I have a four year old female, spayed, housecat. I had her since she was six weeks old. Since day one, she was always very whiny and needy, but lately she's been out of control. She is constantly scratching the furniture, trying to pull up the carpet, and peeing directly outside the litter box. She jumps all over me at night, and she will sit on my face if I don't pay attention to her while I'm sleeping. I've tried scratching posts (my other cat thoroughly enjoys them), spray bottles, etc., but nothing seems to work. She'll cry until l pet her, but once I do, she'll bite...and hard.
I love this cat so much, and I want nothing more than to help her become more healthy and normal. Vets have told me she's normal, but she's obviously not. I'm worried that I'll have to give her away because she's destroying my things, and I know that when I have children, she could be a danger to the babies.
If you have any advice you can share with me, I'd really appreciate it. I want to keep her.
2007-02-08 09:24:30 · 6 answers · asked by lovebluenfluff 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Well , Maybe take her to a differen't vet and get thier advice. Good luck.
2007-02-08 09:31:43 · answer #1 · answered by kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a cat has a urinary tract infection, he will associate the litter box with pain therefore urinate somewhere else. Maybe the cat has been traumatized by something. A behaviour consult with a veterinarian is a must. Try to recall every event since the cat started this,even if it sems minute to you. It might be physical or behaviour. When a cat bites, it is usually related to toothaches. Find a different vet that will examine your cat both for physical or behaviour problems. Any change in behaviour is a cause for concern.
2007-02-08 09:52:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Please, believe me when I say this cat needs to see a vet real soon. Any time a pet acts out of the ordinary, they need to see a vet. There is something wrong and it isn't because he is neurotic. If the first vet says she's normal, seek another vet, one who specializes in cat health.
http://chai-online.org/en/companion/caring_recognizing_illness.htm
A herbal calming remedy such as Nutricalm - which contains tryptopan and valerian or the Feliway plug-in diffuser also helps calm anxious cats and can be found online or in pet stores. This may be beneficial for you.
Also, have you moved the litter box or changed the litter brand/kind? Cats can be so particular on their elimination habits that this may be why she is going outside the box. Was a urinalysis done to check for an infection?
Did the vet do bloodwork and check her teeth, ears and do an abdominal palp? Was anything in her environment changed recently?
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2007-02-08 09:46:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, try a structured day.
At the same time everyday, sit down and have play time with her. Feed her at the same time everyday. Brush her at the same time everyday.
This will help her know when thigns are appropriate.
Completly ignore her if she is crying, whining or scratching you.
Stop letting her sleep with you, this may be the hardest but she will deal after awhile. Dont' give in
Good luck
2007-02-08 09:32:21 · answer #4 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like she is trying to get your attention to let you know that all is not well with her physically. Has a vet ruled out hyperthyroidism, diabetes or urinary problems? That's very important as she is an older cat.
I think you must rule out physical problems before tackling this strictly from a behavioral standpoint.
2007-02-08 09:42:58 · answer #5 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are veterinarians who specialize in animal behavior. Have you tried any of them? If you have a veterinary school in your state, call them up and ask for a referral.
2007-02-08 09:35:07 · answer #6 · answered by Lisa 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋