Unhappy cat!

murandmom · 04-30-2007, 02:38 PM

Hi everyone--this site has been a wonderful resource and now I'm trying again! We have a 4 month old puppy (who is wonderful) and 2 toddlers--my cat is 10 years old, very healthy, and seemingly not happy! I adopted my cat from the humane society 10 years ago, and she was wonderful--not like a cat at all (she would beg, fetch, and come when called). We've moved a few times after college and marriage, and she's always done well. After our first child was born, she started becoming quite reclusive, basically coming out at night to snuggle with me or hubby, but still slept on the bed at night. When our second child was born, she basically never came out, until the kids were napping or asleep, yet started to after my son turned one and the kids loved giving her treats and trying to pet her (she normally took the treats to a chair then let them pet her for a few seconds). Well, we got the puppy (who is so calm and good natured) and she her attitude stinks! I understand that she doesn't like the dog, but now she has bit my daughter twice and is very aggressive with the dog, who will lay down in front of her while she continues to snarl and hiss (if a dog acted this way, I would get rid of it!). My vet mentioned that as cats get older, they become more solitary and he also mentioned that the cat may start "competing" with the kids for status in the house. She's started ignoring my husband and I, growls at the kids (whether or not the dog is there), and has started to attempt to sit and lay on the table (she's never done it, nor is the dog big enough to get her when she's on a chair). Any thoughts or idea? Sorry so long!

cshellenberger · 04-30-2007, 03:36 PM

My firsst though is to et a full medical workup on her. Six Panel thyroid especially. She is older and often low thyroid will cause behavioral changes. Next, I would get a behaviorist involved here is a link to help you find one. In the mean time, have the kids leave her alone. She is probably a bit jealous of the dog, but the pup may need some manners anyhow

http://www.iaabc.org/consultant_locator_cats.htm

Be sure she has a 'safe' place to go where she won't be bothered by the kids or the dog.

murandmom · 04-30-2007, 03:45 PM

Thanks for the reply, Carla. Yes, she's had a complete workup and the vet said she's extremely healthy (he even ran some complex blood, urine and feces tests). She has many safe places around the home, and the kids pet her when she comes down to the kitchen (usually around later afternoon). We've had the puppy for 2 months now, since he was 8 weeks old, and she's gotten more aggressive with him and the kids over the past month.

cshellenberger · 04-30-2007, 04:06 PM

I think I'd definatly try to find a behaviorist. It could be fear aggression, perhaps one of the kids or the pup accidently hurt her nd she feels that she has to defend herself. It happens.

briteday · 04-30-2007, 04:49 PM

If everything checks out, I wouldbe tempted to give everyone their own space. Our cat is not thrilled that we have a pup in the house who chases her. The cat is about the same age as yours. Also just came back from annual vet visit, perfectly healthy. The cat now chooses to only come out when the dogs are crated or outside. And we have made the laundry room the cat's little kingdom...litter box, food and water on top the dryer, and toys behind a baby gate so the dogs can't get them. I even put her fleece pad on top of the washer and she sleeps in there sometimes. Otherwise she spends most of her time in the master bedroom. This room is also gated off, has her toys and bed, a bowl of water on the vanity. Other than the hissing and spitting when the pup and cat bump into each other in the hallway, we haven't had any biting. Perhaps you need to just keep the kids away from the cat until things settle down. And try to give the cat a place where she can be without the pup. You could use some baby gates or something to block off a hallway or a room for the cat.

AnniNecaise · 05-10-2007, 09:09 AM

Hi,
It sounds like you're trying very hard to keep your babies happy. I can't give you anything more than my humble opinion, but in my experience with cats (I may be a memeber of a dog forum, but I'm a cat person at heart) they are not only the most JEALOUS pet, they are also the most UNFORGIVING. You said you adopted your cat 10 years ago. I'm sure most will agree with me when I say that adopting an animal makes for a stronger bond, as most times the animal was in an unfortunate situation, if not an abusive or neglectful one. Then you come and save the day! So naturally the animal bonds to you with ferocity. It sounds to me like that's what's happening here. Every time you had an addition to your family, she has reacted jealously. But that doesn't make her bad! Children often react the same way when they have a sibling, and as parents we do our best to let them know we still love them. But even the best parenting can't keep them from feeling just a bit left out. I have to stress the above advice to see a behaviorist, especially if she is biting. That can help you tremendously. And give your cat time, and plenty of love. With a little help she may come around. Wishing you luck!
Anni

Tess&Coco · 05-10-2007, 09:40 AM

Sorry to hear things are difficult with your cat and ... everyone else in the house! I agree with the other posters about ensuring the cat has a safe space away from the children and the puppy.

Have you considered using a cat pheromone spray plug-in? They're prescribed for indoor urination, but can be used for general calming, now that you have ruled out any underlying medical problem. I haven't any experience of them myself but a friend's cat became much more friendly when she used it.

Good luck.

ETA: http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/obed...liwayspray.htm