Evil Cat?

Re: Evil Cat?

Polly P — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:03:07 GMT

I think that may well be the case as I never saw the litter with the mother... But the tortie is definately the worst of all of mine!

Re: Evil Cat?

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:58:10 GMT

[quote user="Polly Player"]

I never knew what was coming with mine lol! She was a very feisty kitten.

I actually took a whole litter of them to rehome- four torties one tabby and white.

I kept this tortie and the tabby (no longer with us) and was in contact with the people I re homed the others to for a long time after-

Of the five in the litter, three were terrors (including the tabby, so maybe it was just that litter!) and two were not, although my tortie really only started playing up in the last year so maybe the others have to!

[/quote]

temperament can be bred! maybe the litter was just destined to be naughty! hah

Re: Evil Cat?

Polly P — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:44:24 GMT

I never knew what was coming with mine lol! She was a very feisty kitten.

I actually took a whole litter of them to rehome- four torties one tabby and white.

I kept this tortie and the tabby (no longer with us) and was in contact with the people I re homed the others to for a long time after-

Re: Evil Cat?

Busy bee — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:13:53 GMT

Hi - as the saying goes 'naughty Tortie'!

You gotta love them tho LOL!

Maybe once you are sure there is nothing medically wrong it may be worth trying Zylkene? It is all natural product and fairly cheap too - we have had great results for many cases with this.

(I think I should be paid for advertising this product - I recc all the time!)

Hope you get things sorted

Re: Evil Cat?

hissycat — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:40:17 GMT

I sound like a publicist but the behaviourist vicky halls writes about these sort of problems in her cat books and would be well worth a read I think in one case she had the owners wearing full leathers and a motorbike helmet but it did the trick eventually (!)

Re: Evil Cat?

Louise B — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:29 GMT

[quote user="StephB"]

Sounds like she's bored. would a play mate be an option? a neutered male would do the trick I imagine.

[/quote]

I would agree with you that she sounds like she is probably bored. The post doesn't indicate whether she is an indoor only cat but, if she is, that is probably compounding the problem by reducing sources of 'activity' for her.

I would tentatively agree with Stephb. I am not a fan of multi-cat households at all having experienced the 'delights' of this myself but some cats actually do seem to do rather well with company. I think it depends on the cats, depends on the space and depends on the way introductions are managed. But could work very well - could you take on a youngster in conjunction with/support of a shelter so that it could be returned if it does not work out for either cat?

I would also explore other options:

a) Access to outdoors (if not already the case and if reasonably safe to do so)

c) Not allow the cat access to where people are sleeping (you are not in a position to directly 'correct' the behaviour if you are asleep when it happens and, probably, the reaction of getting the owner to move/wake up is rewarding the behaviour and thus reinforcing the likelihood of the cat doing it again. Put it out the room and it cannot practise this behaviour and a) it cannot get worse, and b) it may extinguish over time (if you are really lucky!). Let the dog sleep somewhere where there is no cat too as the cat may decide to interact with the dog in this way instead!

d) Redirect the behaviour onto toys. She obviously likes stalking, etc (not suprisingly given her species) so play toys need to meet that need. Interact with the cat using the toys.

e) Maybe keep a small water bottle (eg. those 50ml bottles supermarkets sell for taking toiletries in when going abroad) and either fill it with water (squirt cat with water when in the act of 'attacking') or with a few dried beans/small stones/gravel (shake it when the cat is 'attacking').

f) Consider the dog's welfare. Some dogs are good at putting the cat in their place but if this one isn't and is getting harrassed continuously then this dog may be stressed too - acutely or chronically dependent on the severity/frequency of attacks. The dog may need a safe haven to retire to.

g) However, if she is not bored but is 'attacking out of stress/fear' etc most of the above measures could make the problem worse so it would be worth getting a behaviour person on here to find out more about the behaviours/the triggers/her history, etc so be more confident that the measures you put in place are 'welfare-friendly'. Definitely avoid point (e) until you are sure!

Re: Evil Cat?

loopylou711 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:53:40 GMT

[quote user="StephB"]

Ahhh young love hehe

[/quote]

I really want a bengal cat one day!! Such cute cats and lovely markings!

Re: Evil Cat?

Nikki Graef — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:25:42 GMT

My cat is exactly the same and shes a tortie!!! She regulary attacks feet especially in bed and bites and scratches alot of the time when you just walk past her not even playing!!!

She has 2 playmates and i tried everything with her when she was younger but have pretty well given up now. Shes 8 years old now and has mellowed a bit in her middle age, not that thats much consolation!! She still attacks and bites but not as often as she used to.

I think its a tortie thing, my other 2 cats dont do it ever. But i like torties they are funny and feisty!!

Sorry there isnt anything i can suggest to help

Re: Evil Cat?

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:44:32 GMT

[quote user="loopylou711"]

uck ignore me steph am a lil touchy tonight! I blame the pain in my chest and the fact have been sick boo!

Every kitties different, some would react well toa playmate some wouldnt!

[/quote]

Sorry you're not well, but i'm a little touchy from previous remarks on here towards myself. it's a discussion board and people are gonna discuss! Hope you feel better soon hun, it's no fun being sick! xx

Re: Evil Cat?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:43:23 GMT

yes my two took about 6 months to settle - we still get the odd hissy spitty fit usually over food strangely enough

Re: Evil Cat?

loopylou711 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:39:04 GMT

uck ignore me steph am a lil touchy tonight! I blame the pain in my chest and the fact have been sick boo!

Every kitties different, some would react well toa playmate some wouldnt!

My fav pic:

Took about 4 months for Niamh to allow Poppy to cuddle in hehe

Another pic I love is Luka and Niamh

I am lucky all mine get along peacefully! Took a while though!

Re: Evil Cat?

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:54:01 GMT

Ahhh young love hehe

Re: Evil Cat?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:51:26 GMT

would agree to the not reacting - mine get scruffed as a last resort and usually when they have gone just that bit too far

Re: Evil Cat?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:47:06 GMT

theres something to this middle of the floor flat on you back pose! both of mine do it

but they can both get along together fine as well

Re: Evil Cat?

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:45:31 GMT

[quote user="loopylou711"]

Steph, I have to totally disagree with you sorry. but a wild crazy cat getting a new friend surely is just going to make the cat worse overall? I mean she wants attention clearly by attacking and being cheeky so getting her a playmate surely will just make her jealous and more protective of her owners, doesn't sound to me like a new mate is the answer at all!

I have to say as Claire works in a cat based practice, i am more than inclinded to accept that maybe she has a deeper understanding of cats!

Is jenyy something (sorry) not a behavoirist! Lets ask the expert and not start some squablles!!

[/quote]

Who's squabbling? I'm fully aware of Claire's occupation and experience and she's a mate. I'm not arguing with her just stating my opinion and my reasoning. She knows that! I really think you are putting tension here that isn't needed. You're welcome to your opinion and to disagree, i don't mind but don't make out Claire and I are squabbling when we are most certainly not.

Most of my experience is based on living with cats, raising cats, studying cats(Battersea dog and cats socialiser) and breeding. I also have close contact with a couple of behaviorists whom give me advice on regular occurrences. I'm not just making stuff up as I go... Yes Jenny T is a VN and Behaviourist and one that I confide in quite regularly as we have similar thoughts re feline behavior.

Re: Evil Cat?

Nick Shackleton — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:41:45 GMT

Jenny T is behaviour also Skeelish (neither of them come on regualr so best to message them directly)

I have to say my kitty also does the attacking legs althou only to the other half starts off by rubbing legs then rolls and attacks. I personally think its playfull devilment behaviour. There is no way I would introduce another cat or dog to my kitty currently as we have a one bed flat so not enough room for more pets. Wouldn't be fair on either party and would like to get a dog at some point, but wait till we have moved and she has stopped this behaviour and touch wood she has stopped doing as the other half has stopped reacting to her 'attacks'

Not reacting to cat is also a good idea, but thats my personal opinion.

Re: Evil Cat?

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:39:23 GMT

[quote user="StephSVN"]

This is the cat in question, asleep in the middle of the lounge!

Sorry if its huge, first time I've added a picture!

[/quote]

that looks like the most un stressed cat ever!!

I have 4 cats and have had cats for 20 odd yrs, I have never had just a single cat, and most have actually got along with one another.However Belle, my BSH who is in my profile pic, is a little madam towards sassie one of my other cats. She is fine with my only male cat, and ok with Aimee my other female(who happens to be the same age as her) But Sassie and her hate the site of each other.

Re: Evil Cat?

loopylou711 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:26:01 GMT

I have to say as Claire works in a cat based practice, i am more than inclinded to accept that maybe she has a deeper understanding of cats!

Is jenyy something (sorry) not a behavoirist! Lets ask the expert and not start some squablles!!

Re: Evil Cat?

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:24:49 GMT

[quote user="StephSVN"]

This is the cat in question, asleep in the middle of the lounge!

Sorry if its huge, first time I've added a picture!

[/quote]

aww she's tooo cute!!! another toy to recommend is Da Bird. it's amazing and full of hours of fun haha my lot will actually break into the larder where we keep it and drag it to us, at all hours.

Re: Evil Cat?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:24:48 GMT

I very rarely have a single cat - they have to have somebody to keep them company when I am working. have to admit both of mine are little heathens tho not really evil as such but like to push the limits on naughtiness

Re: Evil Cat?

loopylou711 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:22:02 GMT

well I have 3 cats. Poppy is 7 month and she lovesss to chase feet! Your walking and she chases feet, oh and if she catches you climbing into bed you better be carfeful cos she is going to try and climb your leg!

If she get too "hyper" a scruff of the neck and holding her for 5 minutes calms her right down and she will go get a toy and play. Or rather i get a toy for her to play with, problem usually sorted.

The other problem we have with Niamh is shoulder cuddles! she 18 months old, the weight of a full grown cat and loveeesss to jump onto shoulders, mine only occasionly the bfs! A real pain but i can never ever get cross at her for it cos she usually just wants to give me a cuddle and kiss!

I would say scruff the cat, raise voice (no niceness) a lil tell her shes bad and then go get a toy! Works for me!!

Oh can i recommend a kickaroo? (sp) they are like just under a fiver but awesome for getting some anger out! They basically kick them to hell! My niamh loves hers and so does Luka!

Sorry i have rambled and been no use!!

Re: Evil Cat?

loopylou711 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:22:00 GMT

If she get too "hyper" a scruff of the neck and holding her for 5 minutes calms her right down and she will go get a toy and play. Or rather i get a toy for her to play with, problem usually sorted.

I would say scruff the cat, raise voice (no niceness) a lil tell her shes bad and then go get a toy! Works for me!!

Oh can i recommend a kickaroo? (sp) they are like just under a fiver but awesome for getting some anger out! They basically kick them to hell! My niamh loves hers and so does Luka!

Sorry i have rambled and been no use!!

Re: Evil Cat?

StephSVN — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:21:27 GMT

This is the cat in question, asleep in the middle of the lounge!

Sorry if its huge, first time I've added a picture!

Re: Evil Cat?

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:17:23 GMT

[quote user="Claire BearRVN"]

[quote user="StephB"]

Sounds like she's bored. would a play mate be an option? a neutered male would do the trick I imagine.

[/quote]

I would discourage introducing other cats personally. Cats are not biologically wired to require a companion, unlike dogs or humans. Can cause more stress.

I would advise more play, environmental enrichment to alleviate boredom before adding other cats to the equation.

Ideally a cat with similar personality or opposite sex or littermate would be perfect. but still no guarantees

Just my opinion though

[/quote]

cats actually do very well with company in their lives as playmates or companions in a home where they might not have the amount of entertainment that they might require. For example Bengals, do much better going to new homes in pairs and are less likely to have behavioural problems in pairs or with a house mate than they would be in an isolated single home environment. this is just my personal experience and opinion though as a breeder of 4yrs and cat fancier of 25 yrs, you have more experience as a nurse so maybe i've missed something?

If done correctly and introduce properly into a new home cats can cope and tolerate one another very well. The problem comes when things are rushed or pairs are not compatible, which is always going to be a risk taken. But from the sounds of this little girl, she's bored and wants a playmate or more time from her owners. She's attention seeking and it's being misinterpreted as 'evil' and 'naughty' when in her eyes, she receiving a telling off, which to her could easily be misconstrued as just the attention she's seeking. She may not be able to decipher the difference between positive and negative attention, but only seeing it as a simple response.

Increased activity and maybe some Zylkene to help her cope with the time you can't give her would be my first suggestion with the possibility of a playmate in future. Kitten or young adolescent male would make a good match i reckon. just my opinion though, I would also suggest contacting Jenny T she's an excellent source and wealth of information when it comes to behaviour. :)

Re: Evil Cat?

Claire Cameron — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:54:54 GMT

[quote user="StephB"]

Sounds like she's bored. would a play mate be an option? a neutered male would do the trick I imagine.

[/quote]

I would discourage introducing other cats personally. Cats are not biologically wired to require a companion, unlike dogs or humans. Can cause more stress.

I would advise more play, environmental enrichment to alleviate boredom before adding other cats to the equation.

Ideally a cat with similar personality or opposite sex or littermate would be perfect. but still no guarantees

Just my opinion though