Ask Dr. Paola – Laptops, Drama Queens & Furniture Scratching (December 16, 2024)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their cat’s health and well-being.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion. ‎

Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Help! My Cat Loves Sitting on My Laptop!

“ Why does my cat always sit on my laptop the second I open it? She could be asleep across the room but she hears it open, and she will wake up to lay on the keys. I feel bad moving her but I’d get no work done if I just let her win. What should I do? ” – Gia (Sunny’s Mom)

Dear Gia,

Sunny’s love for your laptop seems to be a mix of comfort, curiosity and learned behavior. Cats naturally seek warmth, and the laptop offers a cozy heated spot that Sunny might find irresistible. It is very likely that the sound of the laptop opening has become a cue or signal for her. Sunny learned that if she goes and sits on your laptop she will be able to grab your attention, immediately reinforcing her desire to do it. When you focus on the laptop, Sunny might see it as competition (for your attention) and to ensure she becomes your priority, she has found a way to take center stage. This behavior also reflects her territorial instincts, as she may be marking the laptop with her scent to claim it—and you—as hers.

You can try to redirect her focus, by placing a warm, inviting bed or blanket near your workspace, or a cat bed like the Hepper Nest that sits nicely anywhere (especially on desks!)—just make sure you reward her when she uses it. Interactive toys can also keep her engaged while you work. And remember, Sunny is just expressing her affection and connection with you, and since she likely got what she wanted, you will need to think about what she gets.

Operant conditioning based on positive reinforcement can help her develop new habits. And, you should not feel bad about moving her, as long as you do it gently it is perfectly ok. Just do not let this become a battle. If she insists, you might need to proceed to make it physically impossible for her to get there by closing a door. Over time, she will learn that jumping on the laptop does not get her what she wants. But, please do offer her more desirable alternatives.

Best wishes!
Dr. Paola

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Help! My Cat is a Drama Queen!

“Every time I walk in the front door, my cat Teega greets me with dramatic meows like I’ve been gone for years—even if I was only at the mailbox. Is she really that needy, or could something else be going on?” – Sara

Hi Sara,

Did you know that cats only meow to their mothers when they are kittens? As adults, they stop meowing at other cats and reserve this behavior exclusively for humans. Cats learn as kittens that meowing gets them attention, food, warmth, and other comforts from their mothers. When they grow up, they transfer this behavior to their humans to fulfill similar needs—attention, food, playtime, or cuddles.

As dramatic as it might seem, Teega’s meowing when you come home is her way of greeting you with a “Welcome home!” and signaling that she’s ready to engage. Teega is likely hoping for the usual attention, cuddles, or maybe even food that you provide. If this was a case of separation anxiety you would notice other signs, so it is important to be familiar with them. If Teggas behavior has suddenly changed, this could also be an indication that something is going on. But if this meowing is only a greeting it can easily be addressed: you can train Teega to stop by ignoring her every time she does it. Simply walk by without reacting and only give her attention once she stops meowing. Be patient—this will take time and consistency. If there are other people in the household, they need to follow the same approach to ensure success. Consistency is key when trying to modify behavior.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat is Scratching All of My Furniture!

“My cat has a habit of scratching at the carpet and furniture, even though I’ve provided him with scratching posts. Is he marking his territory, or does he just think my couch looks more fun than his scratching post?” – Boots’ Dad, Levi

Hey Levi, you are not alone, cats are territorial and love to mark everything as theirs.

You have done the right thing by providing a scratching post but now you will need to make your furniture undesirable too: aluminum foil, stick tape, and deterrent sprays are some options to try. Since you mention Boots also scratches the carpet, you will need to provide a horizontal scratching surface as well, the same thing you will need to make it undesirable for him by trying a few tricks. We really like the Hepper Hi Lo Scratcher because it provides 3 heights and orientations for scratching, changed with ease, depending on the mood a cat is in.

Another clue point here is that Boots might have learned that by scratching certain stuff instead of others he gets attention, so these remote correction tricks should do their magic. The other part of the equation is to make the designated scratching areas more desirable: if Boots likes catnip, you can sprinkle some in there, and you should also be reinforcing Boots with a treat, cuddles, or the opportunity to play with a favorite toy every time he chooses the right places to scratch. It will take time, consistency, and repetition, but it is definitely possible.