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Cats/aggressive behavior towards people

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Expert: - 9/25/2007


Question
I have an 18 month old Siamese cat.  She is very affectionate towards me and is never aggressive when we are at home.  Sometimes I go away for the weekend to visit my parents or have to go out of town on business and I have to take my cat with me or leave her with my parents as I live on the third floor of my apartment building and my parents cannot climb stairs.  Anyway, my cat becomes very aggressive in the new environment.  She hisses, growls, bites, spits, slaps, etc (even towards me).  She was not like this when I first got her  She was very affectionate towards my family.  Sometimes I have to take her to my parents to be cared for and I feel bad because she is so mean to them.  My parents love cats and I grew up with them.  There are not cats in the home now and haven't been for almost ten years.  It is really frustrating as I do not want her to be so aggressive towards people.  I want her to be friendly.

Answer
Hi Dawn,

It sounds like she has fear or stress aggressiveness. The changes are getting her upset and she is taking it out on you and your parents. There is no stability in the cats life. She is being moved from one place to another; from one person to another. It is very confusing for her. I would suggest you try a few things here. I can't guarantee that they work but they might.

Get a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. It acts as a kitty tranquilizer and clams cats down. When she goes to your parents, keep her in one room only and limit contact with your parents. When they do go in the room have them bring a special treat for her that she flips over. When you take her home give her a little time to get used to being home again.
If this doesn't work then i would go to your vet and ask about an antihistamine, called cyproheptadine (Periactin). This acts like a Prozac for cats and may well help you.

It's hard to take care of something like this in a situation like this. Try these suggestions and see what works best. 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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