Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We adopted this cat at about 8 weeks of age for my twin sons, then 5 yrs old. Sugar turned out to be the sweetest cat ever. He never bit or scratched the kids, road around the yard in their wagon, and followed them around like a puppy dog. All of this, until at Sugar was about 3 yrs old. I then rescued a kitten about 6 months of age and nursed her back to health. Shortly after obtaining this new kitten, Sweetie, who turned out to be just as sweet as Sugar, the older cat who is neutered turned into a devil. He growls all the time, he attacks and bites. We are all slightly afraid of him because he is unpredictable. At times he will let us pet him and then suddenly strike and/or bite. He no longer likes to be held and will sometimes attack as we walk by. He keeps a wild look in his eyes. This has been going on for a little over a year. I had thought with time he would get used to the other cat and be okay. He has improved very slightly but I remember how he loved to be loved on and pampered, surely he must miss this too. What can I do to help this cat and perhaps bring back his sweet nature?

I had a cat like that as well, he would become very agitated when a new cat came along, ignoring the family members, striking out, etc. This was the time before feliway, so my only option was to find the new cat a good home. Some cats just prefer to be only cats! Most of them are pack animals and need the company of their own kind, but some are just loners, and want the family and food and space all to themselves.

You could try the feliway plugins to see if that calms him down, you could also try to divy up the space in the house, so he feels like he "owns" a certain part of it and have his food and litter there as well, so he knows that that's his territory. Also, be there to give him plenty of attention, don't do this to isolate him or the other cat.

Anytime I would find a new home for the "other" cat, my Lucy (a neutered male) would turn right back into his sweet loving self, but I'm not advising this, because I know that there has to be a better way.

Destany

I would try getting the comfort zone plug-ins by Feliway. Also, you can try the Feliway spray. You can buy this at any of the chain pet stores or on line. There is also stuff you can by at the natural food store called rescue remedy. You put a couple of drops in the cats ear tips and rub it in. It’s supposed to calm them down. If all else fails call your vet and ask about anti-anxiety medication.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

I may have to turn in my hostie uniform here - your have been given the three options that I was going to give - Comfort Zone plug-ins with Feliway, Rescue Remedy and antianxiety meds prescribed by your vet. I would give the Comfort Zone and the Rescue Remedy a try first and see if that works, then go to the vet.

Sad to say, some kitties are really destined to be only kitties. You may have one on your hands here.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Destany and I are just trying to remember everything you have taught us MOL!
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

It's nice to know that you have learned your lessons so well!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

>>It's nice to know that you have learned your lessons so well!
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>> Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

SMILE do we get an A ?
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

An A and a gold star!!!!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!