Behavior & Training Questions About Cats

By Jill-Marie O'Brien, CPDT
Director of Animal Training & Behaviour

Airline Travel & Tranquilizers

Question : I will fly internationally (Sao Paulo, Brazil to Washington, D.C. (with a change in Miami)) this July with my two 11 mo. old cats, Peggy and Eddie. They will fly in the passenger cabin with me in airline approved carriers, each one under a seat. Should I tranquilize them? Can I tranquilize mid-flight if things "aren't going well?" I have heard about the risks in exciting the animals (reverse effect) and potential dangers in the combined effects of altitude/ pressurization/ tranquilizers. My vet is of the "do not tranquilize" school and I would like another opinion. I would appreciate any information you could give me.

Answer : I am not a vet, but I have always reserved tranquilization for only the severely nervous cats. It is safer and healthier to transport them without any medication according to many in the veterinary profession. Be sure they have adequate food and water prior to leaving. The airlines should have a list of recommendations regarding feeding and watering your cats for the flight. You'll need to have a non-spillable water bowl for the ride; using ice cubes in a dish can keep liquid available for a good portion of the trip, as they melt the cat can take a little sip to stay hydrated. Most cats appreciate a snuggle blanket inside the box for comfort.

Sleeping With Cats At Night

Question : I have several cats, and one of my cats shares my pillow at night. A friend recently told me that it's dangerous to allow cats near my face at night, as I can breath in their fur and have it lodge in my lungs. Is this true, and if so, what are the dangers?

Answer : Cat fur presents no more danger than other sources of dust, dirt or dander. Unless you are allergic to cats, you are safe cuddling as close as you want with your cat.

Spayed Female Cat Urinating

Question : My 3 year old spayed female cat has been urinating in the electric stove burner repeatedly for as long as we have had her. It took us a long time to determine the source of the noxious and lingering odor produced when the burner is turned on. And since we never catch her in the act, disciplinary action other than tossing her outside before we commit caticide seems pointless. It is not related to the cleanliness of the litter or other obvious signs. She was neglected and had produced several litters of kittens within a short time when we adopted and spayed her. But her tenure is in danger in this house with 3 other spayed/neutered cats and 2 young sons unless we find a reasonable solution. I wouldn't write, but I have actually heard of others who had the same problem! Help?

Answer : Inappropriate urination has plagued cat owners for centuries. Your cat may not understand that the stove is not a cat box. She may not want to use the designated places for a variety of reasons- bad smell, other cat's smell, wrong type of cat litter for her, out in the open or intimidation by the other cats. You should get her own cat box, with different litter. Place it close to the stove, you can move it later. You may need the help of behavioral modification drugs from your veterinarian. A thorough veterinary exam would be a good idea in any case to rule underlying health issues. You may need to keep her locked in a separate room with a cat box for a week or more for the times you are not home might help her learn what a proper bathroom looks like.