by Michael W. Fox
Dear Dr. Fox:
Our 10-year-old Siamese cat has all of the breed’s characteristics: He is vocal, affectionate, intelligent and generally high-maintenance. He also has a trait we wish he didn’t: biting exposed arms and legs.
Loud purring and head butting usually precede the biting. The bites are not play bites but serious crunches that can draw blood. We have refrained from tossing him across the room, but he has heard “no biting” many times. We know when to expect this behavior, so it isn’t a huge problem. Is there a cure?
H.S., Ashburn
DF: Part of the behavioral issue of your cat’s painful, possible dominance bites and play bites is that if he had a companion cat with which to enjoy executing these ritualistic feline actions, he would probably leave you alone. With a feline companion, he would quickly learn to control the intensity of his bites, just as other cats learn self-control in the use of their claws.
Because you know when to expect this behavior, you can try two approaches — separately, of course. First, redirect his attention to a favorite toy and engage in interactive play, as with a cat feather wand.
Alternatively, get a training clicker to startle your cat before he attacks and then ignore him by turning away, folding your hands on your lap and sitting still. Do continue to refrain from tossing him across the room.
Many cats become hard biters and more aggressive after they have been declawed, a practice that in more civilized countries is unthinkable. See my Web site, www.twobitdog.com/drfox.
WART REMOVAL
Dear Dr. Fox:
I have volunteered for six years at a no-kill animal shelter, where I have learned many wonderful holistic treatments for dogs and cats. I need advice on treating dog warts.
My brother has a 10-year-old black Labrador; she weighs 50 pounds. It started as one wart on a foot, and now she must have at least 20 all over her body. Our vet examined her and said nothing could be done to stop the warts, which are most likely from papillomavirus.
Most of the warts do not seem to bother this sweet dog, but some are on her paws, and she chews them open. Another is in the center of her forehead, and she rubs furniture with her head. I know they must itch.
From what I have read, if the immune system is boosted, it can help reduce and clear them up. I have three cats with feline immunodeficiency virus, and I sprinkle L-Lysine on their food to help their immune systems. I have read about a liquid called Thuja that might help the warts, and also about a product called FlexPet, a wafer with natural ingredients that supposedly boost the immune system so that warts go away.
L.B., Fairfax
DF: The L-Lysine might certainly help your cats but probably not the old dog. She might benefit from skin-improving supplements such as flaxseed and hempseed oil and brewer’s yeast, providing half the recommended daily human dose, twice daily.
Essential oils — diluted in almond oil or a similar “carrier” oil (about one drop in 20 drops of carrier), such as frankincense, myrrh, lavender and helichrysum — applied to the warts several times daily could make a big difference. Smaller warts can be dissolved with salicylic acid or cauterized. A wide-banded neck collar might be needed to stop the dog from licking her paws until they are wart-free and healed.
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