DEAR JOAN: Once in a while I’ll find our male cat sitting next to one of several neighborhood cats, howling at the top of his lungs. Why does he do that ?
— Dennis M., San Jose
DEAR DENNIS: Normally, howling and yowling in the presence of another cat is not a good sign. It is a clear indication that there is something territorial going on, and we’re about to see an epic cat fight.
It’s also a precursor to mating — the female caterwauls, the male responds, lovemaking ensues.
As you don’t mention any aggression or X-rated activity following the howling, I think you cat is just gossiping with his buds.
As long as the neighbors don’t mind the evening howl-along, no fights break out and no unwanted pregnancies develop, you should be fine, however you might want to take your cat to the vet for a checkup, as the howling could be a sign that something painful is going on with him.
DEAR JOAN: I have a beautiful long-haired American domestic kitty named Ollie, who is 13 and has been struggling with chronic diarrhea, and we are working with his vet on this. My question to you is on his head-pressing.
When he curls up on the dining room chair, he presses his head hard against the railing that holds up the armrest. I can’t get my finger between his head and the wooden railing. It seems to dent his forehead and I discourage him from doing it. It has been going on for about 6 years or so.
The three vets I’ve been to all pooh-pooh this and say, oh well, he just likes to rest his head this way. Online it says that this may be symptomatic of a kind of kitty meningitis. What do you say?
He is an indoor cat but spent his first 3 years indoor/outdoor.
— Stephanie Manning
DEAR STEPHANIE: A cat pressing his head against something can be a sign of a serious illness that would require immediate attention. But because he’s been doing it for so long, it’s likely a form of self-comfort and not an emergency.
Cats often press their heads on objects and even people. It allows them to deeply inhale familiar scents, and show affection. It can be soothing and calming. They also do it to mark their territory.
As long as Ollie isn’t showing any signs of distress or illness, I wouldn’t worry about it. OK, knowing me, I’d worry because that’s what I do. Just continue to watch for any signs of distress, and if something else develops, see a vet.
DEAR JOAN: Why do some cities that allow chickens ban roosters? They’re both poultry. And don’t you need roosters to have eggs and baby chicks?
— Dave, San Jose
DEAR DAVE: Roosters are loud, and their favorite time for being loud is early in the morning, which doesn’t make them good urban neighbors.
And no, hens don’t require the attention of a rooster to lay eggs. If you want fertilized eggs and chicks, then yes, the services of a rooster are required. But hens lay eggs with or without male encouragement.
The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.