Dear Fisher,

I have a small problem. I am a cat who likes to steal my mom’s shoes and bath mat. I will chew on them and then drag them to my food dish. Sometimes I will go months without stealing them and one day I just got to get that shoe or bath mat. When I do steal a shoe or bath mat my mother gets very mad at me. Help – what can I do to stop this?

Sid

Dear Sid.

You have quite a problem and I admit, one of the most interesting I have heard. I must disclose to my readers that we had a few more notes back and forth because my first thought was, how big are you? Then in a follow-up to that, I asked if your mother wears tiny shoes. To my surprise, you are a wee 4 to 6 pound cat, and no, your mother does not wear tiny shoes, and the bath mat is 12” by 32” with rubber backing! That, my friend is a fine example of what focus and intention can do for one small kitty.

People are often not aware that cats are very strong when they have a mission. The key here is determining the nature of your mission. Cats are by nature, hunter gatherers. Even when spayed, a cat may have fierce maternal instincts. Add to these the fact that cats really do know the value of their possessions. Yours are #1, your mother, represented by her shoes and bathmat. Your food dish, of course, is your #2 most treasured possession,.

If we look at each of the above, we can explore possible solutions:

1.Hunter/gatherer: Your mother could place little treats in odd places around the house, requiring much of your waking time to seek and destroy.
2.Maternal instinct: Shoes and bathmat could be replaced with small cuddly toys for nurturing.
3.Prized possessions: Move food dish into bathroom with shoes and bathmat – a shrine, if you will, saving your strength and her angst.

Two other possibilities are separation anxiety or boredom. Please visit Our Happy Cat Our Happy Cat to discover many great ideas for your entertainment.

In all my research, I found it is not uncommon for cats to haul around socks. Dirty socks are preferred. Some cats will choose all types of undergarments, and some have been known to clear out entire laundry baskets. This leads me to the conclusion that you, Sid, are definitely an over-achiever. Your mother may just want to appreciate that.

Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Friends,

I received another letter from Mary, the cat who would be queen. She is reunited with her people and living well. Her beans cleaned up their act, looked around and realized they missed their beloved Mary.

All is now well in her kingdom, and also in the household of the two cats who were unprepared to serve her.

Dear Fisher,

Oh what I’ve been through. I found myself in a new home when my people couldn’t take care of me ‘cuz they were having trouble taking care of themselves. They found me a new home with a loving woman. I thought I would be queen, but I’m in trouble again. Two cats are already here and I’ve had to plot and plan to be charge.

I started life on the street and I know how to fight for myself. The other two cats are not happy with my feisty ways. Now everybody is mad at me. I might have to find another home because I don’t know how to get along. It’s been several months and things aren’t getting any better. I just don’t like other cats. What can I do?

Dear Mary,

I am happy you keep meeting up with loving people, and my first reaction is to keep trying until you get it right. Several months is long enough for all of you to adjust, and if you cats are unable to live in peace, a new home is a good option.

If all attempts to socialize you fail, there is a good chance that you are an alpha cat. An alpha cat exhibits the following:

1. territorial, taking command of toys, bed, food
2. extreme aggression toward others
3. uninterested in becoming part of the community
4. unwilling to accept and kind of training

My friends at Perfect Paws write, “Because the cat is not a pack animal, there is no inherent need or desire for the cat to comply with anyone’s wishes but its own.” They have a lot of good information.

I suspect that you, Mary, are trainable but are more interested in being Only Cat in Charge. We are now back to square one. If you really tried to get along, or if you really do not want to get along, a new home is a good idea. It is best if you are the only cat. Should there be a dog, just remember they are usually bigger and really like it if the cat shows some respect. Overall, though, it is best if you are an only pet.

This is a no blame, no shame situation. It is a positive move for all concerned. Sometimes cats just do not get along no matter what. I have complete faith the loving woman will find a good home for you. May you happily reign forever.

Your friend,
Fisher