You are here:

Cats/Behavior

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/19/2009


Question
Hi Jessica,

My cat, female, 2 yrs old is a very lovable cat, not yet spayed is having behavior problems. I also have a Boston Terrier puppy. The cat who once tolerated and even played with the dog has suddenly started to viciously attack the dog. Everytime she sees the dog she attacks. This is very puzzling to me and I'm not sure how to make the dog and the cat co-exist. How do I approach this?

Thank you,

Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa.  You can try a product like Feliway in case anxiety is causing her aggression (see www.feliway.com), and I would have a vet check her out to make sure she's not sick or injured, since pain can cause aggression.  But I'm suspicious that there may have been an incident between the two of them that has lead her to distrust the dog.  If nothing is found to be wrong with your kitty physically, and the Feliway doesn't help, I would urge you to have a veterinary behaviorist visit your home to see how the two interact.  They can help you pinpoint the problem and provide you with exercises to restore peace to your home.  Your regular vet should be able to refer you.

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.