Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/11/2009

Question
About two months ago I took in a small (part Siamese) kitten, she blended in well with my other two cats, and everything was perfect.  The first week, at least.

I know Siamese are vocal cats, very affectionate as well, but it just seems like it's too much.  She yowls all night, whines whenever I close a door to do something, and just overall very, very vocal.

Not just that, but at least once a month she wets our bedsheets.  Not constantly, just once a month.  We've tried everything to make her stop, and her litter box is cleaned everyday.

She play attacks my older cats and has actually hurt one of them, biting and all.  I take time out of my day to play with them; lazer pointer, fetch, various little cat toys, and they even have a small cat tower.

She will not keep off our table and desks, knocks everything off, we've finally just started moving the chairs away to keep her from this.

Honestly, I'm at my wits end and I really don't want to give her to someone else, but I've followed the advice from many a source on the internet, and nothing has helped.  Please, any advice you could give me would be appreciated.

Julia

Answer
Julia,

The first week she was 'good' because everything was new and she was frightened and insecure. Now that she is adapting, her personality is coming out.

Personally, I would get her spayed (they can do it as early as 8-10 weeks now) if you haven't already. That helps settle them a little.

AND I would get a kitten friend for her about the same age and temperament. A kitten needs another kitten (not cat) to play kitty games with that humans can't do. It helps them burn off excess energy by chasing, wrestling, etc. and it helps them develop social skills (by knowing how hard not to bite, or getting too rough). They also like to have a playmate the same age to snuggle with and be company when they are alone. An older cat usually won't play with a kitten like the kitten would like. An older cat also usually does not like the energy a kitten has. A single kitten is more destructive than 2 kittens because they get bored easily and create 'their own fun', plus they find out that getting into things gets your attention...which they want.

It sounds like the kitten is what I call "kittens of mass destruction". They have are intelligent and have a high energy level. They are a challenge to your sanity, but it means they are happy and healthy. On the bright side they usually settle down when they are a year or so old! *smile*.

You need to keep a kitten/cat like that mentally stimulated. I have found that a couple of ping pong balls in the bath tub (with the drain plugged because they will get stuck) helps burn off energy. My cat LOVE videos made especially made for cats. Here is a link to some my cats love to watch: http://petsittervideos.com/index.html

Get some little furry toy white mice that he can bat around, or shiny craft balls that come in a package at Wal-Mart's craft dept. (or a craft store). My cats love to just carry them around when I get tired of throwing them (they play fetch)! Getting a kitty scratching tree, or a kitty condo with holes and shelves, and rubbing it with catnip, can give him a place to run up and down thus burning up more energy, plus if it is by a window the cat can look outside.

Try to 'kitten proof' the house and love the 'loveable little monster' for who she is. There are a lot of people out there with sick or injured kitties (or who lost a beloved pet) who would give anything if their cats were driving them crazy running around. All negatives have some positives too.

Tabbi