My favorite email of the week

In a zoo in California, a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth.

The mother tiger, after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression.. The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother’s cubs, perhaps she would improve.

After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment.

love shelters you

Sometimes a mother of one species will take on the care of a different species. The only ‘orphans’ that could be found quickly were a litter of weanling pigs.

Now, please tell me one more time……
Why can’t the rest of the world get
along?

Dear Fisher,

Several months ago, my family just packed up their belongings and moved out of town. Lucky for me, they stopped and dropped me off at a shelter for homeless animals. I was there for three months before a loving couple came in and adopted me. I don’t think it was my looks as I am a rather handsome lad. I think people are afraid to adopt older animals because they think we have too many problems. But, we are just as loving – even more, maybe, because we know how lucky we are when we get a second chance.

There were many other older cats in the shelter and I won’t even begin to tell you the horror stories they told. I am still trying to forget them. Why is it that we oldsters are not appealing to humans who want to adopt?

Tiger

Dear Tiger,

Your loss saddens me deeply. I know it happens and your people were probably at what they would call their “wits end.” Always know they had your best interests in mind when they provided a safe haven for you. They were doing the very best they could for you when circumstances forced them to move from their home.

Issues of adopting a kitten versus an older cat are usually due to individual preferences and are as varied as the number of people who adopt homeless cats in the first place. There are no set in stone rules regarding which is better. I prefer to boil it all down to the “half-a-glass” theory.

The glass is half empty point of view

1. An older cat may have more health problems
2. An older cat may be cantankerous due to unhappy situation in life
3. An older cat is harder to train
4. An older cat is not as playful as a kitten

The glass is half full point of view

1. Cats of any age can have health problems at any time
2. Older cats are more adaptable to new situations due to life situations
3. Cats decide if they want to be trained or not, age does not matter
4. Older cats like to nap more, therefore, humans can also rest more

Moral of the story? The relationship between adopter and adoptee really depends on the attitude of both. Very good reasons for adopting a Senior Kittizen can be found at Protective Animal Welfare Society of Western WI. My favorite is, “They have house manners! They are less likely to leap on the kitchen counters, knock down stuff on shelves, climb the drapes, or pounce on moving objects (including your legs).”

The relationship between humans and cats is based mostly on peaceful co-existence rather than a need for constant adoration and attention. I congratulate you and the loving couple who adopted you. Peace to you all.

Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I used to play in the back yard but then I thought it would be fun to jump over the fence when my people were at work. I did a few other things in the house and my people decided I needed to stay in the yard. So then they bought me a dog house. They tie me to the dog house so I won’t get out of the yard. They think it is great because it is big and roomy and they put my favorite blanket in there. I hate it! I won’t even get inside it when it’s raining. What can I do?

Your friend,
Claus

Dear Claus,

Many is the day I wish I had my own house. I think you are lucky. You obviously do not. Let us examine some of the reasons for your distress. The biggest issue I see is that you, the dog, are a pack animal. You likely feel you are isolated out in the yard attached to your new dog house and you are just plain lonely. Or – and no other dogs need to know – you might just be a little scared out there when you hear all the neighborhood noises and you cannot see over the fence to learn what is going on. Could you be a little claustrophobic? Would it help if your house had a window?

To get through this, just remember why this has happened in the first place. Face the facts. You messed up (no pun intended)! As I read your letter, the word “training” kept popping into my head. It could be that training you to enjoy the dog house will carry over into your enjoyment of the people house. A few tips to get started are:

1. Your people could put treats or a favorite toy inside the dog house.
2. Alternate putting food and water bowls inside, then outside of your house.
3. Your people must also train themselves to not peek out the windows to see how you are doing.
4. Check into the top rated dog training programs on line Pup Dog Training.

As to the issue of your sitting out in the rain instead of going into your dog house: Humans know how much dogs love to swim. They may soon realize that the rain is not bothersome to you and they will figure out it is just a ploy to look pitiful. Oops! Did I spill the beans?

Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Fisher,

My name is Lightning because I used to dart around like a bolt of lightening. I am older and calmer now, but I have had to make some serious adjustments. Me and Cooper were adopted as little kittens into a wonderful home where we were pretty spoiled rotten. We were so happy with her that we never came out from hiding when others came to visit.

Then one day, our person became very ill and could no longer take care of us. Her friends helped arrange for our new home. We were very sad, but instead of sticking together, Cooper started acting like my enemy. That really hurts and I am wondering why he had this sudden change in attitude. We are in a nice home with good people. Do you have any ideas?

Lightning

Dear Lightning,

I am so sorry to hear about your sadness but happy you have a nice new home. Humans are frightfully aware of the pain in their hearts when their pets become ill and they can no longer help them, but they are not always so aware of the trauma a pet may feel over losing his owner. It is a tough situation when pets feel loss, sadness and fear. In your case, where your good buddy is now acting like your enemy, it is natural for you to wonder what the heck is happening. I would ask that you give Cooper more time to make adjustments. He is likely taking his frustrations out on you. As soon as you understand that, you will not take it personally.

Two things you should not do: First, do not assume the whiny “poor me” kitty attitude. This will only make you more vulnerable and easier to torment. Second, forget about beefing up in order to clean Cooper’s clock. There will be no peace in the valley if the two of you are constantly whopping each other. Keep in mind this could result in your permanent separation. You can, however, assume the Gandhi persona and just let it be and in the meanwhile, ohm for the best possible outcome.

Your new humans must watch for poor behavior habits right away. After all, you have just gone through a major life change. What can they do about it?

1. If one cat decides to be an alpha cat and set all the rules, equal treatment by the humans is a good equalizer.
2. Take note of times of good behavior and congeniality and make these special – treats are good.
3. Separate your food and water bowls and provide separate little beds, moving them closer together as time heals wounds.
4. Call for a time out if bickering becomes more aggressive – separate cats for awhile and then slowly reintroduce them.
5. Learn more about stressed out cats – visit Best Cat Art to find out more information on stressed out cats.

Getting back to a good relationship is very possible and is, of course, the most positive outcome you could have. I do want to mention, though, that you should also take note of your own behavior to make sure you are not the antagonist. Best of luck to you!

Your friend,
Fisher

published in tbt Tampa Bay
Out There weekend edition

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