The WM Pet Connection

Image via WikipediaBy Rebecca Sebek


I was channel surfing one day and landed on Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell television series. I had to tune into the program based on the title. Needless to say, I found myself shaking my head. A married couple had a Sphinx who was a bundle of energy; the wife decided it would be a good idea to purchase the cat because her husband's cat passed away. The husband was getting frustrated with Avery because she would jump onto the cages in the exotic animal room. Plus, the husband kept comparing Avery to his old cat. The Sphinx is very energetic and need room a lot of exercise. The wife realized that perhaps it wasn't a good idea to get a Sphinx without knowing too much about them.


Another couple had a cat named FeFe who would claw and scratch at them. The guy treated FeFe like she was a Labrador retriever. If someone roughed housed with me, I would claw and scratch too! Cats are not dogs and don't appreciate having their head and belly scratched in a rough manner. Leslie didn't want FeFe in the house because she's allergic to cats. She became tense whenever FeFe entered the room. Ironically, Leslie's a Yoga instructor who teaches students to remain centered and calm.


"From spastic cats that break up relationships to violent felines that put their owners in the hospital, cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy has seen it all. Follow Jackson as he brings his unique understanding of cats to desperate families on the verge of giving up on their furry companions."


Jackson is a direct cat behaviorist. What I like about Jackson is he doesn't shy away from telling cat owners what they're doing wrong instead of blaming the cat. For example, with the married couple with the Sphinx, Jackson pointed out how the husband kept comparing Avery to his deceased cat that had a different temperament. All cats are not the same. He gave them techniques such as using a laser pointer to distract Avery when they would enter and exit their home. He also told them to make sure Avery had a climbing tree because she was a tree dweller. Once the couple made changes, Avery calmed down and was content.


With the other couple, Jackson told them to bathe FeFe, clip her nails, and create a 'catico' where she could look outside and watch the birds. When he checked in with them two weeks later, Jackson had to reiterate that FeFe doesn't like rough housing; it sends mixed signals. He was impressed with the catico and how the couple bathed FeFe and set the mood with incense and burning scented candles.


Before you adopt or agree to take in your family or friend's cat, please do your homework. Is a cat right for you or your family? How will your spouse or significant other react to the cat? Take pet parenting classes to educate yourself about owing a pet, specifically a cat. Too many cats wind up in animal shelters because their owners weren't prepared for the responsibility. Cats are lovable but require training like dogs. And, they have different personalities. Find one that's right for you!

What is with My Cat from Hell?