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Cats/Cat attacking baby

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Expert: - 11/24/2008


Question
We have had a cat for five years.  She is unlike any other cat I have had or known.  As a kitten, she was very aggressive and it took a long time to calm her and have her not attack all the time.  When she was spayed, she calmed down a lot.  She only attacked strangers, but still had aggressive tendencies towards us at times.  We had a baby, and 16 months later she still will not accept her.  The baby is very good, never pulls or hits her.  The cat just won't accept her and attacks.  Since the cat has become more confident around the baby, her attacks are worse.  After the last one that was too close for comfort we took the cat to the pound.  I feel terrible, as if we are missing a member of our family.  All my efforts to help the two co-exist have failed, and I am considering going back to get the cat and have her declawed.  Since the cat is so very aggressive to strangers, I know she will not get adopted.  Is it that inhuman?  It seems like the only alternative we may have, as the soft-claws are too dangerous for the baby as a choking hazard.  We have still given the cat as much attention as before, she has her own space, and her food is not threatened.  Her aggressiveness is just her natural disposition.  If we declaw her, would she pose a bigger threat with biting?

Answer
Courtney,

This aggression problem is extremely serious. If you aren't prepared to get an applied animal behaviorist in to help modify this kitty's behavior then it's best to not keep her in your home. This kitty has dominance issues and would likely resort to biting if declawed and declawing is extremely painful - it's like amputating each of your fingers at the first joint. Soft Paws/Claws aren't going to solve the aggression problem, to my knowledge when they are properly applied your baby would have to swallow several at once in order to choke, but I wouldn't advise this because cats' paws end up in the litter box and you don't want to have the litter box end up in your baby's mouth.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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