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About Ali
Expertise
I am currently owned by 3 mixed breed cats ranging from 4 to 10 years old. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats in different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on feral cat colonies, help rehabilitate strays and find them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there is a significant difference. New cat/kitten introductions can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because they are territorial and don't like change. There is a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a house with one or more resident cats. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am not a veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am the proud pet guardian of three wonderful cats. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up.

Education/Credentials
No related education.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Cats > Cats > itchy cats

Cats - itchy cats

Expert: Ali - 11/2/2009

Question
I have 2 kittens, 8 months old. They are indoor cats except they occasionally go outside on a harness. I have just recently put collars with bell son them as the male kittten has managed to sneak between my legs a couple of times and being black he is very ahrd to see at night. Iam sure that they don't have fleas but they scratch a lot around their collars. Is this because they are not used to them and will it subside as it is very annoying?

Answer
Margo,

The behavior you're describing isn't uncommon in cats with new collars (although since they do go outside occasionally checking for fleas isn't a bad idea even though you're fairly certain that parasites aren't playing a role in the scratching) - it's their way of showing discomfort with the new collars. I do believe that you've done the smart thing by belling these kids, especially if they see the need to try Houdini like escapes from time to time, but it will take awhile to get them comfortable with collars that have bells on them. I know that it's obnoxious, when my three resident cats went on vacation this summer we placed them all in belled harnesses since we didn't want any accidental escapes from the cottage and they scratched for 2 weeks solid just because they were uncomfortable - we found that removing the bells when the household was ready for bed really kept us sane since the scratching was no longer accompanied by the tinkle of little bells. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me again and I'll do my absolute best to help you out.

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