to adopt one from your local shelter, but it’s the...