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Cats/She's gone crazy

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Expert: - 4/22/2011


Question
I have a tortoise shell cat around 4 years old. About a week ago she gave birth to at least 3 stillborn kittens. There could have been more but I seen 3 for sure. She had them in the litter box and buried them. Since then she has been hissing, and attacking the our other cats and our large dogs whom which she used to run from. She then attacked my daughter's friend's leg while the girls were feeding the cats. If the girl wasn't wearing rubber boots I'm sure she would have been cut and bleeding. What could be causing this change in personality? Has she gone crazy? will she go back to normal or do we need to have her put down? I can't have a mean cat in our house and I can't give a mean cat to anyone else for them to be hurt. What should we do with her?

Answer
Hi Shay,
There are a few reasons for her behavior. She has a lot of maternal hormones going on in her. She is in protecting mother stage right now. She should go back to her old self soon though. I would have her checked over by a vet also. Make sure that all is well with her. Having that many stillborns is a good sign that all might not be right with her, And this would also explain her behavior. Also take a look around for live kits. She may be protecting some hidden ones. Good luck and take care.

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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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