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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/I need help...
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Question
Ok about 3 weeks ago I adopted a male kitten. He had been neutered already. He is about 16 weeks old now. I have a lot of problems with him. First I've never had a cat who cried as much. He seems fixated with the bathroom and drinks water from the sink, and has also picked my shower curtain to death. Second he jumps and hangs of the curtains in my bedroom and is quickly tearing them up. Next I can't get him to stop jumping up on the counter where in the process he tears up my barstool seats which are leather. I love this cat but I'm really frustrated right now. Please help me if you can. Thanks!
Jessica,
Our other expert is no longer here so I am trying to answer some of her back questions.
Your cat needs a friend. He is bored and lonely. Cats need other cats for comfort and companionship, to play kitty games with, and to snuggle with. A single bored kitty can be a very destructive kitty.
You need to get him things to burn up his energy. A pet laser light is great for that. Also give him stuffed toy mice he can bat around, put ping pong balls in the bathtub (plug the drain), balls that he can bat and chase, etc. A cat tree in front of the window helps occupy them, as does gerbils, mice, hamsters, etc. in a cage.
I hope this helps.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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