Why does my cat scratch my calves?
Hiding behind a door, he waits for the right moment to pounce, claws out: calves first!
What’s the problem?
No, he’s not a psychopath! He’s hungry and/or bored during the day. An empty food bowl is bound to be a source of stress for a cat, who naturally eats 18 to 20 meals a day. And if, on top of that, he lives in a confined space lacking sensory stimulation, his owner’s return triggers an almost immediate hunting reflex!
The solution:
Leave him dry food available at all times and enrich his environment. Specifically? Leave him things to explore, sniff, play with, and let off steam: an empty cardboard box, a ball, a paper bag, a treat under a piece of furniture… anything that can keep him occupied is good! Only consult a veterinarian if the problem persists.
Why does my cat shed everywhere? On the sofa, the cushions, the beds… it’s simple, there’s cat hair everywhere in the house!
What’s the problem?
Regular shedding (in an apartment) or seasonal shedding (if the cat goes outside) is the result of a more or less constant, but normal, molting process. It’s also not a problem if your cat loses fur in patches after an emotional shock (moving, the arrival or loss of another pet, etc.) or a hormonal change (after pregnancy or neutering), for which there’s nothing to be done. However, there is a problem if the alopecia (hair loss) is accompanied by severe itching.
The solution:
Check that your cat isn’t covered in fleas (the itching is due to an allergy to flea bites in 80% of cases), and treat it. And if he continues to lose fur, consult a veterinarian to check for a possible allergy to dust mites or a food.
Why does my cat eat all the time?
His favorite thing? His food bowl and what’s in it! As a result, he’s gaining weight and you can’t see his ribs anymore.
What’s the problem?
He’s bored and focuses his attention on his food bowl to relieve anxiety. In short, he’s compensating for stress due to a lack of stimulation during the day. The problem is that obesity in cats leads to the same health problems as in humans (diabetes, arthritis, respiratory problems, etc.).
The solution:
Monitor his weight with the help of your veterinarian, who can suggest a diet based on kibble that is lower in fat and higher in protein. We give him exercise by playing with him for 10 to 15 minutes a day, and we transform the apartment into a playroom by providing him with all sorts of objects (mobile, cork stopper, cat toys, etc.) to keep him occupied while we’re away.
Why does my cat suckle on my cashmere sweaters?
As soon as he’s in our arms, he acts like a kitten. He can suckle on the skin, but he prefers wool: this is what the English-speaking world calls “wool sucking syndrome.”
What’s causing the problem?
He was probably separated from his mother before 8 weeks old, without her having had time to wean him, and is now exhibiting kitten-like behavior with his owners. It’s not usually serious, unless the suckling is associated with stress, and the cat licks himself compulsively (to the point of causing injuries).
The solution:
Plug in a calming pheromone diffuser. And if the stress persists, consult a veterinary behaviorist who can prescribe anti-anxiety medication.
Why does my cat climb the curtains?
It’s frightening to see how agile he is… and destructive at the same time! No pair of curtains can withstand his rampage.
What’s the problem?
It’s normal for a cat to live in 3D! If nothing allows him to play leopard and survey his territory from above, the curtain is one solution among many. He might also be using it to mark his territory by sharpening his claws.
The solution:
Clear a shelf, make room for him on the sideboard, and/or get him a cat tree, which you can initially place in front of the curtains. If all goes well, he should adopt it and lose interest in the curtains. Why does my cat bring me dead birds?
Who hasn’t seen their cat proudly return from the garden with a dead or injured bird in its mouth? Classic, but not always pleasant.
