I have a female (spayed) cat that is 1.5 years old. She's always been high maintainence; she hisses a lot, but then the next minute will be purring and happy. If you touch her when she's in a bad mood, or even wake her up sometimes, she'll slash or bite you. She hates everyone except me and my boyfriend. I know this all sounds like normal cat behavior, but lately she's been more ill-tempered than usual.
She must be sedated before going to the vet, and even then it's difficult for him to examine her. He can just give her the shots and that's about all she will tolerate. She hisses and scratches and goes out of control. I hope she never gets very sick because this will be a problem.
We just got a new kitten, and they get along okay, but sometimes I think big kitty is a little too rough.
She has NEVER been abused or mistreated. She can be a sweetheart when she wants, and behaves well otherwise.
Is there anything we can do to improve her disposition and make her nicer?
2006-12-15 16:41:28 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
There are always multiple factors to cat behavior like this and it can be hard to determine the cause without observing the home and people/cat interaction. I found two books by Vicky Halls-Cat Confidential and How To Be a Cat Detective very helpful in understanding my cats. She has been a cat behavior specialsit for years and is very knowledgeable. This type of agression is covered in both books but especially the second-I found both at the local library. I'm sure once you understand what causes kitty to behave this way you can make very basic changes to make everyone's life happier. Good luck to you.
2006-12-15 17:29:24 · answer #1 · answered by barbara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem with my 7 year old cat. She was brought to me at one or two days old, someone found her on the sidewalk. I nursed her along for months, she has never been mistreated or abused, just loved. She absolutely hates being picked up, never sits on your lap, nothing. She will come to me when I call her, that is it. She is very clean and not destructive in anyway. This is the first year in 6 years that we have not had to sedate her for her vaccinations, which was a plus. I worry for her if she ever really gets sick, it will be a problem.
There is really nothing you can do to make your cat more friendly, believe me, I have tried everything. It is just their personality. Wish I had a better answer for you.
2006-12-16 13:59:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Along with the other good answers you got (er -- most of them), I had a lot of success with something called 'Feliway." http://www.feliway.com/; I bought it at a Petsmart.
It stopped some sofa scratching (there're other places for that, but getting her claws in there was a big deal for some reason) that no amount of NO! would, and worked very quickly to calm our sometimes hissy kitty down a fair bit.
Ours isn't as bitchy as yours, but it's enough for me to be able to empathise with you. We've been a little red-faced at the vet's office a couple of times.
I notice the Feliway site mostly talks about scratching and urinating, but it worked well for her overall disposition.
The spray was about CDN$25, I think. Not the cheapest, but worth a try, I think. The diffuser might be a better idea if it's reasonably priced and you have the right-sized place for it.
We also stopped playing even a little bit rough with her; that seemed to help. And, when you're doling out the petting when she's in a good mood, stop a little bit before she wants you to stop. It seems to increase the overall desire for affection.
Finally, run her ragged from time to time. A laser pointer sends ours all over the house at rapid speed (once even into a full bathtub -- !), and when she's too, er, hyper, I'll send her chasing it until one of us gets tired. It seems to shake her grumpies out a bit.
2006-12-15 21:21:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are going to have to start some training of her and soon. This should have been done straight away and EVERYONE must do it. When she bites or strikes out, you have to punish her; blow in her face and say NO and give her a time out. Pick her up and lock her in a room for five minutes. You must do this EVERY time if she is ever to learn.
2006-12-15 17:14:46 · answer #4 · answered by sarah071267 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a cat like that and I'm glad. Many over friendly cats get stolen. Yours and mine won't. The more affection she gets, the friendlier, but she is who she is. Some improvement is possible. Have a purrfect holiday.
2006-12-15 16:46:51 · answer #5 · answered by firestarter 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get a big dog.
2006-12-15 16:46:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋