I have had my neutered male cat for about 9 years. He is a big gray tabby and can be meaner than a rattlesnake. He always looks angry, fights with other cats, and seems down and depressed a lot. He has been to the vet numerous times for his regular shots and check up, and the ole doc says he seems healthy to him. Now he is very loyal to me and a couple of other people, but hates his roommate, the other orange tabby. Always bullying and picking on him, which makes the other guy nervous when he is around.
Is there something I can do to help brighten his mood up? He eats well and has some happier times, he likes to play a bit. He has chased 2 coyotes out of his yard up in the hills that killed half a dozen other neighborhood cats. Basically he is part lynx and his father I think was a pit bull, I don't know. Would anti-depressants help him?
2007-09-18 09:25:03 · 11 answers · asked by mrfrudd2006 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Ok, part lynx(breed of cat) and part pit bull(breed of dog). Only in the movies. Are you being silly?
2007-09-26 05:28:54 · answer #1 · answered by Deb S (SFECU) pray4revival 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long has the orange tabby been living with you? It sounds like your cat is highly territorial and is unhappy at the presence of the other cat. Some cats prefer being the "only child" and can become a little insecure or depressed if they think that they have competition for your affection. Perhaps he is worried that the ginger cat is trying to steal his territory and feels the need to assert his authority in order to defend it.
It's good news that the vet has ruled out illness and that he still has a healthy appetite. It sounds to me like your cat is very attached to you, so he may appreciate extra reassurance from you. Do you set aside regular time for him every day, either playing games or grooming him? Feliway emits pheromones that are said to be soothing to cats, so perhaps using a plug-in diffuser might help relax him a little. Personally I wouldn't recommend anti-depressants as they will only relieve the symptons rather than curing the cause of the problem. Try to find out what may be stressing him, and then see how you can eliminate or reduce the source of the stress.
Good luck.
2007-09-18 09:57:44 · answer #2 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Last months issue of 'CatFancy' magazine had a wonderful story on depressed cats. We have one that seems to fit most of the signs. Her problem to many cats in the house, as we do some kitten rescue for the shelter. It had some wonderful ideas. Yes they have antidepressants for cats. If possible, try to read that article. They have a website, and you may get it off from that. I see that issue is still on the stand. hurry, it will be worth the money to read it. It explains allot. Good luck and remember, cats are very territorial and like their space to be theirs only!
2007-09-18 10:10:10 · answer #3 · answered by megofish2day 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My 12 year old neutered male has always been "grouchy" as an adult cat, post kittenhood. He used to always bully my other male who passed away last year. He never was a big player either. I think its just their temperament, I still just try to give him unconditional love, maybe they need love even more than the "happy"cats. Might also be due to his history. Mine was left in a garbage can as a newborn with his litter behind my vets office and they rescued it and saved their lives.
2007-09-25 09:29:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did your vet check to see if he might have a cracked tooth or some pain that is constant? That would grin on his nerves.
and remember
Women and cats do whatever they want. And as soon as Man and dog understands that the better off they will be.
2007-09-26 09:26:21 · answer #5 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be because you're not spending enough time with your cat. They act like that way when you dont give them enough attention sometimes, but you have to remember that he's still a cat. It's in their nature to be aware of what's going on and to protect what is his and the area around him.
2007-09-23 14:12:29 · answer #6 · answered by suzie139 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
so your cat is a combo of Lynx and Pittbull?
hmmm, I don't think antidepressants will work on this temperment. I think you need a cage, whip and chair
2007-09-18 10:17:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
He sounds like a cat.
You can't cure normal- it's the way he is.
2007-09-18 09:41:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ha this is really really funny!!!!!!! Lol! Am u should play wit him nd stuff i suppose!!!
2007-09-18 09:39:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get him a hot girlfriend!!!!!
2007-09-26 05:36:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋