Questions and Answers

Go ahead, ask me a question!  Here are answers to questions asked by our customers:

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I recently about 6 days ago adopted a 5 year old cat from the Humane Society. She's sweet but has been hiding ever since coux her out but she alway runs back to hide…what do suggest? leave her alone eventually she'll come out or…? I should mention the previous owner her declawed.
tb

Declawed cats are often more fearful than intact animals because they have little to no means of defending themselves, so the hiding is pretty normal. If you have other animals, they may be adding to her fear, so it would be best to keep them separate until she becomes more comfortable with her surroundings. Certainly talk to her, pet her (if she will let you), try to coax her out with treats or toys, but don't try to pick her up or physically force her out of hiding. You need to convince her to trust you, and you'll have to earn her trust - you can't force it upon her. Six days isn't that long, considering the upheaval she has recently experienced, but if she is still very fearful after another week, you may want to have her examined by your veterinarian, who may decide some anti-anxiety medication is in order.

Thanks for writing,
Kelly@CatClaws.Com

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What would cause our 2 year old cat to attack our feet and ankles?

Boredom, he wants to play, and he has figured out if he attacks your feet and ankles, he gets some sort of response. It's like a game to him. At 2 years old, they are still pretty frisky.  You can try some interactive toys with him, like the Da Bird or the Cat Charmer - playtime helps alleviate bad behavior.  Best thing is to get him a playmate, but I know that is not always feasible.

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Thanks for writing,
Kelly@CatClaws.Com

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I just moved into a Rental Home - therefore I need an enclosed litter box for Mr. Trouble.
Do you have any suggestions?

I actually prefer an open pan myself ( the low-profile plastic storage bins that you can buy make FANTASTIC litter pans) but for an enclosed pan, I like the basic hooded litter pans that you can get at any discount or grocery store - they are inexpensive and generally much easier to clean and maintain than the pricey self-scooping models. The self-scooping models are great when they work properly, but if your cat ever eliminates on any of the moving parts, they are horrible to try to clean.  

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Thanks for writing,
Kelly@CatClaws.Com