Roxanne called into the show to say her boyfriend (whom she calls her spousal equivalent) had talked her into kicking the “kitty crack” and giving wet food only to their kitties. But now they were worried that the cats weren’t drinking anymore and he insists on putting down water anyway. I explained that cats eating the right diet don’t need water. She wrote:
How can we get our cats to sleep in? Our cats used to get us up at 4:00 am, and a week ago we switched them to canned food only (because of your book) and now they get us up to feed them at 2:30 a.m. (coincidence?) HELP! We would love to train them not to bother us at all until we get up at 5:00 am. Any tricks to that?
Your darling “spousal equivalent” (great word by the way) can keep putting that water down for as long as it makes him happy – since he got your pussycats onto the right food!
I realize I have an email from you from a few days back with your feeding question – but here are some basic ideas to consider:
1) Garth is obese – so getting off kitty crack is harder for him. He needs MORE QUANTITY – AS MUCH AS HE’LL EAT at two or even 3 meals.
2) Lots of high protein snacks are fine to help him make this transition. With your bookplate you’ll be getting some Whisker Smackers from Dr. Harvey’s from me and you can use those or any protein treat to help with his hunger issues, like little pieces of cooked steak, a bit of deli meat, etc.
3) Play with him before bed to tucker him out.
4) He has taught you to get up to feed him. The hour has improved or worsened, but he has you trained. You have to hang tough and not get up and give him food or attention. Try closing him in a laundry room or other room as far from bedroom as possible at night until he realizes you won’t be getting up.
5) Call in next Wednesday and tell me if this has worked and if so, great – if not I’ll give you a plan B.
Tracie
The Cat Bible
