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: Our tiny, five-year-old Tonkinese, Tuttie Fruiti was given to us a few months ago by some cat breeders. She has adjusted fine to our younger but larger kitten, Doughboy, who likes to chase her around our house, then groom her with his paw over her back. She even licks him back, and seems to enjoy this. However, Tuttie is very vocal, and lately she has been meowing more than usual. It is obvious that she wants to get outside, as she scratches on the door, jumps up in the windowsill, and climbs up our legs when we're near the door, all while meowing as loudly as she can. We recently bought a harness and leash so we could take her outside, and she seems to enjoy sniffing around the places that she has observed from the windowsills. When we hold her when she is in one of these moods, she usually calms down, but when we put her down, she resumes her meowing and pacing near the door. We don't want to let her outside by herself, but her meowing is driving us crazy! What would you recommend?

A: Since you received Tuttie Fruiti very recently from a breeder, I'm assuming she has not been spayed. If not, then her sudden increased vocalization and restlessness are very normal, because she may be in heat. If she hasn't been spayed, contact your veterinarian for an appointment to have that taken care of. Tuttie Fruiti will be a much happier kitty when she no longer has to worry about those hormones. Unspayed cats are also at a higher risk for certain cancers.

If she has already been spayed, then the behavior is probably linked to that spirited, inquisitive, adventurous Tonkinese in her genes. She needs activity, because Tonkinese are very athletic. If you provide her with regularly scheduled interactive play sessions using a fishing-pole toy, you'll help her work off that energy. Timing is important here, so schedule the sessions before she starts climbing your legs or crying by the door. That way, you'll interrupt the behavior pattern that has developed. Don't hold her when she's crying by the door, because that will reinforce the behavior.

Even though she enjoys going out on the harness, you might be making it harder on yourself, because she'll continue to cry when she decides it's time to go out. Use the playtime as an alternative to leash-walking. Also, set up some activities to keep her busy at home, such as some kitty tunnels with toys inside and a cat tree for climbing.