Ask the Vet With Dr. Kris: Dr. Kris Answers February’s questions

On February 1, we launched our new “Ask the Vet With Dr. Kris” segment. once a month, we’ll post a tip for you to post your questions for Dr. Kris. He’ll answer as lots of of them as he can each month, and I’ll publish his answers in a subsequent post.

Dr. Kristopher Chandroo is a veterinarian, scientist, photographer, animal welfare advocate, and designer of anxiety to Success (STS): The vital guide to Medicating Your Feisty, Grumpy or Reluctant Cat.  Dr. Kris wants  your cats to be twenty years old. and counting! and he wants to supply medication and therapy to them in a way that respects the bond between cat and human.

Here are Dr. Kris’ answers to some of your questions asked in February. If your question didn’t get answered here, Dr. Kris will answer them on his own website, in the future. subscribe to his updates so you’ll be notified when the answers are published.

Persian male cat bites Himalyan’s neck

Dr. Kris, never had this in 30+ yrs experience with cats. I have a Persian n male, 3 yrs old, sweet, easy going, loving to all, even our yappy Yorkie. All are spay/neut. 7 months ago I adopted a 3 month seal PT Himalayan male, recently neutered. now the male Persian mounts, no other word for it, the Himalayan and his hips do little jerks. Himalayan doesn’t retaliate, just lays there. often Persian starts by biting, not hard, the Himalayan’s neck. My spouse says ” very disturbing” . As long as Elvis isn’t hurt, I leave them. (Suzanne Walker)

Dr. Kris:

So, you’ve got a cat named Elvis, and a Persian who is doing something naughty? I recommend that you listen to this song as you read this answer:

You look like an angel
Walk like an angel
Talk like an angel
But I got wise
You’re the devil in disguise..

Your Persian is literally now “doing the Elvis”. Hip thrusts and all. It’s sexual behaviour on display. just like Elvis did in the 50s. believe it or not, cat’s have a “lust system”.

Ok, ok, ok. So here is what’s happening. Mr. Himalayan arrived on the scene. That’s a relationship change. relationship changes in groups of cats are all about psychology. It doesnt matter that he’s been around for seven months and just starting the behaviour now. because it’s all about how they feel and think about their group as time goes by.

If it gets worse, your Persian might need something else to occupy his time. Toy’s, treat ball, a lot more places to climb and hiding spots for Elvis. Of course, Feliway pals and Zylkene could play a role as well.

But I agree with you – as long as Elvis isn’t hurt, it seems affordable to leave them.

This all assumes they are successfully neutered and spayed for sure!!! It’s hard to screw up that kind of surgery, so I would be shocked if they were not. Im also assuming there is no vaginitis / lower urinary tract infections going on (which can change behaviour and odours produced by your cats).

P.S. – Your hubby is hilarious!

Tortie regularly wants a lot more food

Hi Dr Kris! I adopted a stunning tortie girl 5 weeks ago, aged 3.5 years. She is very loving and was previously homed, not a stray. I am feeding her ZiwiPeak wet food 3 times a day (first thing in the morning, when I get home from work and later in the evening before bed). She has a small amount of dry food available but will only eat a few at a time if I encourage her or during the day when she’s alone. In the evenings she seems to regularly want a lot more food, meowing whenever I get up (especially if I go to the kitchen where she is fed, obviously). I’m feeding her as guided on the can, and she typically leaves some food from her second meal. I also introduced some poached chicken but she vomited a couple of times while eating that (though this was hours after eating, early in the morning), so I have been holding off giving it to her again to see if she is sick in any way without the chicken. She doesn’t jump on the counter and only occasionally begs for food off our plates (we never give her anything), and will usually just enjoy from afar when I’m preparing human meals. I am able to get her to sit while waiting for meals now.

I get the feeling she isn’t liking being left alone during the day and is trying to make up for it by being needy at night. I give her lots of attention and try to play with her, but she just isn’t really interested in playing much at night until after the third meal. I tried a treat ball but as she doesn’t really like dry food much she isn’t keen on that. My vet suggested feeding her a lot more frequently but that is undoubtedly tough while at work (she didn’t like the automated feeder I got her), and trying a limited diet if she is vomiting regularly, before any additionally tests etc. I’m really anxious about her, I just want her to be delighted in her new home and do the best for her wellbeing. Is it likely she is still just settling in?

Dr. Kris:

Ooohh torties are awesome. I once house sat while working in Vanullnull