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Cats/Houdini Kitty

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Expert: - 8/15/2011


Question
Cat lump
Cat lump
My mom and I purchased a short hair Persian a few months ago and had him neutered when he turned 5mos old. He is now 6mos and has been indoor all his  life but now, everytime we open the door, he makes a beeline out. He was once outside all night because we didn't know he escaped and there are VERY mean cats in our neighborhood. He still has his claws and has a microchip but he's so passive he'll get the stuffing kicked out of him if he isn't killed! We're using a squirt bottle to keep him away from the doors but he's a crafty little boy who has learned to wait until our backs are turned. What can we do to keep our indoor cat an indoor cat? I did research on his breed and was warned to keep persians inside because they don't last long as outdoor (plus, we don't want an outdoor cat).

Also, I just noticed two little lumps on his belly. Each are in line with his legs and no fur grows on them. They don't seem to bother him and they're exactly opposite of eachother. They almost look like nipples. What are they? Should I be worried?

Answer
Megan,

You could invest in a Scat Mat - this is a clear mat that delivers a mild static shock when the cat steps on it... It's a humane way of deterring the cat from spending any time around the door whether you happen to be home or not. Simply place the Scat Mat in front of the door and turn it on, your kitty will get the message soon enough!

As for the lumps on his tummy, yes they are indeed nipples, just as male humans have nipples so do male cats.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me again at any time - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali

Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of 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 managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. 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 licensed 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 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. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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