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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| strange behaviour | 1/26/2012 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: ok well i have 2 male domestic cats one aged 3 years and the other 1 and a half they both get on ... A: Happy to hear they are getting along so well! and doing what bonded kitties do which is groom each ... | ||
| Feral cat fearful of confinement | 10/25/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: Isobel was a feral kitten approximately twelve weeks old when taken from the colony and adopted by ... A: Yes, kitties do suffer from PTSD, just like all mammals. I am not sure where you live? Is rabies ... | ||
| not using litter box | 10/24/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have a question if you don't mind please! Arthur, my kitty, has been with me almost 2 months now. ... A: Although i am not there to see, there is a difference between urinating and marking. Here is a link ... | ||
| Human attention in multiple cat household | 7/27/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: We currently have 13 cats at home. We initially had three [a 7-yr-old, a 4-yr-old and a 3-yr-old]. ... A: . Yes, they are all going to need to be spayed and neutered asap, as you will soon have a lot more ... | ||
| New Kitten and introductions | 6/24/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I just found a 6 week old female kitten 3 days ago. I have a 4 year old male cat already who seems ... A: I bet the mother went to feed and was going to come back or she wondered off and would of cried and ... | ||
| Cat Urinating Everywhere | 6/17/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: We have a cat (3 or 4 years old now) who is a former abuse victim. She belonged to my grandparents ... A: Sorry to hear about this.. Sounds like several issues -mostly anxiety and too much overwhelm for her ... | ||
| Mama cat attacking her mate | 6/9/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have a female and male pair of cats. She had a litter that is his. The other night my boyfriend ... A: Sounds as if you are right and she is protecting her babies. I am not sure how large your home is ... | ||
| Male Cat Bites me alot | 5/19/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: i have a male kitten, hes about 8.5 months old.. we got him when he was only 3 weeks old.. the ... A: It is odd if a mother stops nursing early-if a kitten is taken away from mother and its littermates ... | ||
| Male Cat Aggression | 5/18/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I adopted 2 darling male tabby kittens (litter mates) in December from a rescue shelter. They've ... A: Happy to hear they blossomed. are they both neutered? Often this is mating behavior or part of a ... | ||
| One of my kitten sucks his brother's penis | 5/17/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have 2 kitten that I found on the street it's about 6 weeks old and some people found them in the ... A: Are you sure they are six weeks old? They might be younger. Well, they are completely traumatized ... | ||
| 1.5 y/o ragdoll why did she run off but stay under my jeep? | 4/8/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: Yesterday was a nightmare as my raggie roamed off at 12:30pm, while we were in my backyard (gone in ... A: just a quick suggestion to your follow up comment-thank you!! and try canned Instinct- lamb, duck, ... | ||
| multiple pregnant cats | 3/27/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I recently had two mothers give birth within the same week. One mother repeatedly tried to "kidnap" ... A: First, let me start by saying can I please urge you to spay and neuter your cats? Millions are put ... | ||
| how to train and take care of my cats? | 2/19/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have to cats a male and a female I want to know how to take good care of thwm and how to massage ... A: The best way to keep cats happy is to meet all of their needs. They need a peaceful environment, but ... | ||
| Anxious Cat with possibly spraying issues | 2/5/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have two cats that are brothers that are about 6 years old. Ever since I had them I've had a ... A: Have they been medically checked out? It does not sound like spraying, but a potential UTI and ... | ||
| Unusual Behavior | 2/3/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: my tabby just started acting out of the ordinary. She is about 10 years old. She keeps walking ... A: I don't possible have enough information to help you with this. Utah is cold and fleas go dormant in ... | ||
| Neutered cat biting another cat | 1/31/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have a male cat (Tippy) who was neutered when he was around 6 months old and had never been around ... A: Biting the neck during mating is normal for felines. This behavior is also seen in neutered males ... | ||
| Wet food | 1/26/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: My mom and I bought a cat not too long ago but accidentally bought crunchies that were too big for ... A: I am not a fan of dry food for cats-its higher calorie, higher fat and higher glycemic index, more ... | ||
| My UNRULY cat | 1/18/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have a 10 month old neutered bangal mix kitty that I got from a family that said he was "just to ... A: Well, first you need to realize what his needs are. He is a kitten still- a teenager and stimulation ... | ||
| Our cat attacks my wife every night | 1/6/2011 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have a question about our cat's aggressive behavior. He's about 21 months old, not sure what breed ... A: I am sorry to hear this. Cats do not like to be played "rough with" by the hands of a human. They ... | ||
| Unusual Cat Urination | 12/30/2010 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: My cat Kazam is an 8 month old female who has had problems with peeing on people's things in my ... A: Keep her out of your dad's room by keeping the door closed. Make a peaceful, safe environment for ... | ||
| Cat peeing on couch and overweight | 12/28/2010 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have two questions. How to get cat to stop peeing and how to get her to lose weight as I feel it ... A: She sound like a sweet kitty... If you would like help with dietary suggestions contact me via my ... | ||
| mother cat | 11/22/2010 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: my son and me were looking after some kittens in our locality and v started giving them food. ... A: She may be rejecting the kitten, in that case if the kitten is younger than 6-8 weeks it is not ... | ||
| My new puppy | 11/14/2010 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: One of my cats(age four)doesn't get along with my new puppy(age eight months) because my cat ... A: Hire a dog trainer to help you get control of the dog so he isn't overly bothering the cat. Puppies ... | ||
| URGENT!! cat has fleas | 11/11/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: my cat has fleas very badly, whats the cheapest and most effective way to treat him? should i being ... A: I will tell you right now that shampoos only work for 24 hours and do not kill everything; flea ... | ||
| Cat Kennel | 11/7/2010 | Shanti Zinzi |
| Q: I have been thinking and i want to start my own cat kennel. I would like to know if you have any ... A: I am not sure of your intent- a cat kennel to breed? Or are you an animal rights activist wanting to ... | ||
| introducing female cats | 11/2/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: Melissa B, i just moved out of my dads house and out on my own a little less than two months ago i ... A: One thing you should know is that no matter how much they have been around another cat, they are ... | ||
| Where to place my elderly cat | 10/30/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: I am in a hard situation. I have had my 13 year old grey tabby since he was born (we fostered his ... A: I hate to tell you that no matter what new situation is posed to him, he is not going to adjust well ... | ||
| Cats fighting | 10/26/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: I have three cats: Colby(8 yrs old, male, neutered at 4 months), Jesse (6 yrs old, male, neutered at ... A: If you are around usually when she attacks, you could try something that I have done with my cats; ... | ||
| Kitchen Raiding Cat | 10/26/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: I have a 4 year old neutered feral rescue named Sawyer. I have had him for two years, and he has ... A: It sounds like he might do well with something else to occupy his time instead of this. You did ... | ||
| my cats temper has changed | 10/25/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: I got my cat at 8 weeks old she is now almost 2 years old she is a very loving cat and great with my ... A: Wow, this is a weird behavior change. The first question I always ask if they are fixed? Cats have a ... | ||
| Older Cat toileting | 10/25/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: We have a male cat who is about 14 years old. He usually uses the litter box or goes outside, but ... A: An older cat can have things medically start going on. I would first have him checked by a vet and ... | ||
| Older cat urinating in house because of new cats in household | 10/24/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: I moved in with a roommate who has a 16 year-old, female, spayed cat (Ruby) who lost her litter mate ... A: I hate to tell you this, but locking your cats up now will only make your cats more angry about this ... | ||
| Cat scatches leather | 10/24/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: We have 2 cats, but only one exhibits this behavior. Sascha, our 4 year old Tortie, seems to like ... A: For this situation I would recommend getting what's called, soft claws. They are plastic tips you ... | ||
| Cat fights | 10/22/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: My two female cats, 7 and 8 years old, sisters, used to cuddle and now they can't be close to each ... A: This typically happens when something changes in the environment and they don't know how to adjust. ... | ||
| unusual habit | 10/22/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: I got a kitten a couple of weeks ago, I don't even know if it is a male or female, but it is ... A: First of all, where did you get it from that you couldn't find out if it's a boy or girl? And how ... | ||
| My cat is attacking us and distroying our home | 10/20/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: Please can you help. I have a 1 year old neutered tom cat who continuously attacks the family, ... A: What he needs is something to distract his time. Do you have plenty of toys? Whenever you suspect he ... | ||
| Emotional Trauma in Cats | 10/20/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: We live in Thailand and was adopted by a stray cat a few months ago. There are a lot of feral cats ... A: This is very terrible and I'm very sorry for your loss. It's going to be just as difficult for her ... | ||
| Cat Peeing on stuff | 10/19/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: I can't stop my cat from peeing on my couch. I have tried pet cleaners, soap, lemon juice none of ... A: First of all, there is always a reason a cat urinates on other things instead of the litter box. The ... | ||
| My cat wants out!!! | 10/17/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: Hubby and I found a 4-week old kitten last Thanksgiving near the expressway. We don't have kids or ... A: 4 weeks is definitely not too late to break the feral in her. Is she spayed? Because that could be ... | ||
| Constanty changing personality in a MC kitten | 10/17/2010 | Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician |
| Q: But I put the wrong age by mistake. I feel the age here makes a big difference. The kitty is a 15 ... A: The first thing I am going to tell you to do is relax. There are so many people that want the least ... | ||
Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)
Answers by Expert:
Shanti Zinzi
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer questions related to cat behavior, such as how to keep your feline happy and healthy with minimal expense but maximum commitment. I offer tips on how to touch and massage your feline to foster a good bond and direct people in how to spot and avoid overstimulation. Accurately interpreting a cat's body language, signals and cues is often not understood by many beloved feline guardians. I offer advice on alternatives to expensive veterinary bills, tell you when is it necessary to visit your vet, and how to maintain proper diet for your individualized feline's needs to avoid those astronomical vet bills down the line. I also give holistic medical and dietary advice, and hospice care tips for the aging kitty. I offer advice on how to deal with shy or undersocialized cats or feral kittens. www.thenatureofthebeast.org If you need a consultation during my vacation hours, I will unfortunately need to charge my normal fee. http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/
Experience
I have worked with felines for 20 years both personally and professionally. Called the "queen of behavior cats" by SF SPCA's former feline behavior dept, I work with off-limit felines at the city shelter for nine years. I have onsite tech training from holistic vets and allopathic veterinarians. I have helped out rescues with behavior animals and help assist clients in problems with behavior and/or medical issues. Along with graduate studies in holistic medicines I have participated in a holistic hospice internship.
Public radio show on feline behavior and holistic health.
Organizations
I currently operate my own business which site can be accessed from internet explorer, www.thenatureofthebeast.org
http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/
I am a custody feline volunteer at SF Animal Care and Control
I also am part of a feral kitten/undersocialized adult feline volunteer handler program at Animal Care and Control
I am a member of Allcreatureshealingnetwork.org
Education/Credentials
Masters in Somatic Psychology,
on site veterinary tech training at holistic and allopathic vet offices,
graduate studies in Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, herbs, eastern principles,
certification in Acupressure,
animal hospice internship at Bright Haven
Past/Present Clients
My clients include private clients and bay area rescues, NY Yankees, and actors from NYC and LA
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