Understand your cat's personality before having houseguests

Having friends and family over for lengthy visits or a weekend stay can become a challenge if your guests are allergic or just do not bond with felines because of lack of understanding.

Personally, I make it clear to my friends that my felines are my best friends, and if my friends do not accept that I suggest, "perhaps we should just meet at the restaurant."

For those of you who would like to be more tactful, I have some tips. First and foremost, know your feline's personality. Shy and outgoing felines pose two different sets of potential problems for your house guests.

A shy feline may be so anxiety ridden it may not want to be bothered. Stress to your guests that your feline needs to come around on its own time. Ask them not to force a relationship. Realize that some of your friends might be thrilled with this advice.

If your feline has not been introduced to many strangers, he or she is more apt to be shy and not open to the new experience. You can lessen the stress for your feline in advance by purchasing a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. It is manufactured as a plug-in for a room and as a spray to be applied directly on bedding and in carriers.

Why does Feliway work for some felines? It mimics a natural comforting facial pheromone produced by felines. If you already know your feline's anxiety level with strangers is beyond Feliway, take him to the veterinarian and inquire about ani-anxiety medication to be given on a short-term basis.

Your veterinarian will need to consult with you and give your pet an exam to determine overall health and proper dosage.

You should also make sure your guests do not disturb your feline at its favorite sleeping spot. Your feline needs a place to retreat from the new noises of strangers. Perhaps provide an extra quiet spot with fresh bedding as an additional option for a cat nap.

If litter box placement may be an issue when guests arrive, do not move it. It may confuse your feline. Rather, provide an additional box in a quiet place where your feline will not be disturbed. Perhaps even leave a carrier with the door off in a quiet spot with bedding as a retreat area, or use that location for the extra litter pan. The carrier ensures more privacy.

Also, you should ask your guests to keep the door to the guest room closed. This prevents destructive marking behavior, like having your feline claw up their luggage or clothing. Your guests should also be asked to keep the windows closed and to use care when exiting doors.

If your guests want to win over your shy feline, start with tossing treats. If your feline shows interest and goes for it, keep your guests tossing the treats closer and closer to them and the two may meet. With rewards comes acceptance.

Interactive wand toys can also break shy barriers. Also, do not forget to have your own private interaction and treat time with your feline. Extra attention goes a long way in trust-building.

Outgoing felines can create totally different problems. You know if your feline is interactive with anyone that sits on the furniture, or jumps on table tops and counters. Warn your guests of these behaviors and that you allow it. If they are uncomfortable with the conduct, head to the nearest restaurant with undue haste.

Alternatively, you can always hope they have allergies and will decline the stay because, of course, you do not own a HEPA air purifier.

Featured felines:

• Trey is a white and black male that arrived at the shelter with his siblings. They all got a late start being socialized and, as a result, spent most of their kittenhood sharing a set of five cat condos. During that time, Trey was the most outgoing of the group and appeared to be the group leader. He recently graduated to one of our cat rooms, where he is doing well. He is still a bit shy around people he doesn't know, but can be friendly once you get to know him.

• Norman is a male orange tabby and is front paw declawed. He came to the shelter as a senior cat with his sister Angel. He is a very vocal and funny cat, especially if you have treats. He is friendly and affectionate with humans but tends to be a bit jealous of other cats.

Lunch With A Leprechaun: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. Pets and children are welcome to have their picture taken with Buddy's own Leprechaun for a small donation. Lunch and bake sale items will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Buddy's animals.

Meet and Greet Dog Adoption Event: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, Petco, 391 W. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale. Stop by to say hi and meet our dogs up for adoption.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.