Animal Whispers

I've heard of horse whisperers and dog whisperers, but I wonder if there are any cat whisperers. I love animals and love to see how those professionals take the most uncontrollable dog and show the owner how to redirect behavioral patterns to help the animal become more like the pet the owner wants. I would sure like to see that happen for cats!

The old saying 'dogs have owners and cats have servants' sure rings true to my feline friends. I have two and they both own me. They sure let me know when it is time for food, and they understand well about the dinner leftover thing. About the only behavior modification I have been able to conquerer is allowing them the bits of uneaten meat only if they are patient and wait for it after the meal. Any begging during the meal results in shoeing them out the door until after dinner. Not a problem when it is nice outside, but not appreciated when it is raining.

There is a cute comic picture on the wall in my vet's office that shows the real difference between cats and dogs. Perhaps you've seen it. I forgot the name of the popular artist who drew it; I love his work. It is a picture of a woman and her pets. The left panel shows the lady shaking her finger at her dog and the happy pooch sitting in front of her panting happily and wagging its tail with every word. The balloon above her head reads something like this ( I forgot the exact wording) ' Now Fido, you know that is bad and I have told you, Fido ....' the balloon above the dog's head reads ' Blah Fido, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, Fido....' The panel on the right shows the same lady with her cat sitting calmly in the dog's place. Above the woman shaking her finger sternly reads something like 'Now Fluffy, you know that is bad and I have told you, Fluffy...' Above the cat the balloon is empty!

This shows exactly how our words are interpreted by our most trusted friends. At least dogs listen; who knows what is going through a feline mind!

So if there are any cat whisperers out there that can show me how to modify my cats' behavior, please make videos. Any advice on how to keep the curtains in one piece, and the scratches off the woodwork right next to that expensive scratching post will be much appreciated!