Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

The holidays are upon us and I love putting up my Christmas tree, but every year, my cat figures out how to climb it and inevitably bring it crashing to the ground—shattering all of the ornaments. How can I keep her out of the tree this year?! – Sharon Witek

Try wrapping the base of the tree with aluminum foil. Cats dislike the feel of foil and they hate the noise it makes when it crinkles. Cats also dislike citrus smells, so some people put lemon and orange peels at the base of the Christmas tree or even through the branches. There are some sprays that you can purchase to put in the tree branches that that will give off an odor that cats do not like that may help deter them from the Christmas tree. Avoid locating the tree where the cat can launch off of furniture and into the Christmas tree. Be mindful of the decorations you are using as some of them can be dangerous for your cat, like tinsel. I would probably not use breakable ornaments until you and your adventurous feline come to an understanding.  – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I have some visitors coming over for the holidays and I just adopted a shy and fearful dog. Any tips to help her feel more comfortable and get our family acquainted with our new pet? – Becca and Eric Miller

I recommend providing a safe spot in the house or a kennel to which your dog can escape if she feels uncomfortable with the incoming people. If your pet is overly nervous, consider putting your pet in another room or visiting the vet to discuss medications if needed during this time. I also recommend talking to your family about how to slowly and properly greet your new dog. Ask them to give your pet time to adjust to them and avoid forcing interaction as that can cause the acclimation to take longer. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

My dog has been neutered for five years and like clockwork, after every time he eats, he grabs his bed with his teeth and bites it and humps it aggressively. Why does he do this, and should I try to stop him? – Tracy Lewandowski

Dogs hump for many reasons such as playing, status-seeking, arousal, anxiety, or because it is relaxing for them. It sounds like your dog is getting highly aroused during feeding times. Dogs get energy bursts from things that are exciting to them such as eating, taking a bath, or having friends come over and they must find an outlet for this energy. Some dogs run around with zoomies, some bark, and some hump. These are normal mammal behaviors, and many people ignore their dogs when they do this if it’s behind closed doors. If this behavior bothers you, I recommend doing some type of activity where he is releasing his energy through physical exercise or mental stimulation following feeding times. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202 | (913) 831-7722

www.greatplainsspca.org