Expert: Dear Tabbi - 3/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 4 year old male, neutered, declawed indoor tuxedo cat that I love dearly.  We moved a year ago to a very small loft apartment.  Every time I open the door he shoots out the door into the hallway which is OK unless the neigbors on my floor are around.  But now if I won't let him out he meows for as long as he can to go out.  I tell him no, try to play with him to get him away from the door and it does not help.  He is a very loud cat.  Being in a loft the sound really carries.  I have tried a squirt gun but now he is used to that, I tried a loud newspaper noise but nothing helps.  We have people above us and below us and I'm sure they can here him since it starts at 2:00 a.m. every morning and goes all day.  We tried locking him in the bathroom which is the only non-loft area but he cries and cries so I'm sure the neighbors are hearing that too.  I am afraid we are going to get reported to the board and they will want me to get rid of him.  He is the most loving cat but it is driving my husband and I crazy.  We adopted him 2 years ago and that day he was crying but we thought that would stop but really it hasn't.  We drove to Florida last year and he cried for 19 hours straight.  Can you give me any suggestions to quiet him down.  If they give us notice we will have to get rid of him and he is the love of my life and it would hurt so much to lose him.  Thanks.

Karen

ANSWER: Karen,

That's a difficult problem. Some cats, like some people, are just talkers. Cats are creatures of habit and if his meowing got your attention before, or it allowed him to have his way, he will continue to use it (he's got nothing but time). Some cats are VERY stubborn and persistent and I think they enjoy making you crazy!

I would try getting him a kitty friend about the same age and temperament to play with. Cats need the company and companionship of another cat to play kitty games with, to snuggle with, and to be comfort and companionship when they are alone. 2 cats are easier to take care of because it takes the pressure off of you to keep one cat amused.

Play with him right before you go to bed. A pet laser light is an excellent interactive toy (you can get them at PetSmart, Petco, etc.) A good play session before bedtime will tire him out, which is essential for a good nights sleep for you both. Then, give him a can of catfood (or his big meal) after you play with him, just before you go to bed. That way he will have a full tummy, be tired from playing, and will sleep longer (hopefully!).

I would approach your neighbors and ask them if the cat is bothering them, and explain the personality of the cat. It's better to find out for sure than to stress over the possibility of being reported because of the cat. Maybe bring the cat with you (most people are suckers for a cute kitty).

I hope this helps.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the suggestions.  He can drive you crazy.  We do have another male cat but they do not get along.  My noisy Kozmo picks on poor Blackie all the time.  We find big clumps of black hair on certain days when we get home from work.  We should have really tried them together first before we brought Kozmo home.  Blackie was our first cat and we thought Kozmo would be good for him but not only is he loud but he's the domaineering one even if Blackie is much bigger.  I will try your suggestions about tiring him out and feeding him later instead earlier.  I will talk to my neighbors too.  That way I will know for sure.  It would be hard choice for me to either move to a single family place or give my precious Kozmo away.  Thank you again.

Karen

Answer
Karen,

That's too bad, it makes for a stressful situation. Maybe you can find a friend that will take Blackie for awhile just to see if that makes any difference in Kozmo's behavior.

The smarter the cat is, the more mental stimulation he needs. Here are some more suggestions:

I don't know what a loft looks like, but is there room to possibly put a kitty perch in front of a window so Kozmo can look outside? That may keep him occupied.

Do you have a bathtub? A couple of ping pong balls in the bathtub (with the drain blocked or they will get stuck in it) is fun for cats. They can slip and slide batting the balls around...and not lose them.

I have videos made for cats that my cats LOVE! That might keep him amused too. Here is a website for them:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://petsittervideos.com/index.html

Have you tried leash training Kozmo so you can take him outside and maybe burn off some of his excess energy? Here is a good website that tells you how to train them:

http://www.hdw-inc.com/leashtraining.htm

I hope it works out! I have a 'problem child' too, though not the same problem. I think the whole time the cat is asleep he is thinking up more ways to get into trouble!

Tabbi