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Cats/Aggression and spraying.

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Expert: - 1/11/2010


Question
We have six cats, now indoor/backyard only.  Four were with my husband, and during a separation, I got two of my own.  The problem is with my two, Shane and Ringo, and more Shane.  I got both of them from a shelter, Shane when he was a baby, Ringo older (shelter wasn't sure how old 3-5 yrs#.  Right from the start, Shane would attack Ringo.  Ringo took it for a while, then started to retaliate.  Eventually, they tolerated each other, though they're still occasionally aggressive with each other.  Husband and I got back together, and we slowly introduced my boys with the others.  However, Shane has it in for mostly one of the other boys, Mickey 4 yrs #who is also very aggressive); Ringo too but less so, though sometimes its both of them on Mickey.  Mickey is just beginning to retaliate to Shane.  Shane is also spraying everywhere around the house.  He still uses the litterbox when they're in for the night, but he keeps spraying, too.  We've tried Feliway, but it doesn't work.  All six have now been together over a year and a half and this is still going on.  We're at wits end.  We're taking Shane on Tuesday to a vet for another problem and will ask about this there, too, but if you've got any insight and advice, we would really appreciate it!  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Phyllis,

Sorry I got this late. You didn't say if your cats are fixed. If not, get them done. This will help enormously. If you can, ask your vet about giving Shane some drugs to help him settle in. Valium, Acepromazine, Amytripiline or Periactin will work well. See what he recommends. Any of these drugs will also help curb the spraying. Also make sure you clean the areas he marks with a good enzymatic cat urine cleaner. Removes all the temptations for the others to respond in kind. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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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