Ask Lyle – Travelling Humans?

Ask Lyle is our weekly cat-to-cat advice column from Modern Cat (and ridiculously outspoken gentleman), Lyle. Submit your questions to asklyle@moderncat.com, and he will be happy to answer them. Don't forget to include a photo of the questioning cat so that we can post it with the advice!

You can also follow Lyle's adventures on Twitter and Instagram, @lylestagram. 

Dear Lyle,

I’d be the first to admit it – I can be a little insecure. When I was young, it took me a long time to find my forever home, and that required moving from upstate New York, to Washington D.C., to finally Canada, of all places. It’s ok though – I live with some lovely humans and even have my very own scratching post! However, my favourite human keeps getting what she calls “itchy feet”. Normally, I’d recommend a quick course of flea treatment, but her solution is to put all her clothes in a bag, leave the house, and not come home for days! She calls it “vacation” and claims it helps her to relax. How can I get her to realize that the most relaxing way to spend time is at home, with me? You don’t think she’s seeing other cats, do you? Help!

Sincerely,

Casa-Loving Cordelia

Dear Comfy Cordy,

Thanks for writing in! It sounds like you have seen a good portion of North America in your life, you lucky dog (pardon the expression). I wish I could see everything there is, and then tell stories about all of my adventures to everyone I meet. It sounds like maybe you weren't as impressed with the travel opportunities as I might have been. To each her own! As to this human of yours, I don't have a good idea about what is going on with her. Leaving you behind is clearly unacceptable! My own humans sometimes leave for extended periods in December. Every year, like clockwork! I always try to tell them that I would LOVE to go with them, but they don't seem to understand. So what if I would talk to other passengers on the plane? Surely they would love it! 

I think the best plan of attack for you is to reward your human for the time she does spend with you, especially on those busy human nights like Friday and Saturday. If she chooses to forego a social event (which would probably be in some loud place with overpriced kibble) and spend proper social time with you, you should let her know that this is the very best by conditioning her with love, love, and a little more love. Sit in her lap and purr like crazy! Bring her treats like your toys or other things you find around the house! Soon she will never want to leave! 

As to your concerns about her seeing other cats, I think it is extremely unlikely that this is the case. Humans just love us, and no one else. 

Thanks again for the question, and let me know if your conditioning program pays off!

-Lyle

Dying for more of Lyle's wisdom? Check out previous entries here!

Why Do the Humans Laugh at Me? from Dorian

Why Can't I Scratch on the Couch? from Nibbles

A Cat's Sixth Sense from Elroy