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My cat Tetra is about three years old and has always been afraid of new people. She loves me and my husband and just recently we had a new baby. Normally she would run and hide when people came over and would come out when they left and since we brought the baby home all hell has broke loose! She acts like she is the boss and is doing terrible things like jumping on things she didn't used to and thinks she has free reign over everything. she has become very aggressive towards me and my husband now and hardley ever cuddles up to us or lets us touch her. When one of us is near her she hisses and runs off... I have had it with her new behavior towards us and the baby and I am considering getting her a new home the only problem is I don't think anyone would take her because of how aggressive she is. If you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to get rid of her but it's been almost three months since we brought the baby home and nothing has changed. HELP
Hi Trista,
Here's a link that will give you some info on the situation. http://www.2ndchance.info/babies.htm
Get something called Feliway Comfort Zone. This mimics a cat's happy pheromones. It will help to relax her. She needs a quiet space for herself. Right now I bet you have lots of people coming into the home. This is upsetting and scaring her. Remember it's only been you her and your husband. She is acting act her terror on you. She will calm down but you need to take extra steps with her.
I know you have a lot to do with the new baby but ask yourself, if you had an older child, would you ignore that child if he was crying out for help? This is your pet expressing her distress to you. She has no other way to talk to you but through her actions. Don't lock her away. She will settle down. You can also ask your vet about giving her an antihistamine, cyproheptadine (Periactin). This acts as Kitty Prozac and will help during this transition period. Good luck with Tetra and the new baby. Things will calm down. It just needs time.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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