Advice Column

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Dear Readers:

If you would like to submit a question or comment to Auntie Pawsworth, you may do so by completing our online contact form. Please note Auntie Pawsworth as the intended recipient.

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Dear Auntie Pawsworth,

My interior household net worth is constantly being diminished. Things keep disappearing. I replace them, and they vanish again. It is really frustrating. I never saw anyone taking the objects and was totally mystified until one day… I walked into our mud room just in time to see the tip of a blanket being pulled around the edge of my back door. Quietly I peered out the door to see who the thief might be. It was my cat Solomon. There he was, dragging the blanket down the sidewalk to the doorstep of a neighbor. I have now discovered that Solomon gives gifts to all the neighbors. It really is astonishing. He steals everything—my towels, coats, caps, socks, shoes, throw cushions, figurines, even plastic utensils. What can I do about this behavior?

Anne from Tulsa

Dear Anne,

That Solomon takes gifts to the neighbors indicates he likes their reactions to his generosity. They may be responding with affection or food. Stopping Solomon’s behavior may not be possible as long as your neighbors continue to interact with him. You might chat with them, suggesting that they not encourage Solomon, but for animal lovers the urge to engage is at times irresistible. Although you may be experiencing irritation as a consequence of his actions, Solomon is experiencing the truth of the axiom that there is more joy in giving than receiving. It is just that it is mostly your things that Solomon is giving away. Meow!

Auntie Pawsworth