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Cats/My cat's behaviour change

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Expert: - 5/31/2007


Question
My 9 year old cat Che Che has been acting very weird lately. Just in the past few days she has been really affectionate towards all the people in our house, and she meows constantly and when she comes to you she just purrs and rubs her head on you. She follows us everywhere around the house. The thing that is really odd is that she attacked my one dog last night and hurt the dog's ear pretty badly, and then today she attacked my other dog. We have had the dogs for 12 and 10 years, so they have been living together for a while. I have another cat, he is a year old and they have been fighting too, but Che Che will just attack the dogs for no reason. Could you please help me with this, i have no idea what is going on with her and why she is doing this.

Thank You,
Kate

Answer
Hi Kate,

I would first get her checked at the vets. Any negative change in behavior in an older cat usually signals a health problem. If she is just going after the dogs she might have a problem with them invading her space when you are not looking. It could be something as simple as eating her food. Watch the dogs and see if they are doing something to annoy her. Since she isn't attacking you it is pointing to some sort of behavior on the dogs part. After you have her checked out at the vets, watch the dogs. You'll most likely find your answer there. 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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