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Cats/Growling and Hissing

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Expert: - 9/1/2007


Question
Hello! We have just moved to a new house. I have a British Shorthair Cat and she has begun to hiss at what appears to be nothing and growl at herself.  She can be very loving and spends time sitting and sleeping on my partner and myself. She has a companion who is an older moggy and the move does not seem to have disturbed him. She has recently had some limited time outside but does not appear to like it. I have checked for fleas and worms and treated for both but nothing appears to be wrong there. She does motion toward her feet and tail but I have checked these and there does not appear to be anything wrong either. She can be talked to and this appears to calm her. I've also tried Feliway Hormones and this has helped a little. Any advice welcomed!

Answer
Hi Sally,

It sounds like she is a little stressed out from going outside. Keep up with the Feliway. Show her lots of affection. She will get over her hissy fits when she feels all settled in. She had a double whammy; the move and then the great outside. It should take her about two weeks to clam down. Don't let her back outside. You are doing both of you a disfavor when you let her out. Some cats are not made for going out. Yours sounds like one of them. If she doesn't calm down in two weeks time, write back and I'll tell you the next steps. 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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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