6 minute read
Why is my cat acting so weird?
Your cat’s strange behaviors explained
If you share your life with a feline, you’ve probably wondered about strange behaviors. The answer to many of these behaviors lies in the unique history of the Felis catus— also known as the house cat!
Our history with cats dates back 12,000 years. As humans began growing and storing grain, mice appeared, and naturally, cats followed. Back then, humans welcomed this method of rodent control, and today, 25 percent of U.S. families share their home with at least one feline.
Unlike dogs, which were selectively bred for specific behaviors and physical characteristics, feline DNA hasn’t changed much. The cat that stomps on your face at 5 a.m. requesting breakfast is not much different than the wild cat that expertly stalked mice thousands of years ago.
PERCHED HIGH AND LOW
At times, you might find your cat at the highest vantage point in the house on keen lookout for movement. Other times, you might find them curled tightly in a secluded corner under the bed.
This behavior is best explained by cats’ unique position on the food chain as both predator and prey. They catch and eat small rodents, bugs and birds, but they’re also prey to animals like cougars, coyotes and raptors.
Make your cat comfortable by adding a tall cat tree or cat shelves for high spots, and cozy hideaways like an enclosed, cave-shaped bed. RUNNING WILD
Cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dusk and dawn. This explains why, after spending most of the day sleeping, your cat has “the zoomies” to release pent-up energy. For a more peaceful evening, try adding at least 15 minutes of interactive playtime before your cat’s dinner by mimicking the movement of prey using a toy on a string.
SCRATCHING
A common frustration for cat owners is furniture scratching. Scratching is an impulse that all cats have. It’s a necessity for surviving in the wild and is your cat’s way of marking their territory.
There are several ways to keep cats from destroying furniture, including furniture covers, double-sided sticky tape and deterring scents. But scratching is an essential behavior, so be sure to provide appropriate scratching outlets for your cat, like a scratching post or cardboard scratcher.
Surgical declawing is not a humane alternative to scratching and can cause your cat lifelong pain and additional behavior challenges, like biting and litterbox issues. ■
PET PERSPECTIVE
BY JENNA KRETSCHMAN Jenna Kretschman is Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s Communications Coordinator. Contact her at jenna@rhhumanesociety.org
NEW DIMENSIONS
Lifelong Learning Institute
If you are new to the area, we encourage you to enroll and meet new people with common interests people with common interests and a joy for learning. and a joy for learning.
ENRICHING, AFFORDABLE, LEARNING EXPERIENCES
FOR ADULTS OVER 50
An interesting assortment of classes is presented each Fall and Winter/Spring Term. Participants may enroll in any number of classes on a space available basis for a $75.00 membership fee each term. Classes reflect an intellectually stimulating array of disciplines such as history, science, philosophy, political science, art, literature, nature study, and performing arts. Outdoor classes include birding, hiking, biking, history walks, geology, gardening and more. Personal enrichment may include yoga, meditation, health issues, bridge, mahjong, cribbage as examples.
If you are new to the area, we encourage you to enroll and meet new people with common interests and a joy for learning. FALL TERM
Classes Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 3 Classes End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 11 Online Registration Begins . . . September 23 Registration Ends . . . . . . . . . . September 28
See Class Listings Online Starting September 19th At www.NewDimensionsGJ.org
Email Us At: info@newdimensionsgj .org
New Dimensions is a volunteer, non-profit 501c3 organization; all instructors are volunteers who bring their expertise to share with you. Volunteers determine the classes and recruit instructors. A seven member Board of Directors ensures that the New Dimensions program is designed for senior participants.
Does lactose intolerance put you at risk for osteoporosis?
People who are lactose intolerant don’t make enough lactase, an enzyme that helps digest the sugar in milk. After consuming lactose, they may suffer from bloating, nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This condition creates an increased risk of fractures. One out of every two women and one in four men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
A major risk factor for developing osteoporosis is insufficient calcium intake. Dairy products are significant sources of calcium. It’s easy to assume that someone who is lactose intolerant might be more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. However, research into the influence of lactose intolerance upon osteoporosis has produced mixed findings.
People who are lactose intolerant should be especially vigilant about consuming enough calcium to maintain bone health. Broccoli, leafy greens, canned salmon, almonds, oranges, certain kinds of tofu, soy milk, and calcium-fortified breads and juices are non-dairy alternatives for calcium. In addition, there are supplements that meet daily requirements of calcium and other nutrients.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that women aged 50 or younger and men 70 or younger get 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Men and women older than that should get 1,200 milligrams daily.
There are three types of lactose intolerance:
� Primary lactose deficiency is caused by aging. The body produces large amounts of lactase during early childhood when milk is the primary source of nutrition. Usually, lactase production drops when you become less reliant on milk.
� Secondary. This type occurs when lactase production decreases after an illness, surgery or injury to your small intestine. This form of lactose intolerance may last weeks and be completely reversible. However, long-term illness can make it permanent. � Congenital. You can be born with lactose intolerance, but it happens rarely. Infants with congenital lactose intolerance can’t tolerate their mother’s breast milk.
Most people who are lactose intolerant can stand to consume some milk products. Taking lactase enzyme tablets before eating helps many manage their intolerance. People may also be able to increase their tolerance by gradually introducing dairy into their diet.
Most supermarkets carry lactose-reduced or lactose-free products. Probiotics in yogurt and supplements may also help.
Don’t self-diagnose lactose intolerance. If you have symptoms, see a doctor. There are tests to determine whether or not you are lactose intolerant. ■
HEALTHY GEEZER
BY FRED CICETTI Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email him at Fred@HealthyGeezer.com
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