Feline Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett is the author of a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed books, including Think Like a Cat and Psycho Kitty. The innovative methods described in all her books are based on Pam's unique way of training by actually understanding the way a cat thinks. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN, Fox News Channel, and National Geographic specials, as well as being a popular guest on many nationally syndicated radio programs. She is now considered to be one of the leading experts on feline behavior.

Q: I have two male cats. We just moved into our first house. We have previously lived in two apartments (two years each). The problem I have been having with one of the cats is the ceiling fans. He will not go in the room when the ceiling fan is on. If it is off, he will look up, hesitate and decide whether or not he wants to come in the room. We had ceiling fans in the apartment and he was the same way. Nothing has happened to him that involves any kind of fan. The fan does not make any type of noise. He used to sleep in the bed with us, but now that the ceiling fan is in the bedroom and is on often, he no longer will lie in the bed. Do you have any idea as to what the problem may be?

A: You are not alone. I've come across many people who have cats with the same fear. I guess from their point of view, the fan looks like a giant hawk or other frightening predator. In the wild, a cat would naturally hide from something above that appears so potentially dangerous.

There are a couple of things you can try to help your cat. First, conduct some distracting interactive play sessions on a regular basis just outside of the room where the fan is located. Start at a distance where the cat is comfortable and then after a few sessions, gradually inch a little closer to the doorway of the room with the fan. During these games, keep the fan running on low. Use a fishing pole-type toy to keep your cat interested, but don't force him to cross over the threshold of the room. Gradually, you should be able to help him realize he can shift his focus from the fan to the fun he's having with the game.

I would also suggest making a few environmental changes. Create a cat tunnel so your kitty can navigate through the room with security. This will also help him realize that he's safe in there and eventually, he'll probably feel secure enough to bypass the tunnel. You can create a tunnel by using paper bags or boxes. Cut the bottoms out and then tape the bags or boxes together. Cut out a few escape holes periodically along the length so your two cats don't unexpectedly meet in the middle without an escape route.