LoveToKnow Cats:Custom Cat Behavior Advice

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Past Questions

Question: I have a male Bengal mix; he's about 15 months old, and very hyper active. I'm having behavioral problems, he is running wild, climbing the door facings, the wall, knocking everything off the counter, just whatever he can get into. recently, he has started to attack you when you move, and won't let you sleep. I called my vet, asked if there is anything I can give him to try and calm him down. He told me to try Homeopet Anxiety TFLN - Calming Drops For Cats & Dogs! I've tried this product. It sort of seems to make him even worse, but will eventually calm him down for a little bit and he'll sleep. He has been on it for about a week now, and it doesn't seem to help anymore! :( I'm to the point that I have to get rid of him, if something doesn't give! If you can help me with any suggestions? Thanks! - Posted by: bengals_lookin_4_homes@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Jenni,

It sounds like a very stressful situation for you. I'm so sorry you've gone through this. A couple of things. First, some of this is kitten behavior that you can eventually train him out of and that he will calm down as he gets older.

The drops have worked for many pet owners, but seem to have a cumulative effect. The longer you use them, the better they should work.

You need to combine that with training him what is and isn't acceptable. My biggest concern is about him attacking you. The other things are a nuisance, but he'll likely outgrow them on time.

In the wild and with their litters of brothers and sisters, cats play attack one another. When a cat bites another cat or kicks with his claws, it doesn't hurt, because cats have thicker skin than we do. However, when a cat tries to play with a human in this manner, it does hurt and is a behavior that has to stop.

Bengals are notorious for behavior problems, but are an intelligent breed and easily trained.

Here are some things you can try that may help:

Firmly tell him no when he does something undesirable. For example, if he attacks you, set him aside and say no and then ignore him completely.

Some people find that a spray bottle with water helps to deter cats from undesirable behaviors or keep them from areas they don't want the cat to roam.

Sprays meant to repel cats can be sprayed in certain areas.

Confine the cat at night in a small room with litter and water or crate the cat. Cats tend to prefer a small space as opposed to a crate, but if you have no other choice a, a roomy crate can help.

Another option you might want to try is to clicker train your cat. These small clickers can be purchased at any pet supply store and can be used with cats and dogs. You can visit ClickerTraining.com for some specifics on different types of clicker training, but the basic idea is that you teach the cat the behaviors you want him to have through positive reinforcement via the clicker and treats.

I hope some of these ideas work for you and I think the cat will naturally settle down a bit as he gets older and more mature. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a cat that is around three years old. We took her in, had her spayed and de-clawed. She is very talkative and meows a lot. She is constantly dragging towels, socks, pants or whatever she can up or down the steps. When she does, she lets out this loud meow that sounds totally different than her regular meow. Any answers to what she is up too? - Posted by: mecbonetti@msn.com

Answer: Hi Margaret,

This is one of those things that falls under strange behavior. There are several trains of thought on why cats do this, but cat behavior experts aren't completely certain.

Cats smell your scent on the items. Carrying them around brings comfort, because the item reminds the cat of you.
It is a result of their ancient hunting instinct. Does she make any strange gutteral sounds or growls?
She is playing with the items, because she associated their scent and you with play time and happy memories.
She sees you as a mother figure and the scent of the items is comforting to her.
She wants your attention.

Cats are strange creatures. I once had a cat that would sit on his hindquarters in my dad's recliner with his belly exposed and make the strangest noises. It was almost as though he was saying that it was his chair and not to disturb him. We never figured out why he did this, but it gave us a lot of laughs.

It's hard to say exactly why she is doing this. If the behavior bothers you, then I'd be sure items were picked up so that she can't get a hold of them. However, if you're just curious about why she is doing this, I'd probably leave her alone. She may outgrow the behavior as she gets older or she may always do it. It's just a quirk of her personality. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My wife and I have three cats. We recently picked up a stray kitten from a KFC parking lot (she/he was flirting with us). We got the kitten home and put it in our garage, thinking that we'd get it to a vet to make sure it could hang around our other cats and then adopt it out via our school or church. Well, this isn't how things have gone. The kitten remains unbelievably elusive. It won't meow under any circumstances (save one exception, when it was teasing us), and it only comes out at some random point in the night to eat its food and use its box. We've seen a darting figure here and there, but it's impossible to find no matter how we tear apart the garage. I'm afraid it's never going to civilize, and I know I can't adopt it out without capturing it or getting it to the vet. What to do? Thanks! - Posted by: fkatz@stratford.org

Answer: Hi Oomab,

Boy! You do have a serious problem with this cat stowing away in your garage in this way. How strange that he/she would be so friendly and then would hide out. You don't mention how long this has been going on. It is possible that he/she will come out once used to the new setting.

If not, you can try withholding food for a day (I wouldn't do this too long with a kitten as it might grow ill). After 24 hours, go into the garage and shake a small bowl of cat food, but do not put it down. See if the kitten comes out. Another option would be to try something like tuna and see if the cat will come out for that.

Make sure that you talk softly and don't move around a lot.

If this doesn't work, try sitting very quietly in front of the food and water bowls. Don't move if you see the kitten come out, just wait until he or she gets within range and then move very slowly and see if he or she will allow you to stroke his back.

I really do think that the cat will come out on his own given a little time, but if all of the above fails there are some safe traps for cats on the market. You can often find them at your local pet supply store. Simply place the food inside the trap. While this wouldn't be my first choice in how to catch the kitten as it might scare him a bit, it may become necessary if he doesn't come out on his own soon.

Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I found a stray cat on my porch, so I took him in and kept him in a room by himself. I have other cats, so I got him in to my vet. He was examined and given a feline leukemia test. He was fine, so we kept him. He seemed very loving, he would headbutt, but when I went to pet him he'd scratch me. Here it is, six weeks later, and I am leery about petting him. Last night he jumped up on my lap and I petted him and that was fine and then he went over to my daughter and she petted him and he scratched her. Will he come around to being in our family and what can we do to help him? I don't want to get rid of him. Can you help me please? - Posted by: jostroze@roadrunner.com

Answer: Hi Joan,

I'm so sorry you are having this trouble. He sounds like a sweet cat, but he just doesn't understand how dangerous his claws are.

Although some people are opposed to declawing because it is a pretty intrusive procedure for the cat and involves removing bones, in this case, you may want to consider it. Since there is a child involved, you certainly can't risk her getting an infection or becoming scared of animals. He may still use his teeth if he gets scared, but it is usually less likely and easier to see coming than a scratch.

That is one option. Another option is to get the little caps that go over cat's nails and/or to clip his nails. This is assuming you can get him to cooperate. You may have to take him to a groomer or vet if he is too feisty and you choose not to declaw him.

Another thing you can do is to keep a spray bottle with water nearby. When he scratches, firmly tell him no and give him a little spray.

None of these options are perfect and have drawbacks. For example, the use of the spray bottle may risk him becoming frightened of being near you.

We once had a very sweet male cat who would come up and just dig into your legs. He wasn't being mean. He just didn't realize it hurt. We did opt to have him declawed. However, it took him a while to recover from the declawing, so it isn't an easy or simple procedure and there are costs involved. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and you have to decide what is the best fit for your family and your pet.

I hope this gives you some ideas - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have two cats, and I will be moving to New Mexico. We will be driving all the way and making the occasional food and bathroom stop. We have taken the cats on a few long drives, but my male cat drools a lot and acts scared. The female cat doesn't stop whining. We don't have cat carriers and were planning on letting them lay where ever they please in our Blazer, but how do I help them calm for a 12 hour drive a day for three days with a few pit stops? - Posted by: twosmrt4mypnts@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Cora,

Oh my! This sounds like a trip for the record books. Although the cats will likely settle down after a while, most cats do not like to travel. Cats are creatures of habit and it is often just too much change too fast for them. This results in hyperventilating, drooling, loud yowling and other unseemly behaviors.

First, if there is any way at all you can get a couple of cat crates, I would invest in them. There are so many horror stories of pet owners traveling with their pets outside of crates the animals escaping and being lost in a place the pet doesn't know and the owner doesn't know. This can be truly tragic for both owner and cat.

If you absolutely cannot afford crates, then at least put your cats on a harness and leashes and never ever open the car door until the leashes are on and the leash firmly in your hand. While a cat that hasn't been trained won't walk easily on the leash, it will afford you some control if the cat makes a bolt for the door.

You may want to have a discussion with your vet about sedatives if the cat gets too out of control. You don't want the cat to be a danger to itself or to you as a driver.

Make sure the cats have food and water on the trip. You don't want them to get dehydrated and you may want to figure out a way to set up at least a makeshift litter box.

Once you arrive at your destination, do not let the cats outside for a minimum of three weeks, although I recommend making cats indoor cats whenever possible for their safety.

Hopefully, the cats will settle down once you are on the road for a while. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi there, My 18-month-old cat Ollie has recently started trying to open the kitchen cupboard doors during the night, and all I can hear is them banging shut and it's waking me up. It's driving me mad! I don't let him go anywhere else in the house at night as he always comes upstairs and scratches my bedroom door. He has been shut in the kitchen since he was a kitten, so it's not a recent thing. I have thought about child locks but it still doesn't solve the problem of the banging of the doors. I have moved the food tin into another room, but he still continues to open the cupboards. I have even put a chair in front of the cupboard and he managed to move it! He's super strong! Is there anything I can do that will get him to leave them alone? Would a cat spray like what you use on furniture work? I can't leave him out at night as he likes to come in. What can I do? Please help! - Posted by: Ollie@lulus-cards.co.uk

Answer: Hi Louise,

Ollie sounds like quite a character. Is he home alone during the day? If so, he is likely sleeping all day and then is ready to play and be active at night. Cats tend to be nocturnal anyway, so when you are winding down he is just getting wound up.

There are several things I would try to solve this problem. First, make sure he has a little food out in case he is actually hungry at night and hunting for food.

Second, go ahead and use the cat spray you mentioned. Be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area to be sure it won't stain your cabinets. I have also hear people say that sprinkling a little red pepper on things can deter cats, so you could try sprinkling some red pepper in front of the cabinet.

Place aluminum foil or contact paper (sticky side up) on the floor in front of the cabinets. He will not like walking on this. You shouldn't have to do this forever. You are simply trying to break a bad habit he is forming.

If these measures do not help, then you may need to find another room for him at night or crate him.

Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat is 11 years old. We have a 15-month-old daughter. Today the cat was lying on the sofa and she went up and touched his leg and he scratched her arm. There was a small amount of blood. My husband wants to get rid of the cat and I feel guilty either way. Usually my cat doesn't mind being petted, but it seems like he doesn't like our daughter. When he goes to the vet, he has to be drugged for them to do an exam. What should I do? - Posted by: slvalentine05@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Stephanie,

Not many cats like to be touched on the feet or tail. It is sort of like invading their private parts that they don't want touched.

The problem here is really that you have a young child that you are still trying to teach how to be gentle with a pet and where to pet the kitty, so kitty doesn't get upset. However, at fifteen months, your daughter simply isn't old enough to understand. Now, please don't misunderstand me. It is never too early to take her hand and show her how to gently pet the pat on the back and not ruffle the fur. She just will have to be reminded a lot and your cat isn't going to like her much until she gets older.

I have always owned cats and have two daughters. By the time the girls were three or four, the cats liked them just fine.

Also, though, your husband is concerned for your daughter's well-being and safety. He is just being a good father, so if you want to keep the cat you have to find a way to relieve his fears.

You have a few options and you may want to do more than one of these and combine them:

You can step in any time you see your daughter approaching the cat and help her pet the kitty gently and monitor the situation closely.

You can get the cat declawed. Some people are very much against this as it is a painful process for the cat. However, if you feel it is a safety issue for your family, then it may be something you choose. The cat will still have teeth however, so this isn't foolproof and he may just decide to bite if your daughter gets too rough or scares him.

You can find the cat a new, loving home. This would hopefully be with a family member or friend, so you could still visit.

It sounds like your cat may be a bit temperamental in certain situations anyway. This isn't any fault of yours at all. It is just the way the cat is wired. In the past, when situations have arisen between my husband and myself with a dispute over my animals (which I'm nuts for and him not quite as much), I write out all of my thoughts on how best to hand the situation. I then either hand him the letter or I talk to him when he is in a good mood. I try to listen with an open mind. Sometimes we'll come up with a solution that I hadn't thought of on my own.

Good luck. I know it can be difficult when you love an animal but you are concerned about its behavior or your husband is upset. We once had a dog that we had to find a new home, because he hated little kids and we had one, who he also hated. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have adopted a kitten about a month ago now. She is now 8 or 9 weeks old. She suddenly started to eliminate outside of the litter box when she was normally very good about it. I took her to the vet and it is due to medical reasons. But before knowing it was medical, I was getting frustrated at the situation. I am so sorry to say that one day I got fed up and disciplined her. I regret it terribly. Before that time, she was VERY receptive to me and loved to cuddle and tolerated all petting all the time. Now, understandably though, she is somewhat fearful. She will voluntarily come to me if I call her, but when I move to pet her or hold her like I used to she runs away. She will not lay with me on the couch anymore, but she does hang around the area where I am. She will still sleep with me, but at the end of the bed instead of on top of me. So is there ANYTHING I can do to gain the trust back in me and get things the way they used to be? - Posted by: Michi155@msn.com

Answer: Hi Michele,

This is a good question. Even pet lovers get frustrated and have bad days. Animals are usually very forgiving. Don't beat yourself up too much. Just take it as a learning experience and go from there. None of us are perfect.

It sounds like your anger probably frightened her quite a bit. You are exactly right that you're going to have to work at regaining her trust. Your cat may not even realize what it was that triggered your anger. She may just be waiting for the next explosion. Just keep coaxing her, petting her, picking her up and loving her and she will eventually come around. Do not just leave her alone as this is a critical time when she needs to be handled a lot and bond with you. Even if she seems reluctant, go ahead and pick her up and cuddle her. She may even be taking some cues from your behavior and since you are feeling guilty, perhaps you are not as cuddly as you once were :)

Over time, she will come to see that you mean her no harm and she should warm back up. Some cats are more sensitive than others too.

Now, all that said, this type of discipline really does not work well with cats. You've already discovered that for yourself, but in future keep in mind that positive reinforcement works best with felines. They thrive on encouragement. So, while you might give her a firm no if you see her starting to defecate outside of the litter box, you wouldn't spank her or scream. Then, when she does go inside the litter box, you will immediately praise her when she comes out by petting her or even giving a treat.

Good luck. I hope your relationship with your cat is restored soon and things get back to normal. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My boy cat has been missing seven days - he is ten months old and not neutered yet. I also have his sister and she is spayed and pining for him. He has never been away before - if he is after female cats in heat, how long would he be away? I am so worried about him. Thank you! - Posted by: francespiacun@xtra.co.nz

Answer: Hi Frances,

Male cats that are not neutered do tend to wander. Yes, he is likely on the prowl for a female cat, especially if there are any unspayed cats in the neighborhood or strays.

I once had a male cat stay gone for two weeks, before returning home. That said, it really isn't safe for him to wander in this way. There are many natural predators for cats, including coyotes, stray or roaming dogs and even cars. Okay, a car isn't technically a predator, but can be just as deadly.

I would go ahead and start a neighborhood wide search for him. The best thing you can do is to make up fliers with his picture and details. Be sure to include when he went missing, any personality quirks, his name and your telephone number.

Put these in the newspaper boxes (not the mailbox) of houses in your area. You may also want to post a copy in the laundry mats and library and post office.

If someone has spotted him, they will call you. Once you have him safely back home, I'd go ahead and get him neutered as soon as possible. Not only will it lessen his desire to roam away from home, but it will prevent some undesirable behaviors, such as spraying.

I hope he comes home soon! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have two cats who are about three or four years old. They both got adopted about the same time, so they have never been apart. One is gray and lazy, she just likes to sit around and watch. The other is extremely hyper, meows incessantly and always gets into and onto everything. They have never been outdoors. They are spayed and declawed in the front. Recently I moved to a new home and had a baby three months ago. They don't really bother her but the amount of hair that is all over everything is getting terribly bothersome not to mention the fact that I barely have time to feed and clean their litter box, much less play with them. My daycare worker says that cats don't need that much attention and I think that if it was just the gray cat that would be true, but the other one needs constant attention and supervision. Unfortunately when I was single and didn't mind the hair, my roommate at the time and I never got them used to baths or grooming, so now when we try they FREAK out! I even got collars to try to keep a hold of them better but they snapped them both! The vet bill just for their shots is already $200 for the both of them. I feel bad because for the most part of the day and night we have to keep them in the basement and sometimes in the kitchen where there is a little window that they love because when we are gone or asleep the one gets into and breaks things or has a hairball all over the place! That's another problem, but I know it would be solved if we could bathe them more. We even bought the "furmanator" but neither my husband or myself can hold them down enough to get anything done. I just don't know what to do., I love them and would feel guilty giving them away. I would like them to be able to go outdoors, we have a fenced in back yard but my husband says they will die for sure then. I just don't think I can take care of them appropriately anymore. Not with a three month old. What do you think I should do? Thanks for any advice you can give me! heather - Posted by: heatherhiggins07@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Heather,

You sound really overwhelmed. It can be hard to care for a newborn baby, pets, a household and any other responsibilities you have. Not to mention, you also have to deal with postpartum blues and lack of sleep.

First, I want you to take a deep breath. It's going to be okay and it will all work out.

There are several things I want to point out that might help you. However, if you do choose to find the cats a new home, you really should not feel guilty. If your current situation does not allow you to give them what you feel they need, then you are actually doing the loving thing in finding them a good home. It is hard to give a pet up, but perhaps you could find a friend or family member to take these cats. That way, you could still visit and see them.

If that simply is not an option you can live with, I think you need to figure out how to mesh them into your household a bit better. Locking them away in the basement isn't good for them or for your own peace of mind. I realize they do shed, but they are going to shed in the basement as well and you'll have to clean that up.

Let's talk about how you can mesh them into your household a bit more in case you do decide to keep these cats. First, your husband is right. Outdoors are not typically very safe for cats these days. There are many communicable diseases they can catch, which there are no vaccines for. In addition, they would be at danger from roaming dogs and coyotes. If they've never been outside, they may be very skittish as well.

First, I would cat-proof your house, just as you've likely done for your new baby. Put away anything breakable. On the hairballs, do you mean that the cat coughs them up? If this is what you mean, it can be better controlled through diet and regular brushing. Most cats enjoy being brushed with a regular cat brush, so this probably wouldn't be as much of a chore as trying to bathe the, when they despise being bathed.

Ask your husband to take turns and try to brush them every day. This way, it won't be as much of a chore for you. Another idea is to hire a neighborhood child to come in and brush them once a day. Most kids love making a little extra pocket change and enjoy cats.

Are there certain areas that you consider off limits, such as the baby's room? You simply need to get into the habit of shutting the door of any rooms where the cats aren't allowed. Actually, I recommend that all the bedrooms be off limits, but that you let the cats roam the kitchen and regular living areas. This also limits the places where they have fur that needs to be cleaned up.

Next, switch them to the highest quality cat food you can afford, with lots of Omega 3 and oils. There are even some special foods on the market that are specifically formalated to prevent hairballs. I think this will also help them shed a bit less.

I hope some of these ideas help, but please remember that you should not feel guilty should you decide to not keep them. Cats may not like change, but if they are in a loving home they will adjust. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: We recently acquired a female cat from a family member. The cat is three years of age. From the time that the cat has come into the new home, all she has done is hide away in a closet or underneath the bed. At times she will come out and sniff the members of the home all while meowing and hissing as well. She still seems a bit sad. However, she allows people to touch every now and a again. She also is not eating at all, neither wet nor dry food. We understand that the cat is in a new environment and has only been around for few days, but we were wondering if you knew of any way to make the cat feel more comfortable, or any reasons for her behavior. - Posted by: alewis_21@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Anderson,

This poor little cat is just having a hard time adjusting to this very big change in her life. Cats have personalities, just like people do. Just as some people adjust to change better than others, so some cats adjust to change better than others. It sounds like this cat is particularly resistant to change.

She's been taken from her home and from a family she likely loved very much and plopped into a new environment. In this new environment big creatures try to coax her out of her safe little hiding spot and get her to eat food she isn't sure she likes or wants. She is confused and scared.

Probably the best thing you can do at this point is to isolate her to one specific part of the house. For example, if you plan to keep her litter box in the laundry room, go ahead and isolate her there with the box, food and water and a warm cozy bed where she can sleep.

Each family member should go in one at a time to great her and see if she will allow them to pet her. The exception to this is any small children under about the age of five. I would just keep them away for now until the cat grows more comfortable with her new surroundings. You don't want any little ones getting scratched or bitten.

It may take a week or two for her to begin to warm up. Once she does, you can try opening the door and seeing if she wants to explore the rest of the house.

By isolating her in this way, you give her a safe spot to hide away, but she can begin to get used to the smells and sounds of your household. By going in and greeting her one person at a time, she will start to know you but in a non-threatening way and it won't be as overwhelming as everyone trying to pet her at once.

I hope some of these ideas help. Please update us in a couple of weeks and let us know how it's going. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Do calico cats spend most of their day sleeping? - Posted by: salmonman@wi.rr.com

Answer: Hi Lauren,

Cats sleep a lot. In fact, the average cat sleeps between 13-18 hours a day. How long and deep a cat sleeps can depend upon his or her age and other factors.

Also, cats are nocturnal predators. If you are hoome with your cat during the day, you may notice that he or she sleeps a lot during daylight hours, but wakes up in the evenings. This is very normal for cats. The trick is training the cat to not wake you when they roam the house. Cats can be trained to sleep more at night, if they have a lot of play and stimulation during the day.

Although cats sleep a lot, much of it is a light dose. You've probably noticed that your cat sometimes sits with eyes half closed or will turn and jump immediately if someone or something approaches.

Calicos are not any more prone to long naps than other breeds. All that said, if you feel your cat is more lethargic than normal or has had a major change in sleeping habits, it might be best to go ahead and take a trip to the vet for a checkup. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi. My two male cats, who are around eight months old, have recently started going out in the garden. We are always with them when they go out and are out for around an hour at a time. The last few times, the bigger of the two has began panting and his breath is very quick. When he comes in, it lasts for approximately 5-10 minutes then stops. He has never done this before inside and the first time he had probably over-exerted himself but the other couple of times he hadn't been going mad. It has been pretty hot out, so I put a bowl of water in the shade and he went up to it but didn't have any. Is this something to worry about? Thanks! - Posted by: alisonlouisehenderson@yahoo.co.uk

Answer: Hi Ali,

If he is still new to the outdoors, it is possible that he is just scared. Since he is otherwise acting normally, I wouldn't worry about this just yet. He my simply be hyperventillating. I had a kitten that would pant this way whenever we took her in a car. She never did learn to like the car and would yowl when put in it, but she did stop the panting eventually.

If you notice he is panting at other times, or any other symptoms, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, then I'd go ahead and take him to the vet. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: How do Maine Coon cats deal with being placed in someone else's home while we vacation? Do they adapt well or are they really stressed when taken out of their environment? Thank you - Posted by: sanlos@aol.com

Answer: Hi Sandra,

A lot depends upon the individual cat's personality, but it is stressful for most cats to be moved from place to place. It would be much better to leave your cat in his or her home and have someone come in and check on the cat or cat-sit for you. If that is not an option, then you may have to just give it a try with the other household. Be sure to stress that your cat is not to be let outside or he/she may wander off and be unfamiliar with the sitter's house and unable to find his/her way back. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a ten-year-old neutered male that is our "barn" cat. He is a 24/7 outdoor cat and has managed to survive for ten years in our barn. Recently, a stray tom cat has been frequenting the farm and the two males have been fighting. Our male is no match for the larger, younger male. However, our neutered male will not back down. He has been at the vet twice now, with bites to his neck and hind legs. My question is whether these fights could escalate to where the younger cat would kill the older one? I have tried unsuccessfully to find our cat a home. We do not live at the farm, so only have the opportunity to check on him once a week. We have food and water in a second location, so he "could" avoid the Tom cat and simply not spend him time in the barn. However, apparently, that is "home". It is hard to transplant a cat who is basically feral, and I wonder if his staying at home and taking his chance with the other male would be any less kind than throwing him into a strange environment? However, I don't want to see him killed either. I don't know how big a risk that might be? - Posted by: brenda.leppington@accesscomm.ca

Answer: Hi Brenda,

The younger cat could harm him pretty bad, but if he is fighting back and otherwise in good health, the fight itself likely won't kill him. A secondary infection or such might, however. My advice would be to try to trap the younger cat and take it to a local no-kill animal rescue center. Since that cat is younger, it is less likely to be as traumatic for him to move and you'll also be cutting down on the feral cat population because the shelter will neuter him.

There are many different cat traps on the market. You can ask your local animal supply store for help. Hope that helps. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Three wild, feral female kittens were left in my yard by their mother a year ago, and now all three have had a litter. My question is: Is it normal for them to nurse each others kittens? The kittens don't seem to care either! - Posted by: pwsimpson@bellsouth.net

Answer: Hi Peggy,

It sounds like a close family. The kittens are simply nursing from their aunts. I would try to catch those kittens as soon as possible (and the mother cats) and have them all spayed and neutered. Otherwise, you are going to be completely overrun with wild cats. They can breed again fairly quickly and the kittens as young as five or six months. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat is driving me and my family CRAZY!! My cat scratches the couch and other stuff like my new chair. We are so frustrated and my mom refuses to get a scratching post for my cat to scratch. She says they are too expensive and we can't afford one. We are losing sleep, because he has lungs of steel, crying until someone lets him out at 1 AM!! we are very tired daily and our grandma isn't too happy about the destruction of her furniture. PLEASE HELP, WE ARE DESPARATE!!! - Posted by: a_a5@tmail.com

Answer: Hi Cindy,

It sounds like this cat has the whole household in an uproar. I'm so sorry that you're going through this. First, if the cat is still a kitten, some of this may be kitten behavior and the cat may outgrow some of these things.

On the scratching post, you can purchase fairly inexpensive ones at Wal-mart, or you could make your own. LoveToKnow has a great article on scratching posts. And there are directions for building your own post in the article Homemade Cat Toys. As for the crying to go outside, you may want to make the cat use a litter box and just never let him outside. It may be rough for a few nights, but kitty will eventually realize you aren't going to budge on letting him outside. When we moved, our outdoor cat became an indoor cat to protect her from coyotes. It was rough at first, but she's adjusted well. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: This may seem like a silly question, but what can I get as a natural cat repellent for my out side garden? I want to do no harm to our neighbors cats, but we just spent a lot of money on landscaping and put in a rock garden, and the cats seem to think it's a large litter box. Please help if you can. Thanks. - Posted by: love569@msn.com

Answer: Hi Marilyn,

Actually, it is a very good question. Moth balls and some of the other repellents can be harmful to cats.

I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, try crushed red pepper. I have heard that felines do not like it and will stay away. Also, cats have somewhat tender feet, so putting something like some pine cones around will sometimes prevent felines from treading in the area.

Other ideas include motion activated sprinklers and a product called Cat Stop, which emits a high pitched sound only the cats can hear and will repel them.

Also, many of the pet supply stores have sprays and mixes that are safe but will deter pets from certain areas.

If all else fails, try speaking to your neighbor about the problem. The neighbor may not be aware that his/her cats are using your mulch and landscaping as a litter box and may be willing to keep the cats indoors.

Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My husband and I recently adopted a six-week-old kitten from the SPCA. We've had her for a little over a week now and she still won't approach either of us. We have a three-year-old male cat and to my surprise, the two of them are getting along great. In fact, the only time she will come out of hiding is if he's around. I understand that every kitten is different and it can take a while for them to become completely comfortable with their surroundings. I just want to make sure that this type of behavior is normal. - Posted by: reneegorman@gmail.com

Answer: Hi Renee,

I understand your concern. The kitten should begin to adjust to her surroundings and new family. I would try to get some background on her from the ASPCA. For example, was she possibly a feral kitten? Or maybe she was not handled much? Since she is still so young, I encourage you to find her and give her treats and begin slowly approaching her with the treats and petting her. Get her slowly used to your touch and attention. The goal is to begin holding her as soon as possible. She is at the perfect age to be socialized and become a loving and affectionate cat one day. However, if you leave her alone and let her hide, she may continue with this behavior into adulthood.

It is great that she and the other cat are getting along. That is one less stress for her and will definitely help her and your cat both adjust to the change. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have two cats, and they're both fine, but I'm really curious about one behavior the oldest cat displays. She loves being on my lap, and will hop up whenever she sees a space she can fit on, but lately I have noticed that instead of facing me, she turns her back to me. Often she'll do it it order to face my husband, so she can sit on my lap and be patted by both of us, but now she simply won't turn to face me at all even when I'm sitting alone. She's very affectionate to me, lots of rubbing and licking, but why the change in this particular? - Posted by: dicere@bigpond.com

Answer: Hi Kim,

I wouldn't worry about this at all since she is still so affectionate. She likely just wants to see what is going on in the room and also enjoys the extra attention she is getting from your husband. She sounds like a very sweet cat. Enjoy! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a calico cat has a strange quirk. She seem to "nurse" on my satin PJ's, and only when they are on me, she doesn't do it to anyone else. She kneads and licks and nuzzles, and purrs and purrs and purrs. I thought it was strange when she was a kitten, but she's now 13!!! She was about four months old when we got her. Any ideas why she is STILL doing this? - Posted by: christinebrittcpa@verizon.net

Answer: Hi Christine,

The good news is that she sees you as a mother figure and feels content and secure with you. This is a kitten behavior. The bad news is that if you don't care for it, it's unlikely she'll stop after all these years. However, it is very instinctive and loving behavior. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: We have just renovated our house and our seven-year-old cat (who lives inside) has taken to scratching the newly painted surfaces of the walls and corners. It is driving me insane, and is costing money now that I have had to sand and repaint some parts of the wall. What might deter her from doing this? We have offered her a scratching post, but she doesn't use it. - Posted by: jaishane@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Shane,

How aggravating. She seems to think you've renovated your house into her personal playhouse. There are a couple of things you can try. First, there are sprays on the market that deter pets from certain areas. You an pick these up from your local pet supply store. Try spraying the wall (test a small spot to make sure it doesn't stain first) where she is scratching.

Another thing you can try is to get the plastic carpet runner and turn them upside down, so that the pointy side faces up and place it under the area you do not want your cat to go. For example, if you are trying to break your cat from jumping on the counters, you would place the mats on the floor under the counters. In this case, you'd place them on the floor next to the wall.

Hope these ideas help! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Our cat always tips over glasses of water, where ever they are. My husband is fed up with it and is refusing to stop leaving full glasses of water around. Help! - Posted by: misbuzz@sbcglobal.net

Answer: Hi Missy,

My cat does this as well. I really doesn't matter if her water bowl has just been refilled five minutes ago, she still does this. I think she likes cold water.

It really sounds to me like your husband has the perfect solution. Stop leaving glasses of water around. It's going to be difficult to get her to stop doing it, because you don't want to punish her for drinking water after all. Since her behavior is going to be so tough to change, it would probably be much easier to change your habits. We've done that here and it really isn't as hard as you'd think.

There is one other option. Invest in those cups that have the lids - sort of like a travel cup. Then, if she knocks it over, very little will spill.

Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Why does my cat bite me (only) when I play with him? - Posted by: davedowd@verizon.net

Answer: Hi Dave,

It sounds like your cat may be getting overstimulated when you pet him. That just means that even though part of him likes the attention, part of him gets irritated.

The best way to gauge when to stop petting so that he does not bite is to watch his body language. Here are some signs that you should stop petting and let the cat calm down:

Dilated pupils
Ears laid back
Tail twitching

Hope this helps! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a cat who wants to be petted all the time and by everyone she meets. When I pet her, she sometimes reaches out her paw and runs it along my head. Occasionally, she does this when I'm not petting her. I have a suspicion that she enjoys being petted so much that she wants to return the favour and is trying to pet me back. Could this be true? Do you know of any other cats doing this? Thank you! - Posted by: beefybetty@gmail.com

Answer: Hi Mariah,

I actually have a cat that does this too. I think it is her way of getting my attention, but it's hard to say for sure. Cats are very smart creatures. Did you know that Meowese is a language cats use mainly to communicate with humans? In the wild, cats don't typically meow the way they do at us. They have other sounds they use when communicating with other cats.

She sounds like a very sweet cat :) - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Our kitten is about five and a half months old. We don't know when to let her outside alone for first time. She has been spayed and has all her injections, but doesn't respond brilliantly to her name. We have had her outside in the garden and along our road on a leash a few times. What do you suggest? Can you also include any advice you may have on helping to ensure our cat comes back? - Posted by: gary.payton@talk21.com

Answer: Hi Gary,

In the last few years, I have actually changed my thoughts on cats being outdoors. I used to always let my cats outdoors, as we lived rural but not really in the country. However, it did shorten their lives, even with shots and spaying/neutering.

Since she walks well on a leash, my recommendation would be to let her enjoy time outside when you can be out there with her. You may even want to consider a cat run, which will allow her to be outside but protected. Again, you should still supervise, as a roaming dog might try to get to her.

Coyotes are also in most areas of the country now. Unfortunately, one of the coyote's favorite snacks is cat.

So, to answer your question, I think the best way to get her to respond to her name is to use it every time you talk to her. Call her name when it's time to feed her as well. But, I would advise against letting her outside unsupervised. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Our cat has a toy that she carries all over the house, and howls when she does this. Then, her brother mounts her and bites her neck. They are eight years old and spayed and neutered. What does this mean? - Posted by: dickandlynn@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Richard,

It's hard to say why she is carrying the toy around, but it sounds pretty funny. Maybe she thinks it is a kitten, or perhaps she just wants her brother to know that it is her toy and he'd better leave it alone. If I could hear her yowl, I might be better able to guess as cats have different meows to mean different things.

The mounting is really a sign of aggression more than anything. If she is telling him that the toy is hers, he is just putting her in her place. Since he is neutered, he doesn't have the functions to mate. And since she is spayed, she isn't in heat to attract him anyway.

If the cats aren't hurting one another, then I wouldn't concern myself over this. Hope that helps! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a male neutered cat that has taken to chopping my house plants off at the stem. He does not eat them. Is there anything I can do short of putting them out of reach? I am at a loss as what to do, and why he has taken to doing this. I am a plant person which makes it all the more difficult for me. Have had him some five years. This seems to be a recent thing with him. '''HELP!''' - Posted by: nordonhouse@aol.com

Answer: Hi Norm,

I understand your frustration. I once had a beautiful spider plant that my cat ate down to a little stub. There are a couple of things you can try. Cats tend to not like citrus, so try placing some orange peels around the base of the plant. There are also some special sprays on the market that will repel your cat. You can get these at any pet supply store. Since your cat has started this, please be very careful not to have any plants that might be toxic to him. You can get a list of the more common toxic plants in our article Plants That Are Poisonous To Cats. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I got a four-month-old ragamuffin kitten a couple of weeks ago. I plan to take him to vet next week for vaccinations. In the meantime, I've encountered a few problems. First, is he defecates outside his litter box, even though I keep his box clean. What's worse is he has loose bowel movements and his feces are on his paws and he runs around my flat. The problem is there's no available kitten food in our place so I have been giving him adult cat food. What shall I do with the diarrhea? How can I stop him from defecting on floors? Second, he keeps on jumping onto my bed and plays there while I sleep. He has his own bed and he sleeps on it, but he seems to like my bed more. I play with him daily and he has many toys which he likes too. What can I do to discourage this? Last, he keeps biting me. Why and how can I stop him from doing this? - Posted by: alliazer_abdulhamid@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Ally,

First, I would go ahead and make the trip to the vet. The diarrhea could be caused by the food you are feeding him, but it could also be a sign of many different illnesses. Your vet may have to run a few tests. Once the diarrhea is cleared up, he will likely begin using the box again, but if not, lock him in a small area with his box, food and water for a week or so.

As for him jumping on your bed, cats are nocturnal and kittens are notoriously playful. For now, your only solution may be to place him in a separate room at night, so he doesn't wake you. As he gets older, you may be able to let him back into the bedroom again.

The biting is something that you do need to train him not to do. It is a natural reaction for a kitten to try to nip and bite. Cats have thicker skin than we humans have. A cat will often nip at his litter mates. We have to teach our cats that it hurts when they bite us in this way. There are a few steps you can take that will help your cat learn to not bite:

Do not jerk your hand away. When you do this, your cat thinks your hand is prey and he will be ready to play. Instead, slowly remove your hand and walk away from the kitten.

Never play with your kitten with your hands. Always use a toy on a stick or some distance from you.

If the cat will not release your hand, gently blow in his face.

Replace your hand with a toy.

Be patient as the kitten will improve as it matures.

Say, "No" in a firm voice.

Please avoid punishing the kitten as it can make him scared of you and even more aggressive. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi! My boyfriend just got a four-month-old kitten from a shelter. He's had Jack for a month and a half, and he is an extremely affectionate and sweet-natured kitten. However, every night, he insists on sleeping either on our necks or up against our faces. He will also come up to me while I am asleep and try to stick his mouth into my mouth! He only does this to me, and I have never heard of a cat doing this. It happens every night without fail, and he is very persistent. While he was in the shelter (he was there for three months), he always had another kitten to sleep with and bond to, as he is quite codependent. Is this just something cats do to each other? Thanks so much. - Posted by: Liz_Mannino@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Liz,

Jack sounds like a real sweetheart. You're very lucky to have such an affectionate and loving cat.

Just like people, cats have different personalities. Some enjoy cuddling and want to be right on top of their owners, while others like the foot of the bed.

Cats have scent glands in their faces that they do use when communicating with other cats. Have you ever noticed how he will rub the side of his face against a wall, furniture or your leg? This leaves his scent in those places. The scent is not perceptible to human noses, however. It is possible that he is simply trying to communicate with you. Or perhaps he is curious. I wouldn't worry too much, as long as he isn't aggressive. It sounds like an affectionate action. If it is keeping you awake, you may have to consider putting him in another room while you're sleeping. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: We have a six-year-old Maine-Coon male cat (Floyd) who, until a few weeks ago, absolutely loved being outside. However, he now seems to be afraid to go out unless we are with him, and has become very nervous outdoors. We suspect he has been frightened by a fox, which we have seen occasionally (and chased off by making a noise with saucepan lids). With this fear, Floyd is now toileting indoors and not always using his litter tray. Any advice anyone can give as to how we can help him overcome his fear of the outside would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. - Posted by: shirazvchablis@yahoo.co.uk

Answer: Hi Ed,

I have to be honest. I'm not sure helping him overcome the fear would be productive. If he is frightened, he likely has a good cause. To force him to go outside could have fatal consequences for your cat.

It sounds like you live in a rural area, which means there are probably many dangers for an outdoor cat. However, if you do choose to release him back outdoors, you can start by going outside with him or using a cat run to get him acclimated to be outside again. With time, he may overcome his fear.

I would also set up a secure area for the cat, where he can get away from any predators. You may want to look into some of the pet doors on the market that come with an electronic collar. These doors will only open for your pet when he is wearing that collar.

If you choose to bring him indoors, transition to this slowly as well. Set him up in a room with a litter box, food and water and keep him there for a minimum of one week. Ideally this would be the same room where the litter box will remain permanently. You'll also need to clean any areas where he has urinated or defecated with a good enzymatic cleaner.

My other concern would be that he has an underlying illness that is causing him to have accidents. I would keep a close eye on him and watch for the following signs:

Trouble urinating
Lack of appetite or thirst
Lethargy
Yowling in pain

Good luck! I hope your cat adjusts soon. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Why do our two cats (male & female) sometimes come up within inches of our face at night when we're sleeping? It is not too bothersome, but we wonder why they do it. They seem like they're sniffing us? - Posted by: dee.gregory@sbcglobal.net

Answer: Hi Dee,

Cats are naturally nocturnal. It is likely that they simply want to wake you up, so you can entertain them. I also have a Siamese that loves to be on top of me, she doesn't care where. It is her way of showing affection. She will purr and knead her paws. It is rather irritating when I am trying to sleep, so I simply put her in a contained area at night. She has her own room.

There is an old wives' tale about cats stealing a baby's breath. It is just that, a folktale. There is no documented evidence of this every happening. It is more likely that a baby might die from SIDS in a household that owns a cat. Perhaps the cat senses something wrong with the infant and gets into the crib to check on him or her.

At any rate, if it is not bothering you, I wouldn't worry too much. It is probably just comforting to the cats to be near you. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I got a male cat from a friend about two months ago. He is about eight months old. Within the past two weeks, he started this strange behavior that I immediately recognized as what male cats do when they mate. He'll want petted and then all of a sudden he meows like he's mating and attempts to mate with my arm. As funny as it sounds, I've never seen a male cat do this with a human. Is this normal? - Posted by: rmzacherl@gmail.com

Answer: Hi Rachel,

Is he neutered? If not, I would go ahead and get him neutered as soon as possible as it will prevent problem behaviors, such as spraying.

Many male cats do hump objects or their owners. If he has been neutered, this is more a sign of dominance than a sexual behavior. He's trying to show you that he's in charge.

Obviously, you don't want him to do this as it would be embarrassing when guests visit. If you watch his pupils, you will be able to see them start to dilate before he starts to hump. When he does this, place him on the floor. Be consistent in telling him no and setting him down and eventually he will get the idea.

Hope this helps! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a two and a half year old female who has been spayed, but now she is acting like she is in heat. She meows often and sticks her butt up in the air. If you slap gently on her hips, she rubs her head all over anything she is near. If you try to stop slapping, she grabs your hand, trying to push it back to her butt. Why is she doing this? - Posted by: wmcdonald@vianet.ca

Answer: Hi Valerie,

I have had spayed cats exhibit this behavior as well. I don't think it is sexual in nature, if the cat is spayed. You are correct in thinking that cats do lift their rears to attract males, when the cat is in heat.

I believe the cat is stimulated by the petting, but not necessarily in the way you're thinking. There are probably a couple of reasons why she sticks her rear in the air. First, she is lifting the area she wants you to pet or scratch. Some cats like to be scratched on their back near their tale, and other cats will nail you for touching them there.

The other reason is possibly because the cat has some scent glands in that area. When you pet the cat there, just as when you scratch her on her chin and cheeks, you are helping her release her scent and mark her territory. This is very pleasurable for the cat.

If the cat was spayed properly, she no longer has ovaries or a womb, so she shouldn't be exhibiting symptoms of being in heat. If you feel that her behavior is out of the ordinary, you may want to go ahead and take her to your vet and let him do some blood work and test hormone levels, just to be on the safe side. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hello, My eight-year-old spayed cat, Hana, is causing me much concern. We moved with our other three cats 1/4 mile down the street. Hana keeps going back to the old house, and will stay there unless I go get her. This has been going on for six months! It is getting harder to catch her and bring her home. She will stay for several days, eat and sleep lots and is very affectionate, then she leaves again. I tried keeping her in for a while, but it didn't work. Only once, when it was very cold, did she come home by her self, then stayed for a few days and left again. She has the best of everything here in her new home. We love her and want her here! Thanks for any help. - Posted by: lillie@smile.net.il

Answer: Hi Diane,

You didn't mention how long you kept her in the new house. I keep my pets indoors year round now, for their own safety. However, when I did let my cats outdoors, my rule of thumb was to keep them inside the new house for a minimum of two weeks before allowing them outside.

I would start by keeping her indoors for a minimum of two weeks, before letting her outside again. If that fails, you may want to look at some of the pet containment systems available on the market, or perhaps a cat run, to prevent her from leaving your yard.

I would not worry that you are being cruel. It is truly for her own safety that she stays on your property. The new neighbors may unintentionally put something out that could harm her, or a roaming dog could harm her.

If at all possible, I would probably bring her inside full-time. She will likely settle down after a while, although I do still have one cat that occasionally tries to escape. We just pick her up and take her back indoors, and she is fine for a few months, until she tries it again. I don't feel guilty, because I know there are coyotes in the area and they enjoy cats as a tasty snack. I'm just protecting her, like any good Mommy would. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi, I have a question about a feral kitten I've adopted. He is 14 weeks old, and has been in captivity for about four weeks. I've had him for two weeks, and he's been vaccinated and neutered. I've used many of the techniques I've found online to socialize him, and he refuses to respond. He continues to shy away, hiss, swat. My question is, at what point do I know if he's untamable? One website I found said that kittens who are rescued at 12 weeks old or older might never be tamed. I also adopted his sister, who adjusted very quickly and is now one of the most affectionate, docile kittens I've ever been around. Thank you for your help. - Posted by: stefmaus@gmail.com

Answer: Hi Stef,

How wonderful of you to take these cats in. I am assuming that you have him indoors all the time? That will make a difference in how quickly he adapts.

Two weeks may not be long enough for him. He's still getting to know you and seeing if he can trust you or not.

Also, I would probably isolate him in a small area of your home, if you haven't already, so that he has a chance to get used to the sounds and smells of your home in a relatively safe space.

I would disagree that some cats can't be tamed. I have seen some pretty wild cats tamed. They may not be the most cuddly, affectionate cat in the world, but they do eventually learn to fit into a household. Also, this kitten is still young enough that you should be able to tame him with a little more time and lots of patience.

We have a great article on this site about Taming Feral Cats that I think you'll find helpful.

I would recommend that you start over from the beginning, make sure the cat is confined to a small space, and repeat the steps to try to bond with this cat. If he is hissing, then he doesn't feel safe or secure. Only learning to trust you will help him with that. For some cats, it my take several months.

Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hello! I have a two-year-old black cat named Sadie. My little baby Sadie, that is otherwise very sweet and affectionate, all the sudden started acting very aggressive yesterday. She is hissing, growling and swatting at me and my boyfriend for no apparent reason. We have racked our brains trying to figure out if we did anything to scare her and can't think of anything. She has never done this before! It's so bad that I'm scared to touch her. We took her to the vet, and they did some blood work, and it all came back normal. I don't know what else to do. Any advice would help. Yes, she has been spayed. Thanks a lot! - Posted by: windylw@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Windy,

I'm sorry that Sadie is acting this way. It does sound like she is either in pain, or has been frightened.

Is it possible she could have fallen off of something and slightly injured herself?

I would give her a few days to settle down and see if she comes around. Try to keep visitors out of the house during this time, and keep things as normal and calm as possible.

I would keep a close eye on her, in case you notice anything amiss health wise. Reasons to rush her back to the vet, might include:

Refusal to eat or drink
Refusal to use litter box or change in litter box habits
Lethargy
Sneezing (continously)

If you don't see an improvement after a few days, I would talk to the vet about possibly running some tests to determine hormone levels too. - posted by:LoriSoard