DEAR JOAN: It’s 10 p.m. and my at all times indoor cat, Butter, is growling on the display door in my bed room. I activate the surface gentle and see two enormous raccoons within the yard.
Immediately the kitty activates me and claws my leg with each paws, leaving deep puncture wounds, then he jumps up on the mattress and falls asleep, as is his regular sample.
I noticed a physician and bought an antibiotic, so I’m OK, however my query is, why would my regular, loving, mellow cat assault me when he was clearly upset by the invaders in a yard the place he has by no means set paw?
— Susan Barkan, Mountain View
DEAR SUSAN: Butter’s perceived betrayal in attacking you was a case of redirected aggression, and nothing private in opposition to you.
When cats are triggered, normally by the sight of one other animal, there’s a buildup of feelings and since they will’t take it out on the offending animal, cats will flip that rage on another person, which, sadly, was you.
Butter won’t have set foot exterior, however he nonetheless considers it a part of his territory, and people darn raccoons had been threatening his kingdom.
There are some things you are able to do to keep away from a repeat of the assault. Shut blinds or drapes at night time, and if Butter does see one thing that triggers him, transfer rapidly out of the attain of these claws. Don’t attempt to consolation or calm him till he quietens down. It’s additionally a good suggestion to supply a secure place for him to go — someplace comfortable and soothing, reminiscent of a nook, a field or beneath a chunk of furnishings. Put pillows and blankets there. Cats like an enclosed area when they’re upset as they really feel secure there.
DEAR JOAN: One of many neighborhood crows has a distinctly totally different voice, or caw. It’s a increased pitched caw and generally ends in a collection of excessive ar-ar-ars. I’m guessing it’s a juvenile, as a result of I’ve seen it performing like juvenile gulls do, by hanging round an grownup and kind of hoping to be fed, however then being ignored (poor factor!) as, I suppose, the sign to search out its personal dinner. Powerful chicken love!
However the juvenile crow’s sad-sounding (to me) caws have gone on for months. Is that this regular? Is it OK?
— Jean, Aptos
DEAR JEAN: If it’s survived for a number of months, I’d say it’s OK. Your juvenile crow, nonetheless, could be a typical raven.
Crows and ravens look very a lot the identical, however ravens have a distinct sounding name, which could be very very similar to the one you describe. You’ll be able to hear recordings of each crows and ravens on the Cornell Lab’s web site (www.allaboutbirds.org) and decide for your self.
Though they won’t sound very melodious, the calls of crows and ravens are thought of chicken songs. In contrast to many different birds, crows and ravens don’t solely sing as a technique to announce their territory. They sing to speak with others of their flocks, sharing secrets and techniques and insights we are able to solely think about.
I can’t clarify the conduct you describe, though if they’re ravens, they may very well be mates or flock-mates.
Initially Printed: June 2, 2025 at 6:30 AM PDT
