Printed by: Ingrid King. Final Up to date on: November 1, 2022 by Crystal Uys
Earlier this month, we launched our new “Ask the Cat Behaviorist with Mikel Delgado” section. As soon as a month, we’ll publish a reminder so that you can publish your questions for Mikel. She’ll reply as lots of them as he can every month, and I’ll publish her solutions in a subsequent publish.
Mikel is a Licensed Cat Conduct Advisor at Feline Minds, providing on-site consultations for cat guardians, shelters, and pet-related companies within the San Francisco Bay Space, and distant consultations all over the world. She is at the moment finishing her PhD in Psychology at UC Berkeley, the place she research animal habits and human-pet relationships.
Maine Coon hates to be picked up or have his paws touched
I lately adopted a component Maine Coon cat. Loki throws a match each time I choose him up. He additionally hates having his toes touched. It is a downside as a result of he wants his claws clipped and in addition his ears should be cleaned twice a month. At 13 kilos 2 ounces he’s manner too huge to combat.
I don’t know his background however I believe he was adopted out after which returned due to this. The shelter was somewhat tight-tipped about his historical past. All they stated was that cats don’t wish to be picked up. Effectively, duh. Then how do they anticipate me to clip his claws and clear his ears at residence?
At first I used to wrap him up in a blanket. I didn’t like manhandling him and fairly quickly he began to keep away from me, so I finished that. I used Calm Down, but it surely zoned him out an excessive amount of. I like gradual and mild strategies of adjusting his habits. I would like him to know that being held is just not one thing he ought to worry. Do you have got any ideas?
(Serbella McGee)
Mikel:
Hello Serbella,
I do have some ideas! I’d advocate beginning to get Loki used to dealing with utilizing clicker coaching (or optimistic reinforcement coaching with no clicker). In the event you’re not conversant in coaching, I feel Sarah Ellis and John Bradshaw’s new(ish) e book, The Trainable Cat, is a superb place to begin, in addition to Marilyn Krieger’s e book on clicker coaching, Naughty No Extra. The thought is that you’ll let Loki know that sure behaviors (akin to letting you dealing with his toes) will result in very great rewards (no matter he completely goes nuts for). Coaching is strictly what you might be searching for – a gradual and mild strategy to change his habits.
That stated, I’d additionally reduce dealing with and therapy to solely what is totally obligatory. I’ve by no means needed to clear my cats’ ears – so I’m questioning why Loki would wish his cleaned this often. I’ve seen conditions the place “extreme” grooming on the a part of the human could cause stress and aggressive behaviors of their cats, so hold the nail trims and cleansing to a minimal. If he’s amenable to vet clinic visits, maybe a tech may trim his nails among the time when you work on the coaching. Lastly, for cats who don’t wish to be picked up, there’s actually no “exhibiting them” that being held isn’t disagreeable. Solely choose him up when completely obligatory and respect that he could not take pleasure in it. Some cats do like to be held but it surely appears like Loki is just not one in every of them!
Cat chews on electrical wires
Pricey Ms. Delgado
I reside in Argentina the place there’s only a few details about cats behaviors. I obtain each day The Aware Cat so I used to be fortunate to satisfy you nearly.
All my life I’ve had cats since I am keen on them. Now I’ve a stupendous and candy 4 yr previous calico, and I really want your sensible help. She likes to chunk wire of any sort and each evening we have now to disconnect all our wires and hold them out of her attain. Even so we’re very scared that at any second once we are distracted she may chunk a wire and die. We love her very, very a lot. To lose her could be probably the most painful state of affairs and naturally that why I handle to you.
I’ve made different consultations with out discovering an answer, so think about how vital it’s for us to obtain your recommendation. I thanks upfront for all you may do, and let me categorical my admiration for all you do and have finished for our nicest mates. I’d be eagerly awaiting your sort recommendation. (Hebe Martorella)
Mikel:
Hebe, good to satisfy you nearly as effectively! You might be justified in caring about your kitty’s habits. Wire chewing might be harmful each to the cat (electrocution and intestinal blockage are two dangers) and the people (frayed wires could cause electrical fires). A state of affairs like this often requires a two pronged strategy. Assuming she has no well being points which can be making her wish to chew on non-food gadgets, cats often chew on account of lack of different issues to do. I like to recommend implementing an everyday routine of interactive play, in addition to ensuring that your cat has loads of different issues to maintain her occupied, akin to meals puzzles, solo toys, and perches the place she will watch birds out the window.
The opposite a part of addressing this situation is administration. Cords might be wrapped in protecting PVC covers, which can be found on-line and in pc shops. Typically simply bundling the cords is sufficient to assist them lose their enchantment, however different folks even spray bitter apple on the cords to make chewing on them unappealing. There may be additionally a citrus infused wire protector, the Critter Wire, obtainable on-line! It is usually potential that your cat will get consideration from cord-chewing (one strategy to know – if she solely chews cords if you find yourself round – versus chewing even if you find yourself not at residence – then consideration could also be reinforcing the habits) – one more reason to ramp up the enrichment.
The way to hold cats off kitchen counters
Hi there. I wish to ask about alternate options to maintain my cats out of the kitchen counter. Thanks. (Ligia Caldwell)
Mikel:
Liglia,
ah counter-surfing. Cats find it irresistible, people hate it! However why do cats find it irresistible? Often for just a few motive – initially, for cats, being up excessive is enjoyable. Add the bonus scraps that may generally be discovered within the sink or might be snatched away whereas the human is getting ready meals. Many cats take pleasure in “serving to” their people and being within the heart of exercise, and the kitchen is commonly the center of the house.
Step 1: Give your cats a perch within the kitchen the place you can provide them treats for sitting there as an alternative of the counter (clicker coaching is nice for this). This provides your cats lots of the issues they discover interesting about your counters: peak, meals, and a spotlight someplace that you simply’re okay with them being.
Step 2: Be sure to not go away any temptations within the sink. Cowl the sink with a big piece of wooden (akin to a slicing board) if want be.
Step 3: I like to recommend “environmental correction” for occasions you may’t be watching – cowl counter area with items of cardboard or place mats with double sided carpet tape on them. It will make it much less enjoyable to stroll throughout counters. You too can use the motion-sensitive compressed air cans as effectively. This implies the “punishment” comes from the surroundings, not you! You get to be the nice cop!
Cat is extra thinking about play than cuddling, performs tough
I’ve a one yr previous rescued calico who had been declawed. Poor Sedona! Cat is just not a lap cat however sleeps on the foot of my mattress. She follows me round the home. However touching her is harmful. I attempted to brush her in December and ended up in ER. She likes to seize my decrease forearm and chew on it. She appears very bored as she can not play with toys in her paws. My arm is her toy. Being aged with skinny pores and skin, wow, it tears simply. She has just a few toys however doesn’t like them. She likes bendable straws probably the most. I gave her two steadiness bracelets that she carried round. She loves carrying issues. Anyway, she destroyed each bracelets together with her enamel. I’ve no clue what sort toy she likes. Dangling issues frustrate her, she can not seize them. I at all times have had candy, loving cats. She is loving in her personal manner. Simply very sad. She has home windows to look out of…and issues to leap on. 7-9 pm she will get tremendous stressed. Assist! She desires me to be her fellow cat. I miss my lap cats very a lot. They have been older. I hope she mellows out. I feel I’m doing one thing fallacious. Thanks. (Patti Zentara)
Mikel:
Hello Patti,
I’m sorry you’re having some struggles with Sedona. She is a really younger cat, and younger cats are sometimes far more thinking about play than cuddling. I’m sorry to listen to she was declawed, we all know that many declawed cats have points with ache (together with phantom ache) of their paws, so it may be price checking her for any problems from the surgical procedure. The Paw Mission is a superb useful resource for vets who’re specialised in serving to diagnose these problems.
There’s no explicit motive (apart from ache) that being declawed ought to forestall Sedona from with the ability to play. Many declawed cats take pleasure in batting at, greedy, and chasing toys. They’ve muscular tissues of their paw that also permit them to scoop and grip. I’m questioning for those who haven’t fairly discovered the appropriate toy or proper strikes to get her excited. Keep in mind that for cats, play is about predation, so something you are able to do to maneuver extra like a fowl or bug or mouse shall be extra attractive to her.
The most typical errors I see folks make are touching the cat with the toy, or waving the toy round with no technique. Keep in mind, no fowl would stroll proper as much as a cat and poke them within the face! Act like you might be hiding, wounded, flying briefly then touchdown, and let Sedona have time to stalk earlier than pouncing.
Meals puzzles may be one other strategy to hold Sedona busy! She may take pleasure in enjoying with these simply as a lot if no more than different sorts of toys!
Lastly, you talked about that touching Sedona is harmful. Our pores and skin thins as we age and many of us are on blood-thinners which may make cat bites and scratches extra troublesome. Attempt to keep away from petting her for now and check out safer interactions (interactive toys, studying to her). I do know you miss your extra cuddly cats however Sedona could by no means be that cuddly…or she may develop into extra affectionate as she mellows out. However you might have to simply accept her as is and discover different methods to point out your love for her. It appears like enjoys being with you and sleeping in your mattress. I feel for those who strive some new play strategies and experiment with toys, you’ll find your relationship will develop.
Weepy eyes
Hello Mikel, is a weepy eye on a cat one thing to be involved about? Like teary, not coloured discharge. (Patricia)
Mikel:
Hello Patricia,
I’m not a veterinarian and that is positively one thing that isn’t a behavioral situation. So please name your veterinarian about your cat’s eye discharge! I hope it’s nothing critical.
Ought to we get a 3rd cat, and does gender matter?
Hello Mikel. We have now 2 rescue cats, 1 male, 1 feminine, each roughly 3 years previous. We received our feminine 3 weeks earlier than our male. They get alongside effectively. She is the dominant one, although not overly. We have now been interested by getting a 3rd rescue and questioning if the intercourse of the third may/would matter. If our feminine is the extra dominant one, ought to we lean in the direction of getting a male? Does it even matter? Is it extra about ‘how’ everyone seems to be slowly launched? We actually have sufficient love for an additional however are a bit of trepidacious as our household has an amazing steadiness at the moment. (Tami)
Mikel:
Tami,
generally it’s higher to not rock the boat! That stated, all of us love cats and we often would love so as to add one or two extra to our households. Simply know that the addition may tip the steadiness in a single course or one other, and will change how your cats relate to 1 one other. Remember that cats don’t have a “strict” hierarchy per se, their relationships are usually far more versatile than one “dominant” and one “submissive” cat.
My expertise is that it’s unimaginable to foretell virtually something simply based mostly on the intercourse of the cat. I’d as an alternative give attention to the persona match and historical past – searching for a cat who has a profitable previous with different cats is a bonus, though not a necessity. Then – sure, you might be completely proper – the HOW is extra vital than the WHO. You probably have the area, endurance, and time to combine a 3rd kitty – the bonus is you might be saving one other life! – then I say go for it.
8-year-old cat is spraying
HI Mikel. I’ve a male cat, Kitty Cat, and he’s about 8 years previous. He has been spraying. I’ve had many cats and have been by means of this earlier than however at all times so perplexing. I feel it’s behavioral and have tried the pheromone wall plug-ins and Feliway sprays. He’s an indoor cat though we have now a screened in patio which principally permits him outdoors as effectively. Nothing new has modified in residence. We do have a canine and one other cat however they’ve been collectively for years. I’ve made a vet appointment however often discover out there’s nothing fallacious with him. (Lynne Wyre)
Mikel:
Lynne, sorry to listen to that Kitty Cat has began spraying. It appears like this can be a new habits – generally there’s a motive for these adjustments in habits, even when we don’t know what it’s. To start with, I’m going to imagine that you simply imply he’s spraying on vertical surfaces and never urinating/puddling. They will imply various things so you will need to distinguish between the 2.
Urine spraying is (sadly) a standard cat habits. They often use it to mark their presence in a territory. In houses, we regularly see spraying in response to anxiousness over territory. Typically extra sources all through the house (together with litter packing containers) may help as a result of it permits the cat to mark their turf in a optimistic manner. Make a map of the place he’s spraying as a result of generally that may let you know extra about why your cat is spraying. Typically including bigger litter packing containers in probably the most generally focused areas can redirect some, if not all, of this habits.
I’d have a look at whether or not there are any animals outdoor which have began coming round, as a result of that may set off spraying habits. Verify each inside and out of doors your private home with a black mild and clear up urine marks (Kitty Cat’s and probably these of any outdoors cats) with enzymatic product, akin to Anti-Icky Poo.
I’ve seen a variety of circumstances the place cats who spray enhance extra rapidly on an anti-anxiety remedy. That is one thing you’ll need to debate together with your veterinarian. If the cat’s life or the consumer’s sanity is in danger, I’d advocate exploring this feature sooner somewhat than later, as many medicines take a while to totally kick in.
Affectionate, playful, in any other case well-behaved cat is spraying
I’ve 4 male cats, all indoor-only, aged 1 yr, 3 years, 8 years and 10 years previous. All of them get alongside very effectively with one another they usually all get alongside effectively with me and my spouse. Our second youngest one, Little Invoice, is extraordinarily affectionate and loving and playful and foolish and really straightforward going. However he additionally has this extraordinarily obnoxious behavior of spraying – he’ll again as much as a wall or a door or a cupboard or a chunk of furnishings – and for no motive, stand there and with again finish proper up in opposition to no matter it’s and spray, all of the whereas trying like he’s in a trance-like state, along with his eyes staring out blankly, till I scold him or shoo him away to get him to cease if I catch him within the act. He makes use of his litter field often and usually, and is in each different manner a beautiful, candy, lovely and well-behaved cat. I’ve taken him to our vet, and have had checks run on him to see if there was something fallacious, however so far as the checks have revealed and the vets can inform, he’s completely wholesome. What might be inflicting him to do that – on a reasonably common foundation? (JD)
Mikel:
Hello JD!
Typically it’s the sweetest, friendliest, “easy-going” cats which can be probably the most anxious about their sources (which incorporates territory and human consideration). As I discussed already, spraying is a part of the conventional behavioral repertoire of cats. We’re very lucky that spaying and neutering often eradicates this habits. However not at all times.
I’d take a tough have a look at the place he’s spraying (make a sketch of your private home and mark these areas) and what that tells you. Do you have got loads of sources for a 4-cat family? Litter packing containers, feeding stations, vertical area, scratching posts? Typically you may change the character of a cat’s relationship to sure areas after totally cleansing up the spray by providing scratching choices, play, and treats in these areas. However some cats will simply transfer on to a different space to spray for those who haven’t addressed the basis reason for the spraying within the first place. Extra enrichment and train are stress-reducing, however some spraying cats want extra pharmaceutical help, for which you’d wish to discuss to your vet.
Why is Kitty Kitty so imply?
Pricey MD. We share a cat referred to as Kitty Kitty with a neighbor, so half of it’s ours. Our half likes to play ruff and chunk and scratch my spouse who’s courageous sufficient to choose him up. I simply stare at him and every now and then pet him with a leather-based glove on. Why is he so imply? We feed him and purchase him jerky by the pound, however nonetheless he acts like a cop canine attacking a person in a coaching camp. What can tranquilize this T-REX in fur? Kitty Kitty is fastened however nonetheless sprays in the home every now and then. He’s not a avenue cat so He get flea spray or collared. We each us and different half proprietor’s take excellent care of Mr KK. When will he decelerate and be good? Your image appears to be like superb, I’m proud that you simply discovered one thing that you simply love to do. We love you’re taking care, (Uncle Louie and Nanci.)
Mikel:
Hello Uncle Louie and Nanci!
Thanks for the type phrases about my profession decisions and movie. Household reunion on-line!
So far as why Kitty Kitty behaves the way in which he does – I’d encourage you to not see his habits as imply, however as discovered “dangerous habits.” Relatively than making an attempt to pet him or choose him up, strive participating him with a feather wand or different interactive toy, so he can take that tough power out on one thing apart from your palms. Typically cats have been beforehand performed with utilizing palms, and have discovered that when somebody touches them, it will be tough. These cats can rapidly go right into a defensive mode and infrequently chunk and scratch rapidly. For some cats, that’s the solely manner they know learn how to play. The easiest way to work with this habits is to cease participating with them in a tough manner. This helps them study they’ll chunk and scratch toys, however that palms will at all times be light.
Cats additionally do higher with dealing with once they name the photographs. Let him come to you and hold petting transient. If he actually loves these jerky treats, sneak in a single or two light pets whereas he will get the treats. Deal with areas that the majority cats take pleasure in petting, such because the cheeks and brow, and keep away from usually delicate areas just like the decrease again and stomach.
Spraying might be complicated, however see my responses above about some methods to begin teasing it aside and dealing on it!
Resident cats need nothing to do with new rescue
My sister adopted a male feral kitten named Seri. Seri is in his personal room and has been reaching out to the 2 grownup resident cats, who need nothing to do with him. My sister has tried to feed all of the cats by Seri’s door (two gates, one on prime of the opposite), however the two residents received’t have any a part of it, even when their favourite meals are served. Seri remains to be too skittish to be held, so my sister wouldn’t be capable of get him again into his room if she let him out. Seri is just not completely satisfied being cooped up in a single room on a regular basis. How can my sister assist Seri? Thanks. (Amy Allen)
Mikel:
Amy, it appears like there are two points that should be addressed individually – Seri must be socialized to people. Clicker coaching and pairing dealing with with treats are two methods. I additionally love interactive playtime as a strategy to construct confidence in fearful cats. However you will need to work on these points now whereas Seri is younger. Plan for his future – he might want to go to the vet and get remedy someday throughout his life!
So far as the introduction to the opposite two cats is worried, sluggish and regular is essential. Feeding the cats their common meals by the door might not be attractive sufficient, so I’d advocate feeding one thing the cats go NUTS for. Begin at no matter distance the cats are keen to eat the meals. Even when that’s down the hallway at first. Regularly (which means over the course of days or perhaps weeks) transfer the dishes nearer to the door the place Seri is spending time. Finally it might be good to modify issues up in order that Seri involves the door the place the resident cats are, but it surely appears like he wants extra socialization first! For some cats, interactive play or brushing are extra motivating than play, so your sister could wish to strive another actions to entice her resident cats.
In a case the place there are a number of points within the family, I do really feel like a session with an expert advisor is at all times going to be most useful! As one habits situation (undersocialization) adjustments, it should impact the opposite one (the cat introduction), and a cat habits advisor may help you modify a plan because the family dynamic adjustments.
Cat with anger administration points
Hi there! One among my cats, Monsta, could have hanger-management points. Late within the night, he knocks all the things off the espresso and finish tables. Every part!! He’s damaged a number of wine glasses, virtually ruining a fav rug with my glass of Cabernet, and in addition damaged a number of ceramic and glass gadgets. He’ll stare at my husband and actually swipe at no matter is accessible, figuring out he’s being watched. I now have virtually naked tables apart from magazines, which I choose up each morning! Curiously, he doesn’t do it when David is out of city, possibly as a result of I’m going to mattress earlier and am not in the lounge to see his antics?! His obnoxious habits usually stops as soon as David feeds him, however not at all times as generally he’ll do it after consuming his late evening snack. He was a tiny, hypothermic kitten {that a} good citizen dropped off at work (at 3 weeks previous, estimated) and I bottle fed him for weeks, he’s now 10. Are you able to provide any perception and recommendation on learn how to cease his dangerous behavior? Thanks!! (Sharon)
Mikel:
Hello Sharon,
I’ve a comfortable spot for cats like Monsta as a result of they’re typically bored and resort to “obnoxious habits” as a result of it is extremely good at coaching people to provide them consideration!! He’s ready on your eye contact to inform him he’s received you the place he desires you. In Monsta’s case, it’s essential flip the tables in your relationship with optimistic reinforcement coaching (akin to clicker coaching). This permits him to do issues YOU LIKE for rewards, not the naughty issues he at the moment does. It tells him the behaviors you want, and once you reinforce these behaviors, you will notice he does them extra typically.
I’m additionally an enormous fan of constructing cats work for his or her meals. My good friend and fellow habits advisor, Ingrid Johnson and I put collectively a web site, foodpuzzlesforcats.com that walks you thru all features of this very highly effective facet of surroundings enrichment, together with puzzles that can be utilized with moist meals! Since he’s very excited by meals, he’ll seemingly be very motivated to make use of them. They can even decelerate his consuming which may help cats notice they’re satiated earlier than they gobble all the things down. Give him a play session within the night – pre-empting his witching hour – then comply with that with a meals puzzle!
Cat doesn’t wish to be brushed
I’ve an inside cat that that won’t let me brush her in any respect. She by no means did prefer it, however now when she sees include the comb she hides. I’m very light with t her and by no means damage her. Vet stated she is ok, simply hates the combing? (Lee)
Mikel:
Hello Lee,
some cats are very delicate to being brushed. All cats are geared up with very delicate pores and skin cells that assist them detect contact – which might be useful if you’re escaping prey or navigating by means of tough terrain, however not so useful when your human desires to groom you!
It could be your grooming software – a few of them are a bit pointier than others and might even trigger “drag” in your cat’s pores and skin. You possibly can strive a unique fashion of grooming software – akin to a comfortable human hair brush, or a slicker brush and see in case your cat prefers that. If she completely wants common grooming than I’d advocate slowly getting your cat used to brushing by pairing it together with her favourite deal with. Attempt only one small stroke, then provide her the deal with – one thing actually particular! Over time, you may construct as much as bigger strokes, and growing the variety of brush strokes you will get in!
Ocicat with very sturdy looking intuition
I’ve a 3 -year male Ocicat, whose intuition to hunt may be very sturdy. We have now a 40 acre farm so the chance is there for him, my query is learn how to discourage this? As I’m involved for his well being at 3 mice a day. Any concepts? (Marie)
Mikel:
Hello Marie,
cats would usually eat 8-10 mice a day, and I’m guessing in your farm the mice are fairly clear residing, so the well being dangers are in all probability not too critical. That stated, I perceive you don’t recognize the looking habits. You even have chosen a hybrid cat, and his intuition is as you stated, very sturdy. Cats are predators and till we breed looking habits out of them (not one thing I advocate for!) we have now to simply accept that they’re meant to kill! We additionally know that starvation is just not the one factor that influences looking. For cats, the intuition to hunt is so sturdy that they are going to even hold looking whereas they’re consuming. Survival dictates, kill when you can as a result of there’s no strategy to know when that subsequent mouse will present up.
You possibly can strive the cat bibs/collars that should decelerate a looking cat. I get blended opinions on how efficient they’re, however it could be price a strive. Your different possibility is to transition your cat to indoors solely, or outdoor solely on a harness.
Youthful cat annoys older cat
I’ve 2 rescue cats, one that’s 7 years previous that I’ve had for two years and one that may be a yr previous that I’ve had for five months. After the preliminary introduction interval they have been getting alongside nice. Within the final two months, the youthful one began attacking the older one. She hides below the mattress and waits for the older one to return within the room after which pounces on her again, which actually upsets the older one. I’ve had her checked out by the vet and she or he says there’s no underlying medical points and thinks it could simply be jealousy, enjoying or domination and urged I purchase the Feliway diffuser to calm issues down. That has not helped in any respect. In very involved about this and don’t know what else to do. There have been no different adjustments in our residence, schedule or surroundings. The older cat is already very skittish on account of being abused by a earlier proprietor and being put in a shelter 2-3 occasions earlier than I received her and since this began she appears to be going backwards in her comfortableness and worry. Each cats are nice with me, however afraid of anybody else due to their being within the shelter I’ve been instructed. So except we make a visit to the vet, they’re solely ever round one another and myself. Please assist. I really want this habits to cease in order that my older cat is relaxed once more they usually can return to being mates. Thanks. (Robin)
Mikel:
Robin, it is extremely widespread {that a} younger cat is annoying (or threatening) to an older cat. Your cats are at very totally different life levels, they usually have totally different wants. On your new kitty, the precedence might be wrestling and chasing, the place your older cat would in all probability desire to loosen up within the solar. Each cat integration state of affairs is exclusive, so remember these are very normal ideas. I’d block off hiding areas that permit the youthful cat to ambush the older one, and ensure you have loads of vertical area, together with cat timber and perches, to permit them to share area with out having to journey the identical pathways as one another.
Your youthful cat in all probability wants much more train and psychological stimulation. Proper now probably the most fascinating factor happening could also be pouncing in your older cat. I additionally advocate giving your older cat a break from the youthful one by separating them for just a few hours a day. It will not less than give the older cat some respiration room – and she or he could not thoughts being confined for those who arrange a snug area for her with all the things she wants. Interactive play for her whereas she is away from the youthful cat will assist scale back her stress and increase her confidence. I typically discover that older cats can’t play within the presence of youthful cats as a result of youthful one eager to take over! Folks typically misread this because the older cat not eager to play, or preferring to “simply watch.” That isn’t often the case! Good luck, and it’s possible you’ll wish to discover a native cat knowledgeable who may help you out with a house go to.
Bully cat picks on different cats
How do I cope with a bully? I’ve 9 cats and one in every of them likes to choose on different cats. Often it’s only one cat specifically that he picks on. She is the mother to his finest cat good friend and she or he will get so scared, and if I hear them I get very offended. He is a superb cat apart from this. Loving, vocal, he says mother however when he begins choosing on the opposite cat I wish to simply scream. (Wendy Mourning)
Mikel:
Wendy, please additionally see my response to Robin! I’d first say that getting offended is pointless – your cat is doing what’s instinctive to him – whether or not that’s play or chase (I don’t have sufficient data out of your remark to know for certain). Cats can have totally different motivations for bothering different cats, from boredom to territorial habits to emphasize – however we do know that organising the surroundings for achievement is vital. Which means loads of sources (separate feeding stations, litter packing containers, scratching choices, vertical area), a lot of train and constructing optimistic associations by means of “deal with summits” – bringing your cats collectively for his or her favourite treats a couple of times a day.
Typically extra administration is useful (giving the cats a break from each other). We additionally are likely to give attention to the “bully’s” habits (often by getting mad!) however we regularly want to spice up the boldness of the sufferer with a view to repair the sort of downside. That often additionally means extra play for the picked on cat.
Younger cat likes to assault senior cat
I’ve a 4 cats, all male ages 2, 5, 11 and 18. The problems is with the 5 yr previous, we adopted him 2.5 years in the past. He likes to assault and annoy the 18 yr previous. If the 18 yr previous, Bailey, is ready by the door to exit on the deck, Finn the 5 yr previous, will go over and swat at him and generally bounce on him. Finn is giant and powerful and Bailey is getting frail and I’m fearful that he’ll get damage one in every of these occasions. We attempt to play with Finn to put on him out, he additionally performs with the two yr previous. We can even squirt him with water when he’s bothering Bailey however that doesn’t have an effect on him a lot. We are actually making an attempt to make use of Feliway diffusers. What else are you able to advocate to assist? I don’t know what else to do and it’s very irritating. Finn is a pleasant man more often than not, besides with Bailey. Thanks. (Katie)
Mikel:
Katie, see my responses to Robin and Wendy as your state of affairs is analogous. I can let you know one factor – the water bottle is not going to assist – and also you may by chance nail Bailey whereas making an attempt to “punish” Finn. Due to his age, I’d advocate a break for Bailey from the opposite cats. I’d additionally search for patterns – akin to time of day – that this habits tends to occur throughout and see for those who can pre-empt a few of these damaging interactions by giving Finn extra play time or different actions (meals puzzles and even an computerized toy like a HexBug?) earlier than these problematic occasions of day.
Bengal cat acts as if he’s chewing on air
Pricey Mikel,
We have now a 2-year-old castrated male Bengal cat. In early January he acknowledged to behave as if he was chewing on air. Typically it appears to be like as if he’s consuming invisible grass (extra head motion concerned) or then simply chewing gum (solely jaws transfer). He does this now virtually each morning proper after he wakes up, but in addition very often within the night. He is ready to cease e.g. if we provide him cat sweet. This by no means happens when he’s doing one thing however solely when he’s idle. He’s been to vet and animal neurologist. His mouth and throat have been checked, his blood checks (thrice) are OK, he performs usually in neurological checks (twice), and his mind MRI was regular. We’ve tried medicine for heartburn and for epilepsy (Levetiracetam). The latter helped for just a few days, then no impact. As virtually all the things else has been dominated out, he was recognized with obsessive obligatory dysfunction and neurologist prescribed Prozac. We haven’t tried Prozac but as a result of we’ve been slowly quitting giving Levetiracetam as was suggested. He’s our solely cat however we attempt to present him with actions: we take him out on a leash for not less than for an hour each day, and play with him inside. He loves toys with Actinidia polygama plant so he has them aplenty. We love him very a lot and wish him to be completely satisfied and wholesome. I’m unsure if this can be a behavioral situation, however he’s bodily wholesome, thank God. We’d be very grateful for any recommendation or feedback on this example. There’s a (dangerous high quality) video of the chewing on Dropbox (Tytti)
Mikel:
Tytti, I’ve seen just a few cats with compulsive air-snapping or tooth grinding habits and it is extremely distressing to look at. I’m sorry you’re going by means of this, and I’m glad you’ve gone the additional mile to have your kitty checked by your vet and a neurologist. I did wish to run your case previous my expensive good friend, Dr. Kris Chandroo, who has additionally been answering medical questions for Aware Cat readers. Right here’s what he needed to say:
“So I seemed on the video as effectively. What a stupendous cat he’s! The instantaneous, first three ideas after seeing the video have been 1) Resorptive lesions (might be undetectable by trying, want dental x-rays), 2) Masticatory Muscle Myositis (however I’ve by no means seen a cat with this, it might be very uncommon) and three) Neurological. It might be good to know that what your cat is doing isn’t being influenced by ache or irritation. Typically a trial of ache remedy is the one manner you discover this out, so it’s worthwhile to have this dialogue together with your vets. If this can be a neurological / OCD downside, then it appears like you might be heading in the right direction.”
As I’m not a vet, I can’t make particular suggestions about medicines. It’s potential that your cat wants extra enrichment to maintain him busy (you do have a Bengal, and they’re kitty+, and will require extra interactive play, train and psychological stimulation than your common home cat). He might also profit from clicker coaching to mean you can attend to his calm, non-chewing behaviors. A number of guardians by chance reinforce behaviors they’re involved about by giving them consideration or making an attempt to interrupt them (akin to with the cat sweet).
In the event you’ve already tried enrichment and coaching and aren’t seeing a change, then I personally assume that working together with your vet to strive anti-anxiety remedy is price it. A number of my purchasers are hesitant to make use of the medicines their vet has prescribed them, however as an alternative of pondering of psychopharmaceuticals as a “final resort,” generally we should always settle for that there’s no time to waste if it means stopping our companions from struggling. Remember that some medicines can take just a few weeks to take impact. The aim is to scale back the compulsive behaviors, implementing new routines of train and coaching, and provides him “coping mechanisms” for his compulsions that can hopefully mean you can finally wean him off the remedy with the assistance of your vet, with no return of the chewing habits.
