New neighbour
Dear Patches,
Almost a year ago, a friendly couple moved in next door to us in our complex. They are such marvellous people. It wasn’t long before I jumped over the wall that separates us and introduced myself. They quickly invited me in, and it wasn’t long before they offered me treats and a few toys. But then, they decided they wanted their own cat. Enter Tabasco… He has totally taken over the show. He now eats from the bowl they gave me treats in, plays with the scratching post in their living room and even destroyed my catnip mouse that I left there. He just ignores me as if I’m not even there. What should I do about this intruder?
Envious Archie
Patches: Do I detect a hint of jealousy here? Are you worried that Tabasco will get more attention than you do, and that you won’t be the centre of attention at the new neighbours’ anymore? Don’t be jealous. Give Tabasco time to settle in and then make friends with him. Be nice to him and show him a few of your favourite toys and sunspots. If you’re nice, and he likes you, he will quickly warm to you, and the two of you could even become best friends. Think of all the fun you could have together.
Ball frenzy
Dear Patches,
I’m a nine-week-old puppy and my new owners decided to spoil me with a plastic inflatable pool filled with gazillions of balls. I love them all, but I cannot choose which one to play with. When I have the red ball, the yellow one looks more attractive. And then, I leave the yellow ball and grab the blue one. This is so much fun, but it’s also exhausting having to choose which ball to play with, because I can’t fit more than one at a time in my mouth. How do I choose only one ball?
Playful Billy
Patches: The magical thing about these pools of balls is that you don’t have to choose just one. You can play with them all; you can jump into the pool; you can scratch the balls out of the pool and then try to catch them; or you can play fetch with your owners. Or ask them to pick up a ball and to throw it into the pool. You must then find that ball amongst all the others. This will stimulate your sense of smell. The more you play with the balls, the more fun you’ll have.
