Unhappy cat

[JessK]

I haven't had a chance to look at this forum for ages, I'm afraid. I have two concerns I hope someone can advise me on, I'll post them as separate topics.

First: Worried about my 9-month-old neutered male's agressiveness and emotional state. I posted a topic here a few months ago regarding his aggressive attacks to my hands and feet. Someone on this forum suggested the book "Do Cats Need Shrinks" by Peter Neville, which I read, and it has a case study of cat very similar to mine--normally sweet, but prone to agressive attacks--and the author suggests letting the cat go outside as the best remedy. He even says it's "cruel" to keep an indoor-only cat.

I know this forum supports indoor-only cats, but how can I make him more happy? He has tons of toys and climbing and scratching places, and I do play with him, but he does often seem restless and bored. At the same time, he is often quite "needy"--following me everywhere like a puppy, and howling when I leave the house (I can hear him after I shut the door and it kills me!) The author of that book, Neville, also says the cure for neediness is being allowed outdoors.

I probably won't get another cat, because I live with my boyfriend and he doesn't want a second pet.

I know there isn't a clear-cut answer, but maybe someone has some words of wisdom. I'm sort of haunted by this idea that I'm being cruel keeping him in. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Sun & Star's Mom]

I have 2 male cats, and one is very "needy" like yours. (I too trip over all the cat toys!) The BEST toy I bought that is about the only one that really entertains him (and his brother) is a laser light. He'll run around like a kitten for a LONG time, and tires him out. I've had it for years, and they still get all excited as soon as I pick it up.
As far as leaving the house - I too had the same problem. I don't know if this would be a recommendation by the pro's, but how I cured MY anxiety: RIGHT before I close the door, I scatter a few treats. The cats are so anxious to find them, that they don't even watch me leave... and I never hear them cry anymore. You might want to give that a try.
Good luck!

[MA]

your best bet is to go to a local appliance store and get an empty cardboard box the type small washers come in. Bring it home and cut some cat sized holes in the side (off the floor level) Take about 4 ping pong balls and toss them into the box. I also cut the flaps off of the top. But most cats love the fact that they can get into such a space and bat those balls around until they are tired of it. Another option is a turbo track- great entertainment for cats. I have inside/outside kitties as I do rescue of ferals, but when they are inside, they are just as entertained as they are outside. I have ramps from katwallks.com and nice big cat condos, and exercise condo from feline furniture company and tons of toys. But they love their pong box the best!