Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

We adopted a cat a month ago and she is fantastic and wonderful in every way. She does this odd behavior where she puts her front legs on my stomach when I am laying down and moves her paws up and down over and over for five minutes. Is she trying to tell me something or does she want something? – Kelly Albertson

This behavior is called kneading and it is a normal behavior where cats display their comfort in a rhythmic way with their paws. Not all cats knead, but most of them use the front two paws when they do it and many will purr while kneading. There are many theories on why cats do this, and feel free to surf the internet to learn about them because they are interesting, but what is important is that this is a behavior that makes cats feel good and they do it when they feel comfortable. She is not trying to get you to do anything or tell you anything, just doing something that feels good to her. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

My husky puppy will not stop digging holes in the ground and I am going bonkers trying to keep my yard looking nice. Why is he doing this and what can I do about it? Please help. – Adam Swan

Dogs dig holes for many reasons such as trying to escape, hearing small animals in the ground, lack of key minerals in their diet, and trying to cool off. But the simple and probable answer is that digging is a lot of fun! I recommend giving your dog plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a designated spot to do his digging, like a sandbox, for his enrichment. You should stay outside with him until he learns where to and where not to dig. - Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I am traveling for the holidays, and was wondering how I can keep my dog calm in the car for the long drive. She has some anxiety and I am hoping you can share some tips on making this ride less painful for everyone. Thanks! – Jessica Newport

Start by going on short rides to fun places so she develops a positive association with being in the car. Many dogs have built a negative association with rides and going to the vet. Play games or work on a training session in the car to make it a fun place. Keep the air cool while you are traveling so she does not get overheated which can turn into motion sickness. There are some calming sprays you can use in your car or calming collars to help. Worst-case scenario, see your vet about medication if she is highly anxious. Bring treats and some toys with her scent on them to make it a more familiar and fun place to be. I hope you and sweet furry girl have a great holiday. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Featured Pet: Grace

Grace is a two-year-old Shepherd mix who forms strong bonds with her favorite people. She is extremely happy, loving and loyal when it comes to her people. She will be an excellent companion for someone who is a homebody. She has great house manners, is housetrained, enjoys playing fetch and knows a bunch of commands already. She adores getting her neck scratched and being with her friends. Please contact adoptions@greatplainsspca.org

This holiday season, donations will be matched up to $150,000. Help us reach our goal of $400,000!

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

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.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org