Carole is available for bi-coastal house calls, speaking engagements anywhere, phone consults nationally and internationally. She also sees patients by appointment at Westside Veterinary Center in Manhattan. Her latest book is The Complete Guide To Understanding And Caring For Your Cat. Her recently released CD of spoken cat advice and soothing music is Caring For Your Cat, The Wilbourn Way.

Come back to Carole's home page monthly for cat news and Carole's most recent replies to behavior inquiries from worried cat guardians. To have this home page emailed to you after the story update, click here. You will receive this exact page by email, and it will link you to the other pages in her site, and to the rest of the IDA web site.

CATS ON THE COUCH, December �08

THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT

Once again my Orion is spreading his therapeutic touch. But he, too, is a winner, because he�s nurtured by contact and attention. This therapy exchange takes place in a petit, picturesque, park across the street from my building. So far, Orion has been the only cat to grace this area. There�s many a dog, but Orion is a dog lover. A dog is not a source of competition for Orion but a species that he can command and another source of therapy.

Orion and I have much to be thankful for. We�ve now shared three Thanksgivings, and we�re now on the heels of another holiday. This is a perfect time to share what we can with those we love and to give what we can to those who are in need.

NIKO WON�T COME HOME

Niko, my young, orange and white, neutered cat, refuses to come into the house. This started when my brother moved in with my four cats and me after Hurricane Ike destroyed his home. Niko has always been wary of people, but never like this.

Whenever I try to bring him inside, he howls and runs from room to room, trying to find a way out. He won�t even come inside when my brother�s not at home. My brother is a sweet and gentle person who loves cats. What can I do to relieve Niko of his fear?

Poor, traumatized, Niko! He sensed your bother�s upset, and your brother became Niko�s terror target. This is a clear example of the ripple effect. Your brother�s anxiety threw your vulnerable Niko over the edge. He resorted to flight. The following recommendations should slowly help Niko to regain his place in your home:

At this time you can let your brother enter Niko�s space and slowly sit down on the floor while you interact with Niko. Your brother should not interact with Niko. You can have a conversation with your brother, but continue to concentrate on Niko. If Niko becomes too anxious, have your brother leave the room, and try again at another time.

Laura, repetition is the key. Niko has to feel confident that your brother won�t harm him. The more relaxed your brother is when he enters Niko�s space, the better for Niko. Eventually, Niko will be able to accept your brother within his space. Maybe one day he�ll allow your brother to touch or hold him. But for now, let�s focus on Niko returning home.

MY CARPET IS A MESS!

I am at my wit's end with my cat Cinder. Cinder is eleven years old. I have had her for a year now. Her previous family gave her up. About six months ago she started scooting on the carpeting to clean herself after using the litter box. The vet recently performed laser surgery on excess tissue near her rectum, thinking that may be contributing to the problem. Since she has healed, she is back to scooting again. My carpet is becoming a mess, and I am getting depressed trying to deal with it. Can you please help me?

Why not place a washable piece of carpet not far from her litter box. Cinder can use this to scoot on, and your carpet can be spared. Praise her whenever she uses her scoot carpet. She may even let you wipe her off after she uses her box. Nancy, relax and count your blessings.

HAPPY DROOL

My once feral cat, which is now semi tame and allows me to pet him, drools whenever I give him lots of love and pets. I have taken him to the vet, and there's nothing wrong with him. But he continues to drool during long pet sessions. I call it "Happy Drool" because he seems to only do it when he's rolling around totally happy and enjoying the whole touching experience. Is this normal? Have you heard of this kind of behavior before? Once I stop petting him, he stops drooling.

How cool! Your once feral cat can now accept intimacy. He�s come a long way, thanks to you. However, he has super sensitive salivary glands that cause him to drool when he�s stimulated-and they�re stimulated. There are quite a few cats that are affected in this way. Keep a wash -cloth or sponge on hand for the wipe-ups. Better to have a �happy drool than a �sick-related� drool. Carry on!

MY CAT SUCKS HIS PAW

My seven months old, un-neutered, male compulsively sucks on his front right paw. Is there anything I should be concerned about? I'm trying to break him of the habit. Whenever I see him doing it, I put my hand over his paw until he struggles to get away. I'm not sure how well it's working.

Your cat sucks his paw because it reminds him of the comfort he received from his mother when she groomed him and when he nursed. This paw sucking soothes him whenever he's in doubt or anxious. You might connect it to a child and thumb sucking. Distract him with the throw of a toy or a chase. A big hug may squeeze the pent-up energy out of him. This habit may disappear after he�s neutered.

QUESTIONS TO CAROLE

If you have a question for Carole, you can email her at thecattherapist@idausa.org. We�re sorry that Carole won�t be able to answer all questions, but the answers to many questions can be found in her IDA archives.

Oscar the Cat Predicts Death

Oscar is the feline resident at a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island who seems to have predicted the deaths of 25 of the residents. In case after case, when he has curled up next to someone, it usually means they have less than four hours of life left. I was interviewed about Oscar by NBC-TV. Read all about Oscar on their site. To watch my video, click here.

CLICK ON TO YOU TUBE TO VIEW A FREE CONSULTATION

Carole Wilbourn at Westchester Cat Show - Sat 11/22 & Sun 11/23

2008-11-15T15:58:46Z

	Carole's Appearances

Carole presents her seminar, "How to Talk to Your Cat", and variations on that theme, regularly in New York City, and often at other locations around the country.

Carole is pleased to present this program, and other custom programs, to colleges, schools, and private groups anywhere for reasonable fees.

If this interests you, you can send her a message here and Carole will call you to discuss your opportunity.

Currently
Scheduled
Appearances:

The Westchester Cat Show

Saturday, November 22nd & Sunday, November 23rd, 2008
at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY

Carole will present "Think Like A Cat" on Sunday at 1:00 PM

A Kittywalk Stroller, and several other prizes, will be raffled at Carole's booth.

Once again, as she has for many years, Carole is pleased to appear at the Westchester Cat Show. This TICA (The International Cat Association) sponsored, house pet-oriented show features agility contests, best pet judging in several categories, rescue group exhibits, cat stuff vendors, etc. The show is very entertaining for all ages, so Carole will be there both days this year. Carole and Orion will be at her booth meeting people and cats and autographing her books and CDs when she isn't speaking.

Visit http://westchester-feline.org/ for show schedule and attractions, and travel information.

Cats On The Couch, The Wilbourn Way in Action
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Cats On The Couch - November 2008

2008-11-05T23:33:04Z

CATS ON THE COUCH, November �08

THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT

If you�re wondering if Orion is okay with how his young friend is holding him, the answer is yes. Orion is my media mate. In one of my presentations, he sat in 42 laps. His reaction reflected how relaxed each attendee was. He even managed to desensitize an attendee who was fearful she might upset him. No way! It was a double win. The attendees loved holding Orion, and he adored the attention. Recognition, affection, and being the only cat, have been the winning prescription for Orion�s disturbing, post- traumatic-stress disorder. There were so many symptoms. He had flashbacks of panic where he�d give out a terrified cry and run for cover. His dining place was the bathroom. He preferred stroking while he ate. A touch of bronchial asthma was another symptom. Drooling, and a drippy eye were two other players that were triggered by stress. But two months ago , these symptoms just about vanished. I adopted Orion two years ago from a Siamese Rescue in California. They had taken him from a shelter. November 4, we�ll celebrate our connection. Orion is feeling, particularly heady these days. He was recently featured in �New York Magazine�s� centerfold�his kind of therapy.

GUARDIAN V.S. OWNER

I recently gave a behavioral presentation at the Connetquot Public Library in Bohemia, Long Island. One of the high-points was when I gave an IDA Guardian T-shirt to the guardian who had the oldest cat. This cat was 19 years old, and her former cat lived to be 21. The guardian was very pleased to receive the shirt. She mentioned how she loved the idea of wearing a t-shirt that says: �I am my cat�s guardian, not owner.�

BLOODY NIPS OUT OF THE BLUE

Hi Carole,

I�m so glad to have found you. Maybe you can help me cure my cat of biting me. Lucky is 5 years old, playful, and happy. Yet there are times, when out of the blue, he will go for blood. I'm not talking about playful nips to get my attention or to engage me in play. I'm talking about scar-leaving MEAN bites. The vet says he is still trying to assert his dominance over me. I try kitty time-out and scolding him, but after a bit, he does it again. Luckily the weather is getting colder so I have more clothing protection. What is up with my guy? Thanks for any help or advice you can provide.

Sharon, Rochester, N.Y.

Hello Sharon,

It sounds like the single cat syndrome. Lucky is treating you the way he would treat a companion cat. You�ve become his cat, and it can get hairy. If he had a playmate, he could work his energy out in a playful, cat-like manner with another cat�instead of you�as a surrogate. It is not too late to get Lucky a playmate, but you would want to match his catsonality. A three or four month old kitten or young, very playful cat would be a good choice. Gender is not a priority but demeanor and disposition are. Lucky needs a companion who loves to play and who will adore him. Yes, another Lucky fan.

Remember, Sharon, you want to find a companion who will bond first with Lucky, rather than one who will jump into your lap. Once they become an item, you can reach out to the newcomer. The right introduction is a key factor in this new relationship. You will find a chapter in my book that addresses this. (Refer to the top of this page for info.)

Wave good-bye to �bloody nips�!

MY SENIOR CAT IS URINATING ON THE FLOOR

Hello Carole,

My fifteen year old, spayed cat, has never been very friendly or trusting. We adopted her when she was a year old. She may have been mistreated. I recently took her to the vet because she was urinating on the rug and futon. He examined her, but didn�t find anything wrong with her. She was okay for a while, but now she�s started to urinate on the floor. I love her very much. What can I do to help her?

Thanks,

F.R.

Hello F.R.,

It sounds like your senior cat is uncomfortable. Her incidents are a way of letting you know. You could provide her with a second litter box, and fill it with strips of paper towels or wee wee pads. She may prefer the softness of the paper to the feel of the commercial litter. But because she is a senior cat, there may be a problem with her kidneys. A urinalysis and blood test are usually needed to determine if this is so. If she does have a kidney problem, she may need fluid therapy. With instructions from the vet, you can do this at home. Diet is very important, and filtered water usually contains fewer minerals than tap water which will be easier on her kidneys. With proper management, a cat�s life can often be extended two or three years. Best of luck to you and your cat!

I�M PREGNANT AND HECTOR IS POOPING ALL OVER

Hello Carole,

For just over a month, our previously perfectly litter-trained, well-behaved four-year-old male neutered cat, Hector, has been acting out in a disturbing way. While he still uses his litter box to urinate, he is now pooping all over the house - in the bathtub, on the bed, behind the couch while I am watching TV!

I am six weeks pregnant. Could he sense the baby and is he resentful? I should mention that Hector is very attached to me. I rescued him from a shelter earlier this year, and before I lived with my fiance, he lived alone with me for several months. I play with him and brush him daily. He head-butts me and follows me around the house like a dog. I love him but this pooping behavior is driving me crazy! What can I do?

Thank you,

Tasha

Hello Tasha,

Yes, Hector may be anxious because of your forthcoming baby. He can sense the baby by your breathing and can sense that your body and demeanor are different. This could make him anxious, and his incidents may be anxiety attacks to alert you to his uneasiness. Keep telling him that he's your first born (tongue in cheek); mention his name when you talk about the baby. Make sure his litter box is pristine. He may even be constipated. You can try adding Laxatone to his food or giving him a food with more fiber. Be sure to praise him whenever he uses his litter box. Give him lots of hugs to release his tension. You could also brush him when you�re watching TV. Tell Hector that he�s going to be a terrific teacher to the baby. Tasha, with your sensitivity, Hector should recover from his anxiety. My CD will help to relax him. (Take a look at the top of this page.) The best to the four of you!

QUESTIONS TO CAROLE

Oscar the Cat Predicts Death

CLICK ON TO YOU TUBE TO VIEW A FREE CONSULTATION

Click here

Subscribe to Wilbourn Press Contacts via email by entering your email address below:

Carole appears in New York Magazine and The New York Times in October. See the cat news highlights.

2008-10-22T22:42:27Z

	Carole Wilbourn, The Cat Therapist

Cats On The Couch
Subscribe to Carole's free monthly email newsletter!

Does your cat need an intervention? Carole can be on the job 1,2,3 by telephone!

Decades before there was a Horse Whisperer or Dog Whisperer, Carole was "The Cat Talker."

Carole is called "The Kitty Freud" on national TV programs and in numerous well-known publications. more>>

"The Wilbourn Way" is Carole's proven, highly successful body of technique for understanding and treating cats' emotional and psychological problems, and curing and preventing behavior problems.

She describes these techniques in her sixth book:

The Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Your Cat

available now in Carole's Cat Store, and wherever popular books are sold.

Hear Carole tell you about her approaches to cat care over relaxing music in:

Caring For Your Cat, The Wilbourn Way

an audio CD available exclusively from Carole

Carole's Wilbourn Way techniques will help you have
the best possible relationship with your cat!

Why Cats Act Out.

More and more these days, people keep their beloved cats indoors, away from danger and contagious diseases. This is great for their physical health, but the cats often become isolated from other people and animals, becoming more emotionally and psychologically dependent on their people than they would be naturally.

Unfortunately, the cats' guardians are often over-stressed, and short on time and attention these days. Since the cats can't change their situations or "talk out" their frustrations, they act out when they're unhappy, like a baby would!

Don't Lose Hope!
Free Help is available.

Don't lose hope! Most cat behavior problems can be cured quickly and easily with some understanding, effort, and caring.

You can start right now using the Free Cat Behavior Advice on this site. These pages can help you understand why your cat is misbehaving and how to cure it.

Does your cat have a problem? Carole can help you understand and cure it.

Cat News Highlights

October 20, 2008: A two-page picture of Carole and Orion and a short interview about Carole's work appears in the October 27, 2008 edition of New York Magazine in Emma Rosenblum's Look Book column! Carole thinks Orion looks great! You can see and read it and add a comment, if you like.

Carole was pleased to be quoted in Abby Ellin's article "Sorry, Fido, It's Just a Guy Thing," in the Sunday New York Times on October 5, 2008. I had told Abby that the number of single straight men who consult me dealing with behavior problems has increased by 25% over the past five years. The article seems to be prompting discussions around the country.

Carole will be appearing at the Westchester Cat Show on Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23rd. She will present "Think Like A Cat" on Sunday at 2:00PM.

Carole videos on YouTube: Wilbourn: Free consultation with the cat therapist, is a short video about Carole's class by the producers of the Meow Mix Acatemy. Click this link to display a page offering various recent videos of Carole, including the free consultation video.

The Humane Society of New York is recommending Carole's new book, "The Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Your Cat" to all their new cat adoption clients. Naturally, Carole is thrilled.

TheCatTherapist.com's Mission

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress
can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

~ Mohandas K. Gandhi

This site carries forward and extends Carole's personal mission of rescuing and caring for cats. We work to increase peoples' sensitivity to, comprehension of, and sympathy for the emotional needs of their cat companions. We recommend, report on and link to organizations, services, products, and approaches to cat care that serve cats and their guardians well.

Cats On The Couch, The Wilbourn Way in Action
Subscribe to Carole's free monthly email newsletter!

All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their holders.
All other content is copyright � Carole Wilbourn and Strictly Cats Partners
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Cat Flash: Carole Wilbourn Quoted in NY Times article, "Sorry, Fido, It's Just a Guy Thing." Article prompts national discussion

2008-10-08T22:39:52Z

SUNDAY NEW YORK TIMES, October 5, 2008 Carole was quoted in Abby Ellin's excellent article "Sorry, Fido, It's Just A guy Thing." Her article pointed out how more straight men are co-habiting with cats. It was a perfect fit as Carole had observed that there has been a steady increase in the number of male clients in her behavioral practice. As she told Ellin, there has been an increase of 25% over the past five years. This topic is now being discussed around the country this week. Some of the questions are -- Do cat men make better mates than dog men? Why are single straight men more prone living with cats now? What happens when the cat man couples up with a female ailurophobe? When Carole ran a contest called MEN AND THEIR CATS, she was barraged with all kinds of fascinating relationships. Carole is available to talk with you on this subject at 212-741-0397. Find out why she feels men are now able to be linked with cat-mates, and more. http://TheCatTherapist.com

Subscribe to Wilbourn Press Contacts via email by entering your email address below:

Cats On The Couch - October 2008

2008-10-04T19:14:08Z

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Cats On The Couch - December 2008

CATS ON THE COUCH, December �08

THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT

NIKO WON�T COME HOME

MY CARPET IS A MESS!

HAPPY DROOL

MY CAT SUCKS HIS PAW

QUESTIONS TO CAROLE

Oscar the Cat Predicts Death

CLICK ON TO YOU TUBE TO VIEW A FREE CONSULTATION

Carole Wilbourn at Westchester Cat Show - Sat 11/22 & Sun 11/23

Carole's Appearances

Currently Scheduled Appearances:

The Westchester Cat Show

Visit http://westchester-feline.org/ for show schedule and attractions, and travel information.

All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their holders. All other content is copyright � Carole Wilbourn and Strictly Cats Partners Send comments to webmaster AT thecattherpist.com Powered by PIA

Cats On The Couch - November 2008

CATS ON THE COUCH, November �08

THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT

GUARDIAN V.S. OWNER

BLOODY NIPS OUT OF THE BLUE

MY SENIOR CAT IS URINATING ON THE FLOOR

I�M PREGNANT AND HECTOR IS POOPING ALL OVER

QUESTIONS TO CAROLE

Oscar the Cat Predicts Death

CLICK ON TO YOU TUBE TO VIEW A FREE CONSULTATION

Carole appears in New York Magazine and The New York Times in October. See the cat news highlights.

Carole Wilbourn, The Cat Therapist

Why Cats Act Out.

Don't Lose Hope! Free Help is available.

Cat News Highlights

TheCatTherapist.com's Mission

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mohandas K. Gandhi

All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their holders. All other content is copyright � Carole Wilbourn and Strictly Cats Partners Send comments to webmaster AT thecattherpist.com Powered by PIA

Cat Flash: Carole Wilbourn Quoted in NY Times article, "Sorry, Fido, It's Just a Guy Thing." Article prompts national discussion

Cats On The Couch - October 2008

Currently
Scheduled
Appearances:

All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their holders.
All other content is copyright � Carole Wilbourn and Strictly Cats Partners
Send comments to webmaster AT thecattherpist.com Powered by PIA

Don't Lose Hope!
Free Help is available.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress
can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

~ Mohandas K. Gandhi

All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their holders.
All other content is copyright � Carole Wilbourn and Strictly Cats Partners
Send comments to webmaster AT thecattherpist.com Powered by PIA