Cat has suddenly stopped cuddling on the couch, bed

DEAR JOAN >> I adopted a 12-yearold kitty a year ago. Until last week, she was always on my lap when I was on the couch, and always lying on me when I went to bed. She'd sleep on the bed often during the day.

As of last Thursday, she stopped all of those things. She is under the table, on the floor next to her cat tree or on the floor next to my bed. She has gone up to the top of her cat tree occasionally, so I don't think anything is painful when she climbs. She is eating and drinking fine.

When I sit on the floor next to her, she immediately comes over for pets. She simply, suddenly does not go on my bed or the couch.

I am completely bewildered by this new behavior. Any ideas?

— Rona Layton, San Jose

DEAR RONA >> Cats are synonymous with bewilderment, but it's usually not intentional. The first step in this case is to your vet for a full checkup. Because she still wants to be petted and is otherwise accepting of you, it sounds like there could be an underlying health issue going on.

Her staying low to the ground could be an indication that while she's OK with climbing, jumping is painful for her. That could mean an issue with muscles or vertebrae or a kidney infection.

If her checkup shows that she's healthy, then it's time to look at more psychological issues. When a cat sits in your lap or sleeps in your bed, she is saying that she trusts you. You might have inadvertently done something to cause her to be wary. It doesn't even have to be something you've done. When cats are frightened, they normally head to hiding places or areas where they feel the most comfortable and secure. For your cat, that could be staying close to the ground.

Cats also will abandon laps, if they're feeling bored. Try offering her some mental stimulation with toys and by playing with her. Entice her with treats and petting, but don't force her to stay in your lap. If it is anxiety, that will only make it worse. Follow her lead and hope that it eventually leads back to your lap.

DEAR JOAN >> I am hearing tap, tap, taps in my wall during the day. I've identified nuthatches flying in and out of tiny spaces between the outside shingles and the brick chimney.

I'd like to rid myself of the tapping noise without harming the birds. Suggestions?

— Nancy Bartell, Berkeley

DEAR NANCY >> Unfortunately, to get rid of the tapping, you need to get rid of the birds, and it might be too late for that this season. Once birds start nesting, it becomes illegal to disturb those nests until the birds are done with them.

If it's possible to check on the progress of the nest, you might still be able to act. Nuthatches typically start laying eggs in early March, and if there are eggs in the nest, you'll just have to wait until they have hatched, and the babies have flown away. If they are only in the beginning stages of building a nest, you can remove it and close up the entrance using a sturdy barrier.

Once the nest is built, the tapping should stop, but you might later hear chirping.