Feline behaviour

Re: Feline behaviour

FionaA — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:08:33 GMT

Hi Sam

A really good book to dip in and out of is Sarah Heath 'Why Does My Cat' it has a good section on fighting.

Fiona

Re: Feline behaviour

Emma Bartlett — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:49:57 GMT

I agree with rehoming or have you thought of using Valerian? Dorwest and Denes do versions for cats and dogs (also scullcap and valerian from Dorwest is excellent)

Re: Feline behaviour

Fiona Leathers — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:34:45 GMT

I would suggest rehoming! This house doesn't sound ideal for his personality!! No wonder he's fighting all the time - he's constantly in a fight or flight state of mind!!

Re: Feline behaviour

Anonymous — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:28:14 GMT

I should probably add only remove the Feliway if it's been used for a while now. If they've just started using it keep it in and try the Zylkene also not locking him away would be ideal! and maybe spending a bit more time with him. Putting the dogs in crates would also be helpful so that the cat has access to the house with out fear and can see and come to the dogs on his own terms. Also sprinkling some of the used old litter from the boxes he uses round the perimeter of the home would be helpful to establish a territory for him.

Re: Feline behaviour

Anonymous — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:15:57 GMT

Personally I would get rid of the Feliway altogether. He now associates it's smell with being locked in a room and fear. It's probably a waste of time for them tbh. I would suggest upping the Zylkene to two at once SID instead of the usual one SID. I would also suggest he's re-homed somewhere he can roam and be on his own. Ovarid is used for behavioural issues but I don't think this would be one of those issues. Sounds like the cat needs a quiet home with lots of attention and time. outdoor access in a garden or out in the sticks and spoiling! there are other anti anxiety medications that would be last resort if a suitable home can not be found, but then you go down the route of having a drugged cat... some vets in the US use some with great success.

Re: Feline behaviour

Claire Cameron — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:50:05 GMT

Keep up Zylkene and Feliway and reiterate importance of compliance (not to mention waste of £££ if not using correctly)

Places for cats to hide, no shared resources so area to hide, litter tray (1 per cat plus 1 extra), play area, eating areas seperate.

High areas to hide/perch on.

With regards to fighting with other cats outside, sounds like he's defending his territory I don't really know what to suggest about uncontrolled areas outside?

Re: Feline behaviour

Anonymous — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:11:38 GMT

ok just got a bit more info, sounds a bit of a nightmare!

Lives with a GSD and a JRT and another cat who is so scarred of the dogs it barely comes in the house. in the day while the owner is at work the dogsget shut in the kitchen and the problem cat gets shut in the bedroom with the fekiway on but he goes crazy scratching at the windows to get out!

They only have 2 litter trays - told them about the 1 per cat plus 1 rule.

He only ever fights with male cats.