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The Ask Maya archives
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Please note: Maya's opinions are not always those of the management!

Ask Maya for the 3rd week of October, 2002
Ask Maya for the 4th week of October, 2002
Ask Maya for the 5th week of October/1st week of November, 2002
Ask Maya for the 2nd week of November, 2002
Ask Maya for the 3rd week of November, 2002

More "Ask Maya" archives on pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Ask Maya for the 3rd week of October, 2002:

Dear Maya,
I've been watching our cats a lot lately and wonder if it is common for cats to hunt in pairs or even 3s? We've got 3 cats - Gomez as well as Morticia and Baldrick, and they seem to be hunting together. Usually as a pair - Morticia and Baldrick go off together a lot, and Gomez and Morticia, being brother and sister, often go off together as well but I've even seen Gomez go off with Baldrick and the 3 off up the paths together as well. Is this normal behaviour? Well, OK, it is normal for my lot, obviously, and I wouldn't want to suggest I think they are abnormal! But I've only ever seen cats do this once before, when I used to get followed out to feed the horses by up to 6 or even 8 farm cats at once! But they weren't actually hunting together, just coming for a walk and then doing their own thing.

In the flat, the cats sleep separately but they do play together at times. One reason I say "even Gomez and Baldrick" is that Baldrick likes to play rough and Gomez doesn't so it turns into a fight normally :-) But they don't spend a lot of time together inside, which makes their behaviour outside seem unusual. I've heard of dogs hunting in packs but never cats. Not that they catch much but I wouldn't want to cast aspersions on their hunting abilities ;-)) "

Thanks Maya,
- Karon

Dear Karon,

Cats sometimes do that. Not me, but I've seen it. The other cats in our household will play together and stalk strings. Until they knock heads. Idiots.

Animals who are in close families will work together. This is not as often true of domestic cats, but it's not unknown. Some get very bonded. It's not as likely if they're not fixed and get past a certain age. Then they want their territory. But sometimes cats will go out hunting together, although it would be very rare to see a "pack" hunting behaviour. Usually, they'll go out and then split up and roam around and then get something themselves. They might meet up later to report. If they get a kill, it's usually a mouse or a bird or something -- too small to share! It's not like a lion with a pride or anything! Hah!

I prefer crunchy nibbles, myself. But mouse might sit right.

Best wishes to you, even Baldrick, who needs to take a little more care of himself,

- Maya

Ask Maya for the 4th week of October, 2002:

Dear Maya,
Do you know why Doozie, my mini schnauzer looks at me with squinty eyes and/or nods her head. What is she saying when she does this.
TIA Maya,
- Tere

Dear Tere,

Ha ha ha! Well, I don't know the dog, myself, but I think she's having one on on you. She's sort of saying 'right, yes,' but at the same time she thinks it's funny how you react. Or maybe she's too dumb to think that, and is just hearing what you say and nodding and then thinking 'why's mommy looking at me all funny when I do that?' Maybe she's got a secret. Heh, that's a funny dog act. Dogs aren't very sophisticated, but they can have a sense of humour, sometimes, I'll tell you that.

I'd say, take her to the vet and get her a shot and see if she stops doing it -- that will serve her right!

[Maya appears very self-satisfied, thinking it's funny maybe she's tricking you into thinking she's serious and you should have your dog punished.]

But seriously, if it's not a fast, shaky nodding -- like something's wrong with her eyes or her snout, she's probably just reacting to you. Have fun with it!

You're welcome,

- Maya The Cat

Ask Maya for the 5th week of October/1st week of November, 2002:

Dear Maya,
Why do the barn cats that I take care for refuse to eat? They are in perfect health, up to date on their vaccinations yet they continue to get skinny. I have tried other food, but they dont seem to eat any of it.
- Raindrops Moment

Dear Raindrops Moment,

What a pretty name, I think. I like raindrops as long as I am not under them. Have you ever noticed that they make things smell good?

Maybe your barn cats want to fend for themselves. Maybe they are independent. Are they fixed? Non-fixed cats tend to get thinner than fixed ones. Maybe they are losing all their weight chasing a mouse.

BUT, if they look unhealthy, check it out. They could be sick or have gotten into some poison. I don't know what you're feeding them, but maybe they don't like it. Also, when it gets too hot, some cats don't like to eat. Especially if it's wet food and it gets all dried out and rotten. Maybe they don't like to share. Maybe they are in mourning. Did anybody die recently? Maybe they are busy.

Make sure their food and water is fresh, fresh, fresh. And crunchy nibbles wouldn't hurt, if the bugs don't get in them. And give them extra bowls in different places, I think. There.

Good luck with them and tell me how it goes,

- Maya The Cat

Ask Maya for the 2nd week of November, 2002:

Dear Maya,
Do people get contacted by animals they've spoken with before? Is there any chance that bonded animals who get separated remain in contact with each other? If a dog always knows where it's master is, seems like it's a possibility.
- Paula

Dear Paula,

Hello. If people listen, they can hear animals whenever they want to. They can tune into animals they haven't seen in a long time. Sometimes the animal doesn't want to talk to them, and sometimes it's distant, but it is possible.

Animals will see in general how the other is doing if they are apart. I had a brother and I don't have much to do with him, but I know he got a good home and did alright. Maurice doesn't talk to his old playmate, Max, because it makes him sad that he's so far away. But he could, if he wanted to (although Maurice is kind of dumb and overly dramatic, if you asked me). Animals tend to live more in the present and don't hold onto long-distance talking relationships the way people do, but it does happen and we don't forget each other. Sometimes I wish I could forget some of them! But anyway, the answer is, yes, it happens, although it's not all the time and it depends on how close the animals were and if something drastic happens.

Hope this helps you,

- Maya the Magnificent

Ask Maya for the 3rd week of November, 2002:

Dear and Respected Maya the Magnificent,
I have twin brother cats, Darryl and Darrell. Their mother and father were brother and sister. They are a joy in my life. But I know their parentage has adversely affected them. My question is: Why do enlightened animal beings like cats and dogs do this? By "this" I mean mate between siblings and close relatives like parents. In advance, Thank You. I appreciate your considered answers and look forward to reading them.
- Alana

Dear Alana,

Thank you for your greeting and your questions. I like getting questions. Fortunately, I have my Gretchen trained to drop everything and relay them to me, then type my answers quick as anything! She knows that a bored Maya is a cranky Maya. Nobody likes that.

Did I mention I gave her ear a really good cleaning last night? It was a bonding thing. I'm rather proud of that.

Anyway, interesting question. First off, I have to say that I find the entire act of mating and reproduction rather offensive and disgusting, although I see that it's necessary. I am so glad I am fixed and that was definitely one of my stipulations when I incarnated into this life! I didn't want any dumb males rubbing themselves on me (and no females, either) or that feeling of being powerless to resist because of your hormones. Blecch! I am a contained unit, a beauty unto myself and self-sufficient. Really, I am too complicated for most cats. That's why I had to choose humans sufficient to take care of me and groom me when I want to be groomed and otherwise GIVE ME SPACE!

Anyway, as far as brothers mating with sisters and so on, it makes perfect sense to me. I mean, they're there and convenient, they're friendly, and they probably have a good relationship. They're used to each other's smells. It's efficient, really. I think the human taboo on this is a little complicated and I'm not sure it works the same for cats. (And dogs will hump anything.) That said, I'm told that mating like this can cause kittens to be malformed or weird, or something.

Okay, so it's not the best thing to do in the world. And, in natural circumstances, if the cats could run free it would be less likely to happen, as the brothers and sisters might have different territories and meet more cats. So, it's partially humans' faults. BUT, think about this: there are a lot of dumb cats out there. Some of them are goofy because of genetics, and some of them are just goofy! Also, a few extra toes, although not to my taste, never hurt anyone.

I think there is a lesson here. First off, consider what humans do to the situation. Next, consider that even if animals are brain damaged or have weird bodies, they can be loved. I myself am deaf (so I'm told, although I've never really seen the big deal), but somebody loves me. Several somebodies. And I am fantastic. Now, maybe (I'm told, although I'm not sure I believe it) this would be a disadvantage if I were outside, and I might not survive. But, since I was destined to be with humans, it's no crimp in my style (except when they sneak up on me -- I hate that!!!). If these babies are meant to be, they will be taken care of and loved even if they are funny, and maybe someone will find them even more special because of it. It's a funny thing that some things that can be seen as ugly or bad by some beings can be accepted as cute or special by others. I think it teaches us something.

That said, when a cat is in heat, I don't think he or she gives much thought to "will my baby be born with two heads or not?" Those hormones make an itch that has to be scratched NOW and if that brother's the only one around, so be it. But I'm glad I'm not like that! I think that would make me a different cat... and not as proud. Plus, kittens are ungrateful, take it from me. They're useless... especially that Quan Yin.

Anyway, hope this helps. You're welcome... I'm glad you are admiring my wisdom.

- Ms. Maya The Cat

More "Ask Maya" archives on pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10

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