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Cats/the incredible shrieking cat

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Expert: - 6/20/2009


Question
A few years ago we adopted a cat who, at the time, was about 11 months old. She had been found outside and had just had a litter of kittens (we didn't adopt any of the kittens b/c they were too young at the time.) Our cat is the sweetest, most loving and gentle cat I've ever been around. She loves all people and plays gently with small kids.
However, since day one she has had a problem with other cats. She hisses and puffs up, but worst of all she SCREAMS at them, even if she just sees them through a window. This started from the moment we picked her up at her foster home and has continued.
I understand this likely comes from not being socialized, but she's had kittens and was caring for them when she was found! We've given up the idea of ever getting a 2nd cat, but is there any way to reduce or discourage this behavior? I'm tired of being woken in the middle of the night by a shrieking kitty!
Thanks

Answer
Jackie,

I am assuming she is fixed, if not, that would be the first thing I would do. Aggressive tendencies tend to be lessened when the hormones are not raging!!!!!

Some cats are incredibly territorial, including females.  When one of them sees an interloper, they go ballistic.  I know of no way of blunting that behavior unless they are kept in an interior room at night (no windows to the outside).

If they have an episode during the day, a time out in such an interior room for an hour or two usually calms things down.

I wish I could give you better advice, but cats are cats.  I also know of no way of keeping outside cats away from your house.

Sorry, I cannot be of more help.

Best regards... Norm.

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Norman Auspitz

Expertise

I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.

Experience

I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.


Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.

Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook

Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.

Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.

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