Hey, companion animals! Do you have an embarrassing symptom or a mystery medical problem? Are you having trouble getting your Human to listen to you? Labby is here to help! Her Human is a veterinarian, and if neither of them knows the answer, they’ll look it up for you! Send your questions (250 words or less) to dearlabby@armsofaloha.com.

 

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Dear Labby,

I need assistance – stat! There are rumors afoot that a new cat, named Buddy, is moving into MY house! In the last few months, it has become perfectly clear to ALL that I share MY house only with Mary (my Human) now. We are most comfortable. Things are quiet and nice. Nobody has hissed at me inside MY house in months. This other cat, aka Buddy, is another boy and sounds a lot like our Jack, who passed away. His human is Rita who now lives where Jack lives. I miss her so, but I don’t see the need for rotten Buddy to live with us. Please, Labby, give me advice on how to proceed! And while you think about all this I’ll be napping here…..zzzzzzzzz.

Signed, 

Macy Grey

My Dearest Macy,

I know it’s hard to lose that status as the only child, but rest assured that your Human still loves you very much. Unless Buddy is very strong-willed, he will probably defer to you as the QUEEN and you will coexist harmoniously.

You’ll find the adjustment a bit easier if you have a gradual introduction. If Buddy stays in one room of the house for a few days so that you’re not forced to interact with him, you can get used to his presence and smell. Maybe your human would be willing to feed each of you something extra special and delicious, on either side of the door separating you, so that you can associate those good feelings with each other. Make sure that she switches up which room Buddy stays in if she can. We don’t want him getting any silly ideas about defending one particular room as HIS territory in YOUR house.

There’s a product called Feline Facial Pheromone (FFP) that may help you both feel a bit less stressed. Your Human can find it in any pet store or at the veterinarian’s office. It’s applied to the environment (not you – we wouldn’t want to muss up the QUEEN’s perfectly coiffed fur coat) with a spray bottle or a plug-in diffuser.

Music can also soothe any jangled nerves for many cats. iCalmPet produces music accoustically tuned to be calming for kitties. Don’t tell her I told you this, but I’ve noticed my Human gets a bit sleepy and relaxed when she plays it, too.

When you’re ready to spend some time in the same room, it may be less upsetting for you if Buddy starts out in a carrier.

Finally, let your human know that some hissing and growling is nothing to be alarmed about in the first few days.

Good luck, my dear! You just never know – Buddy may turn out to be your new BFF.

With Love and Slobbery Lab-Kisses,

Labby

 

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Labby’s Human wants to remind you to consult your veterinarian if you’re not feeling well. There is no substitute for an exam and advice from a doctor who has seen you in the flesh (or fur)! 

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