Some dogs find comfort in the bathtub. / GOLDEN RETRIEVER: RYAN MCVAY, GETTY IMAGES
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Q:I adopted Moo-Moo as a kitten, and we've always been very attached. Now my boyfriend, who really likes cats, has moved in. He has tried really hard to be nice, but still Moo-Moo urinated on his pillow. This morning was the last straw: Moo-Moo wouldn't let him in the bathroom. Would getting another cat help Moo-Moo over his jealousy?
C.H.
A: I'm sorry Moo-Moo is having a cow over your boyfriend. Moo-Moo has enjoyed a lifetime of having you all to himself. More than anything else, cats detest change, and this is a biggie.
In being solicitous of Moo-Moo, your boyfriend may be offending your unsure cat. Instead, he should ignore Moo-Moo, letting the cat make friendly gestures if he is so inclined.
It wouldn't hurt if your boyfriend took charge of feeding Moo-Moo, particularly if special treats are involved. But don't overdo it: You don't want your cat to overeat. Your boyfriend also could try engaging Moo-Moo with a fishing-pole-type toy with feathers.
Don't get another cat, at least not now. In general, two cats are better than one. In your case, however, one newcomer in the home is stressing Moo-Moo; don't risk adding to the tension. Meanwhile, it can't hurt to plug in a Feliway diffuser. It releases an analog of a friendly pheromone, which can take the edge off for an anxious kitty.
Q:Our golden retriever is so terrified of storms that she begins to pace and salivate a good hour before they happen. How can I help her?
H.H., Miami
A: Some dogs relax when desensitized to the sounds of thunder and rain. Get a storm CD or download storm sounds and play them softly. Gradually pump up the volume, even as your dog chows dinner. The problem is that many dogs have learned to associate storms with dark clouds and changes in humidity and barometric pressure — things that can't be replicated on a CD.
Some dogs retreat to the basement, where blinds are closed and music is playing (for distraction). Other dogs find a secure place under a bed or inside a bathtub. Let those dogs find their zone to ride out the storm.
Still, if your dog is trembling, salivating, having accidents or panting heavily during storms, she might be panic-stricken. Some dogs are calmed by a pheromone emitted by the Dog Appeasing Pheromone collar and the Good Behavior collar. Others relax when wearing a garment such as Thundershirt or Storm Defender. If those efforts fail, see your vet or veterinary behaviorist for anti-anxiety drugs.
Q:Our 16-year old cat has stopped purring. She used to purr loudly, and we miss the purr. She appears to be in excellent health and is just as affectionate as always. Can a purr break?
H.J.,New York
A:Cats who once purred can inexplicably stop. Anytime a pet demonstrates a sudden change in behavior, particularly if the pet is older, see your veterinarian. Purring is associated with respiratory movement; while your cat is probably fine, it's important to be sure.
If your cat ever seems generally confused, forgets litter-box habits, yowls inexplicably or forgets familiar people or pets, these may be signs of feline cognitive dysfunction, or what amounts to feline Alzheimer's disease. It's a myth that cats purr only because they're contented. They can purr for other reasons, including being stressed out; veterinarians witness cats in pain purring up a storm. The purring drought is not likely because your cat is unhappy. Still, I don't blame you — I'd miss the purr, too.
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