Expert: Norman Auspitz - 6/19/2009

Question
Hello,
I have a 6 month old female Bengal cat that I got around a month ago. I feel terrible every morning when I leave for the work day because she is all alone. Would you suggest my getting another cat for company? I love her, but I do not know a lot about cats as I grew up with dogs... I realize that they are very different, but I also want my cat to be sort of like a dog, which I am sure sounds CRAZY to you... in any event, I know that two dogs is VERY different from one dog, but how about two cats verse one cat?

I am also worried, as my kitten, Q.B., is very loving at night, and snuggles under the sheets with me, but when I am  not in bed, she seems to get nervous and scoots away from me. I don't want her to be nervous around me and I don't want to make her more nervous, but I really need to be able to pick her up and move her, as sometimes I go out to my parents house, and I need to be able to commute with her... I also have not even been able to take her to the vet yet because I cannot get her in the crate.

as I said above, I have had her for about a month, will this get better?!? I do love her, and she is very smart, but why is she so nervous around me!?

HELP!
Cassie

Answer
Cassie,

The first order of business with Q.B. is to get her spayed if she is not spayed already.  This will tend to smooth out any mood swings and keep any aggressive tendencies to a minimum.

You will have to master being able to catch her so as to get her to the vet. What if there was a health emergency with her or, heaven forbid, a fire or other natural disaster?  Have you tried bribing her with a treat? If that does not work, you will need to get her into a room with nothing to crawl under so you can get her cornered and into the crate. Usually, scruffing is a good technique to pick up a cat to shovel it into a crate.

Some Bengals do get along with domestic cats and she might appreciate a playmate.  Another kitten would be the best for her.  However, I would try to get a kitten which is at least 4-5 months of age.

As to her getting better, this will come with time, but you have to have more confidence in your ability to deal with her.

Best regards... Norm.