About 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 ***********
Awards and Honors * One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
Question QUESTION: We are (were) a home of 3 cats: a 2-year, a 4-year old and an 11-year old, all fixed. The first two were rescues. About a week ago, the 4-year old tabby was taken by a coyote; we believe this as it's a serious problem in our neighborhood. Four cats have gone missing this week. In looking for her, I went to the animal shelter and humane society. No luck, but I did connect to a 1-year, female Siamese (the two remaining cats at home are Siamese)and I wish to adopt her. I feel our 2-year old would like to have another play partner and we'd like to give another cat a home. Is this a good idea?
Thanks.
ANSWER: Deborah,
I'm sorry about your tabby. Unfortunately, cats are a coyote's favorite food. Coyotes are very sneaky and quick. You may never see them, but they will see you (and your cats). Did you tell Animal Control about the possible coyote problem in your neightborhood? If not, I would. I also would stay with your cats when they are outside since coyotes are frightened of people. Maybe you can build an outside pen that the cats can get to from inside the home. That way they can go outside, but be safe.
Getting another Siamese would probably be a good idea as long as you go through the introduction process correctly and slowly. You can't put a new cat together with resident cats and expect them to get along. It rarely happens that way.
Here are some links to a good articles on introductions to use as a guide:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)
Then feed all the cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.
Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between the two cats. They both can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.
Adding the new Siamese should work out fine. It just takes time and patience.
Tabbi
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Tabbi,
Thanks for your quick and compassionate response. We have contacted animal control, Wildlife & Fisheries and the police. All say it's not their responsiblity to deal with coyotes. We're still hammering at the police, as one came toward me trying to get one of cats by my leg one night. It ignored my yelling and jumping up and down; it only ran when my 240-pound husband ran for it.
Thanks,
Deborah
Answer Deborah,
That is terrible that nobody will address the issue! I guess a coyote has to attack one of THEIR pets first! Your coyotes are brave, hungry, or adaptable. That is not common for them to come near people, at least 'ours' don't. Wow! That would be scary!
I hope the rest of your pets stay safe. My prayers are with them.
