DEAR JOAN: My employment requires me to check equipment that is located in a small open area surrounded by trees. One day, I turned on a blind corner and two coyotes were walking towards me about 15 feet away.
I checked the equipment and started walking back in their direction to exit. One coyote turned around and showed me its teeth and a death stare. It shortly turned around and started being playful with the other.
Why that reaction to me from the coyote, when it saw me already walk past them?
— Don Markley, Mountain View
DEAR DON: The coyote was exhibiting a very healthy wariness of humans.
Coyotes are, on the whole, uncomfortable and suspicious of humans. We’re somewhat unpredictable to them, which makes them want to keep their distance and keep watch to see what we’re up to. They took note of your arrival and whether you were aware of it or not, kept an eye on you as you went about your work.
When you came back toward them, they gave you a reminder that they were aware of you and weren’t going to tolerate any aggressive moves on your part.
You should be just as wary of the coyotes as they are of you. Attacks are rare, but it’s always wise to know where they are and avoid actions that might be considered hostile to them. If they appear at all aggressive and advance on you, throw objects at them, make noise and make yourself appear as large as you can. Back away, but don’t turn your back on them.
DEAR JOAN: I was hoping you could give me some advice on how to get my 4-year old tortoiseshell cat to eat her flea medicine pill (Credelio). I have tried putting it in a pill pocket, with no luck. I also tried putting it in her favorite food, but she just eats around it.
I can’t use the topical flea medicine on her because she is very hyper and would scratch me to shreds! Any ideas you may have would be appreciated.
— Beverly Colclough, Walnut Creek
DEAR BEVERLY: Cats are far less trusting than dogs and rarely fall for the pill-in-the-treat ploy.
Ask your vet for a tutorial, but the way I do it is to wrap the cat in a towel or pillow case, making sure all limbs are securely held in place by the material.
Hold the cat between your legs, place one hand on the cat’s head, in front of the ears, and gently squeeze at the jaw hinges. With the other hand, pinch the pill between your index finger and thumb and use your middle finger to press down on the cat’s chin, opening her mouth wide. Quickly push the pill to the back of the cat’s tongue and let go. The cat should automatically close its mouth and swallow.
You’ll get better each time and eventually you won’t even need to wrap the cat first.
You might reconsider the topical flea medicine. Wait until the cat is relaxed and sitting in your lap. Get her accustomed to the application by mimicking the action a few times a day while petting her and offering treats.
The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at [email protected].
