Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
My wife and I have a 2 year old fixed male that we are at are wits end with. He keeps us up at night with his whining and he chews on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. As we are expecting our first baby, the vet recommended that we find a new home for him. As we considered this, we determined that this should be the last straw, as we are so attached to the guy. When he is on his best behavior, he is the best cat in the world, but when he is bad, he bites us and chews on anything left on the floor. We have tried all non-abusive methods (water bottle, bitter apple spray, etc.) and, unfortunately some abusive methods, all with no resolve. We expect that if we cannot find any answers to the problem, then we feel that we will have to find a new home for him. Does anyone have any solutions that we have not already tried?
Re: Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
is this cat an indoor cat as when we got our first cat we kept her in for along time and she chewed carpets and climbed curtains and ruined wallpaper until we got her vaccinated and let her out. now she is brilliant and loves her adventures out in the open and has become a much nicer cat.
Re: Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
Just exactly what kind of abusive methods did you try?? We absolutely do not condone any kind of abuse as corrective measures. Could kitty be acting out even more because of said methods?
A cat is very sensitive to change and does not like it. They are strictly ritual in their habits. Have you been redecorating for the new baby to come? Spending less time at home because of doctor's appointments, shopping, etc? Is he being fed on his regular schedule? Does he have plenty of toys to keep him entertained? Are you spending quality interactive time with him?
When was his last vet exam? I would strongly advise having him checked to rule out any underlying medical problems. His chewing can be related to a dental problem and if that is the case, his whining may be his way to let you know he's in discomfort or pain. You can try getting him small, soft chew toys to help the gnawing once the vet rules out any health problems.
A cat is very sensitive to change and does not like it. They are strictly ritual in their habits. Have you been redecorating for the new baby to come? Spending less time at home because of doctor's appointments, shopping, etc? Is he being fed on his regular schedule? Does he have plenty of toys to keep him entertained? Are you spending quality interactive time with him?
When was his last vet exam? I would strongly advise having him checked to rule out any underlying medical problems. His chewing can be related to a dental problem and if that is the case, his whining may be his way to let you know he's in discomfort or pain. You can try getting him small, soft chew toys to help the gnawing once the vet rules out any health problems.
Re: Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
mitykat, this board does not advocate letting cats roam outside because of the many hazards and dangers out there. We would rather see a cat stay happy and healthy inside.
Re: Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
yes true but a cat needs certain things such as grass and freedom my vet reccomends it as long as it is vaccinated and neutered
Re: Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
Ummm, for your kitty's sake, I hope it doesn't decide to sleep in the car engine. I heard that happen one time...not something I ever want to hear again!
Re: Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
I have 3 dogs 3 cats a rabbit and a hamster and I always make sure that my cats are in at night and they always come when i call them they mainly stay in the garden and don't venture very far .My cat started at a very young age to sit and whine at the window and when she could'nt get out she would climb the curtains and nets and scratch at the wallpaper so I personally think that they enjoy the freedom.I'm not saying that it is best for everyones cats but I do for mine.
wgcollins, I echo Cleo's advice whole-heartedly, you need to get to the underlying issues in order to address them appropriately.
I suspect there is a fair amount of stress in the environment that is causing your kitty's behavioral issues, and probably an equal amount of boredom. What have you done exactly do address it? How much time do you spend with your kitty on a daily basis and is it quality time? Have you made his environment interesting and stimulating? What are you doing to create a secure, comfortable environment for him? Has your vet thoroughly evaluated him for underlying health issues?
People who are expecting children often neglect the pet's stress and needs, and oftentimes don't recognize when the pet is trying to alert the owner that he/she is not happy or not adjusting to the changes. It's important for you to recognize the stress your kitty is most likely enduring as a result of the changes in the environment. Your kitty deserves as much attention as you're giving to preparing for your baby. Remember please that you adopted your kitty for life, and it's up to you to ensure that his environment is stable and secure, that he is happy and healthy. Your kitty is depending on you and your wife to provide him that.
As Cleo said, we do not condone abusive measures, and if you have done so, then you are responsible, not your kitty. Abuse and incorrect behavioral correction often lead to withdrawn or aggressive cats or other behavioral problems, it's not your kitty's fault, but your own. Stop the abusive measures immediately and treat your kitty with respect, it's his home and environment too. You need to make that environment calm, comfortable, interesting and stimulating for him, and he needs to be able to trust that you will, to be able to trust you explicitly.
If you can address these questions we've asked, we can try to help you further....
I suspect there is a fair amount of stress in the environment that is causing your kitty's behavioral issues, and probably an equal amount of boredom. What have you done exactly do address it? How much time do you spend with your kitty on a daily basis and is it quality time? Have you made his environment interesting and stimulating? What are you doing to create a secure, comfortable environment for him? Has your vet thoroughly evaluated him for underlying health issues?
People who are expecting children often neglect the pet's stress and needs, and oftentimes don't recognize when the pet is trying to alert the owner that he/she is not happy or not adjusting to the changes. It's important for you to recognize the stress your kitty is most likely enduring as a result of the changes in the environment. Your kitty deserves as much attention as you're giving to preparing for your baby. Remember please that you adopted your kitty for life, and it's up to you to ensure that his environment is stable and secure, that he is happy and healthy. Your kitty is depending on you and your wife to provide him that.
As Cleo said, we do not condone abusive measures, and if you have done so, then you are responsible, not your kitty. Abuse and incorrect behavioral correction often lead to withdrawn or aggressive cats or other behavioral problems, it's not your kitty's fault, but your own. Stop the abusive measures immediately and treat your kitty with respect, it's his home and environment too. You need to make that environment calm, comfortable, interesting and stimulating for him, and he needs to be able to trust that you will, to be able to trust you explicitly.
If you can address these questions we've asked, we can try to help you further....
..........Traci
Re: Bad Cat but Can't Give Him Away
mitykat, we do not advocate outdoors for cats, read the following link and consider it seriously.
Indoors ONLY.
Indoors ONLY.
..........Traci