Sneaky cat
Dear Patches,
My doggy brain just cannot comprehend how our cat, Tenacious, operates. Sometimes, he sneaks up on me while I’m minding my own business – like peacefully chewing my toy – and then he pounces on me as if I’m giant prey. I get such a fright and then my heart starts pounding. If I get up to recover from the mock attack, Tenacious takes my spot in my bed and refuses to leave. Then he has that smug look in his eyes – one of triumph. How can I get my revenge?
Terrified Tracy
Patches: My word – he is sneaky! Revenge might feel sweet in the moment, but it’s not the solution to this problem. Tenacious obviously waits for you to warm up your bed to his liking, so that it is all comfy and cosy. The best solution is to make sure Tenacious has a comfy and cosy bed of his own. So, next time, lie in his bed and pretend to mind your own business. And when he sneaks up on you, don’t get a fright, just get up and walk away, leaving a warm and cuddly bed for him to have a nap. And then, you can go to your own bed and relax in peace. Sweet dreams, Tracy.
TV junkie
Dear Patches,
It is more entertaining to watch our Great Dane, Caesar, watching TV than it is to watch the actual shows. He lies on the couch with his long legs hanging down the sides. He drools all over the couch… But it’s his huge eyes that take the cake. The faster the animals on the show run, the bigger his eyes get. Caesar sometimes even barks at the animals or wags his tail in excitement. He is totally fixated on the TV. My cat sister and I play with his tail, jump onto the back of the couch to play with his ears, and sometimes even cuddle with him. He doesn’t even notice us. Should he get help for his addiction?
Flummoxed Felix
Patches: This is a classic case of ‘couch potato syndrome’. Great Danes are not exactly the most active dogs, and really need to be encouraged to get off the couch and do something. Encourage him to play with you and your sister – the more active he gets, the less he will want to watch TV. Play games like fetch or tag with him. And make sure your pet parents take him for a walk at least once a day. Good luck!
