Pet Stress and Pet Behavior Problems

Pets like predictable schedules. The ability to predict regular routines and times for meals, attention and exercise reduces pets’ stress by giving them a measure of control over their lives. (Read more at http://www.petstress.com/environment/home.php )

My cat Smokey has a rigid morning routine which requires him to walk on many counters and take over the entire kitchen. He starts every morning by blocking my access to the coffee maker. I measure the coffee around him while getting glossy dense cat fur in the filter and grounds on the counter.

Next he moves along the counter to sit in front of his food and give me the evil eye until I feed him.

He eats, and then does his big morning wash up on the kitchen bench while I wait an eternity for my coffee.

After the cleanup he wants petting, attention and scintillating conversation. I’d need x-ray vision to read the paper through him anyway so we nuzzle, we talk, we get fur in our eyes and I get an occasional sip of coffee.

We both enjoy this quiet time together, and when he tires of my attention, he falls asleep, on my paper. I can listen to the news on the radio later. The day has begun.

My cat Smokey knew all the signs of an upcoming family vacation such as suitcases on beds and bikes lined up ready to be loaded on the van.  He moved into action as a potential stowaway.

He packed himself in a suitcase,

and was not happy when I discovered him.

He packed himself in a duffle bag instead.

He attempted to get strapped in place on the roof rack with the bikes.

He looked for a stowaway spot in the back of the van.

He plastered himself on family members.

Smokey started to relax when he realized one of his favorite humans was staying home with him.

Pet separation anxiety is quite common and they really do miss you when you’re away. You can read more about reducing your pet’s separation anxiety at http://www.petstress.com/environment/anxiety.php