Question about misbehaved cat?

Question

My cat is four years old and has always had an attitude with everyone but me. She hisses and growls at people when they come to our house or when she doesnt want you to sit on the couch she is laying on.

She does not hide when company comes over, but rather walks right up to our guests and growls in their faces. She has even bitten people for no reason at all...

I am concerened because I am moving in with my fiance and I want to take her with me, but I am afraid of her transition with his cat. My fiance's cat is very friendly and well behaved and I'm afraid my cats behavior will have negative effects on his cat.

I can't bare the thought of getting rid of her but I dont know what else to do. Does anyone have suggestions on how to ease her transition or even try to change her attitude? I really dont want to get rid of her...
Thanks...

For those who mentioned territorial problems, both of our cats will be in a new environment because we are moving into a new home.. so neither of the cats will feel more dominant in the environment (that's one obstacle we wont have to face! :-)

Answer 1

Cats sure aren't dogs, you can't do the "I am alpha" thing with them.

I've known a few cats over the years with the same personality yours has. I can tell you now the road is going to be rough.

With a bit of luck, your cat will accept the other cat. Some prefer other cats over humans.

If not, put yours in a crate place in a very small room like the bathroom, then let the other cat loose in the bath room, and close the door. This way they can't harm each other, but get aquatinted. (This worked with one of mine)

If the two don't warm up to each other, never leave them alone together loose in the home.

If it appears they will never get along, you can zone out the home. Each has a room of their own, and on a set schedule has run of the house.

Your fiancee's cat most likely won't pick up any bad habits from yours, but cats can be jealous. Make sure everyone gets petting from everyone.

To tell the truth, I'm not sure but I think its harder to have a blended family of pets or kids. Did both and all survived, but life sure stayed interesting to say the least.

Answer 2

I have a 12 year old cat who still hisses and bites no amount of squirting or scolding has broken this behavior Remembr all animals also have a personality Next you will be moving her into the other cats home not into her home cats are territorial so there will be small spats at the start as the other cat reminds her that it is her home they will fiugure out there own boundries but it will not be a big issue because the other cat is not moving into her space

Answer 3

The key to bringing two new cats together is limited contact. When you bring a new cat into a household, pick a room and set it up for kitty's arrival. Keep the two cats completely seperated for a day so so for the new kitty to get used to her surroundings. That will reduce the tension of being in a strange place along with another cat. Once she feels comfortable, crack the door a little so the two cats can smell, but not see, each other. Do this repeatedly for about a day, so they get used to the presence of another cat. Then crack the door wider, so they can see each other, but not touch. When they're comfortable with that, go ahead and open the door fully and let them meet. The whole idea is to take it slow, and comfortable - not only for the new kitty, but for the old one who will need lots of pettings and love.

Answer 4

If she's been like this forever then she probably has an ill temperment or is extremely jealous. Its just her personality. As for your fiancee's cat if you are determined to introduce the two then use caution because your cat may be mean or even attack your fiancee's cat, simply due to personality. It is extremely difficult to change anything about cats from training to attitude, and it must be started during kittenhood.

Unfortuantly your only option maybe to get rid of her, but I'm not sure how adoptable she would be from what you've described. Good luck!

Answer 5

A cat, is a cat, is a cat. i've got under no circumstances had any success with getting an older cat. the two we've got we've been given while they have been 6 weeks previous. The older one is 4yrs. and is mellow and does not difficulty issues. The kitten is 5 months, and is basically now beginning up to gt used to what she will and can't do ..LOL sturdy success. verify google for advice.

Answer 6

look the cats when they are little they dont like people sitting in the same spot that they do and when the cats are like that with people is that maybe the cat had a bad experience with somebody and then they still have that in their minds and then the cats are going to think that every body is going to do the same and maybe your cats is going to get along with the other one but if your cat still acting the same with the other cat let your cat have time to know the other one but if the problem still that means that your cat have something.I HOPE THIS CAN HELP YOU A LITTLE

Answer 7

I brought a new kitten home once and had a 2 year old spayed female. She hated her little brother but after giving them small increments of time together and keeping them separated when left alone, they got along fine. Ashley never was crazy about sharing her territory but she tolerated him and the funny things is, when I got up in the middle of the night, they would be cuddled up together sleeping in a chair. If he jumped on my lap, she jumped down. All in all tho, they were fine.

Answer 8

I disagree with Robin about the "alpha" idea. My cats definitely know that I am in charge. The spray bottle and a firm "NO" works wonders in teaching them to mind their manners.

Answer 9

my cat has the exact same problem.

her name is taco, and shes super mean to people! i mean, shes nice to me, but shes mean to my roomate, and my roomates girlfriend. shes bitten my mom, and made her bleed, and if anyone comes over, she automatically doesnt like them.

i have 2 other cats though, and she gets along with them pretty well. she'll have little kitty fights with them, but nothing too bad. if she gets violent, with other kitties, or people, what i do is i use a spray bottle, and tell her firmly 'no!'.

i would reccomend using the spray bottle to teach your kitty its not o.k. to be mean to people. cats usually are mean when they get bad vibes from a person. anyone whos near your kitty, have them talk softly to him or her. and tell them not to be afraid, cause a cat can sense fear, and that makes them want to go near people more.

i hope this helps :)

Answer 10

I feel that you should just let her get accquainted with the othere cat like locking them in a room for 1 hr that should work it did for me when i had cat's.