A sudden onset of extreme licking could be a cat being a cat, however it’s value a name to the vet anytime a pet’s habits immediately modifications. (Kilito Chan/Moment RF/Getty Images)
DEAR JOAN: Is there one thing that may be sprayed on an indoor plant (with no hurt) that may preserve my cat, Milo, from nibbling on the leaves?
— Linda Rhoades, Dublin
DEAR LINDA: This is a well timed query contemplating many people are placing up Christmas bushes, poinsettias and different objects which are, after all, for the unique use of our cats. Or a minimum of that’s how they see it. Protecting Christmas bushes is an entire column in itself, so I’ll simply follow houseplants.
You have two important choices. The first is to place the vegetation out of attain, which is simpler mentioned than finished. The best choice is to hold them – the vegetation, not the cats – from the ceiling, away from furnishings and buildings that can be utilized to realize access. You even have to think about the well being of the plant. Hanging from the ceiling won’t give them sufficient access to pure mild.
Your second alternative is to spray your vegetation with one thing that makes them unappealing. There are a number of merchandise in the marketplace that promise to do this. They principally depend on bitter tastes and smells. They received’t harm the plant, they received’t harm the cat, they usually work nicely for discouraging nibbling.
You can also make your individual by mixing water with just a little lemon, lime or orange juice, and spritzing the vegetation. Cats typically don’t just like the scent or style of citrus, so that is an efficient deterrent.
Cats are categorised as obligate carnivores, which implies they not solely choose meat to greens, they require it to have a wholesome life. Cats can have points digesting greens, however some like just a little style at times, particularly in the event that they aren’t feeling nicely. Because of that, you would possibly need to plant a small pot of kitty greens that Milo can pattern when he needs and desires. It additionally would possibly assist flip his curiosity away from your own home vegetation.
DEAR JOAN: My 16-year old cat, Sophie, has immediately began licking me avidly – face, fingers and arms, typically in the midst of the evening. Is she expressing her deep love and appreciation for my human companionship (and heat lap, kibble and a clear litter field) or is one thing else happening?
— Kathy, Walnut Creek
DEAR KATHY: There are a couple of explanation why cats lick us. The first is probably the most benign – Sophie has deep affection for you and needs to indicate it by attempting to groom you, as a mom cat does for her kittens.
Cats additionally will interact in extreme licking, if they’re feeling burdened. Have there been modifications within the family that may have Sophie on edge? It may very well be so simple as rearranging the furnishings or as complicated as a brand new person coming into the home or an old buddy who’s left.
