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Cats/Bad behaviour in cats

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Expert: - 5/25/2007


Question
Hello Karen! I have two desexed cats - a ginger male (2 years, his name is
Kingston) and an 8-month old black and white cat called Monty. Both cats
had a hard time getting to know each other when Kingston joined the family
but managed to get along really well. In the last couple of weeks, however,
Kingston has been very aggressive. He comes in only at late afternoon for
food; he is really lovely and fun and cuddly, then in an instant he hisses and
snarls -- at the other cat and at me and my partner. He won't settle
and runs out of the house again. What to do?? Nothing at home has changed
at all. The sudden mood swing is quite unbelievable. Obviously Kingston is
stressed - what do you recommend we do? Many thanks for your time, Karen.

Answer
Hi Paul,

it sounds like Kingston is defending his territory outside against some other cat in the area and is carrying his fighting attitude back to his home. He is beginning to look at you as an invader. The best thing you can do is keep him in the house. There is no real need to let him out. In fact, cats let outside have a high risk of getting sick and also of dying from things outside your control, (cars, other animals, poison). He will settle down after a little while if kept inside. 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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