Common Concerns
Allergies to Cats
Many people have cat allergies. Although people can be allergic to cat dander, most of the allergic reaction most people have from cats is from a protein in their saliva. As cats groom themselves, they spread their saliva all over their fur. Therefore, even hairless cats can be allergenic to some people because they still lick their skin. There are no cats that are truly 100% non-allergenic. However, the chemical makeup of the saliva differs between cats and therefore, some cats and some breeds tend to be more or less allergenic than others.
If your allergy to a new cat is only mild (slight runny nose and itchy eyes), then many individuals develop a tolerance to the allergy and within a few weeks to a couple of months, the allergy is barely noticeable or might have disappeared. Some people fare better if the cat is not allowed in the bedroom. However, if an individual’s allergy is more significant (swelling, trouble breathing), it is not safe for that individual to continue to live with the cat.
Allergy shots given by a doctor specializing in allergies can be very effective for some people with cat significant allergies.
Litter Box Problems
If your cat suddenly begins to have litter box accidents, consider if anything has recently changed. Have you introduced a new litter box, or new litter, or changed the litter box location? Have you added a new pet, or a new member to the household? Have you recently moved? Have you been away from home more than usual?
If none of these issues apply, the first thing to consider is that the cat has a urinary tract infection and you need to take your cat to the vet asap for a diagnosis and treatment.
Most litter box problems that are not medically related are due to emotional stress. Please make every effort to try to understand what is emotionally stressing your cat. Cats that specifically use their human’s bed as a litter box are typically making a statement that they are very upset with them for some reason. However, specialty cat litter such as Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract has been found to be very effective in some cases at getting cats to return to their litter box. But a vet visit to rule out a medical condition is always required as the first step in a situation when the cause is not obvious.
Dog is Eating the Cat’s Food
The cat can be fed in another room, on top of a higher piece of furniture the cat has easy access to, on a higher counter, or on a high shelf of a cat tree.
Cat is Scratching the Furniture
First, be sure to trim the cat’s nails monthly. That will reduce the amount of scratching in general. Provide the cat with cardboard and/or carpeted cat scratchers. Place one near every piece of furniture the cat currently scratches. When you see the cat scratching, tell the cat no and place it on the cat scratcher and move its paws gently like it was scratching.
A few people put nail caps on their cat’s claws but they often pop back off as soon as the nail starts growing.
You can also purchase adhesive pads that stick to furniture and have a sticky outer layer that cats won’t like the feel of and they won’t scratch that area.
Cats on the Counter, Tables, etc
Cats love being up off the floor and jumping on counters, tables, furniture, etc. It can be difficult to train them not to do this. However, if you are persistent and tell them no and put them down over and over again it may work in the long run. A squirt bottle with only water can be used to deter the cats. Tell the cat no, shake the bottle, and then give a short quirt on their body (not their face). In a short time, the cat will learn that hearing the bottle of water shaking means they are about to be squirted and they will jump down quickly on their own. But cats will be cats so good luck with the cat training! If you adopt a cat, please know/accept that this is a common, normal cat behavior and cat training isn’t easy..
Vomiting
It is not uncommon for cats to vomit on occasion. If your cat vomits very soon after eating, it often means that the cat is eating too quickly. The vomit will look as if it consists of recently eaten food. You can try a slow feeder cat bowl to see if that solves the problem (please see more details on the cat supplies page).
It is also not uncommon for a cat to vomit up hair balls formed as a result of a cat grooming itself and swallowing too much cat hair. The vomit will look like a damp, matted hunk of fur. Hairball remedies can be purchased at pet supply stores. After feeding some of the hairball ointment or hairball treats, it encourages the hairball to pass through the cat’s digestive system naturally.
However, if your cat is vomiting severely and/or not eating as well, please take your cat to the vet to determine if there is a blockage in their system or some other illness that is in need of immediate veterinary care. A cat that has already vomited the food contents of its stomach and then continues to vomit a clear, frothy fluid is a sign that the cat is continuing to vomit despite not having any more food in its stomach. That is a sign that the cat should be taken to the vet asap.
Reoccurring Diarrhea
Many cats that have just recently been placed into a new home are nervous about the change of environment (even though it typically is a change for the better) and develop diarrhea due to nerves. A change of food can cause digestive upset as well. If it doesn’t improve within several days, the cat could possibly have worms or parasites and a vet visit would be appropriate. They may order a stool analysis to determine if the cat has any worms or parasites and identify the appropriate treatment for that.
Cat is Hiding Under the Bed/Furniture
When a new cat is adopted, the family is usually excited but the cat is often initially nervous and unsettled. While some will be very curious and want to immediately explore the whole new house, others will be scared and fearful and want to hide. In many cases, we recommend keeping the new cat in a room (such as a bedroom) with their food and a litter box and allow the cat to adjust to its new environment in a small area. If the cat wants to hide under the bed or furniture, let it hide. You can sit on the floor and encourage the cat to come out to eat and play with a toy. But some cats just need several days to adjust and feel safe. Within a week, most of these cats will come out from under the bed and want attention. Lots of patience and love is all most of them will need.
However, if your normally social cat suddenly starts hiding, the cat is likely fearful of some situation in his environment or he is ill and in need of medical care. Please take your cat to the vet to determine if there is a medical cause.
Other Concerns?
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may be having. We want to help ensure you and your new cat/kitten successfully adjust to its new forever home and resolve any future concerns as well!