|
  |
|
I live in a cold and snowy area of Quebec in Canada. I discovered Barney (cat) in an alleyway two and a half years ago in -20 winter weather. His owners had moved away. Brought him home and never let him outside again. We have a screened in verandah that he spends many hours in making growling sounds at birds. Barney sucks his tail every night and then goes to sleep. Initially sleeping with us and then moving to another bed to stretch out. There are three other cats in our household as well as a cocker spaniel. Barney is a somewhat agressive cat, the others are relaxed and easy. Barney is always running back and forth from window to door to garage. He has killed three mice and two birds in his time here. Animals unfortunate enough to come into the closed garage through a small crevice, since covered up. Barney's agressive behaviour with the other cats is astonishing, especially with the older male cat. He literally smacks anyone in the face who goes near any window to look outside. Barney seems anxious and is quite nervous if he is startled. Barney has been neutered and eats well and is current on all his vaccinations. He is likely feral but friendly to us to a certain extent, letting us touch him and coming to us for attention. He plays with toys and enjoys any activity regarded as play. It's his agression and anxiety that is the main problem. When he first arrived, Charlie my five year old male treated him like a kitten, grooming him and sleeping with him. Now Barney often smacks Charlie in the face and upsets him. Charlie is now a little withdrawn. I realize that this may be simple territorial agression, but its quite upsetting for all of us.
Patricia |
 |
Yes, Patricia, I tend to agree.
Barney has been integrated by the other cats in your house, found his niche
in the heirarchy, and now has decided to rule it! The aggressive behaviour you show will most certainally rub off onto the
others - to the extent of causing them to start soiling/malicious scratching
of furniture,etc/fighting with serious intent the other cats, and dog, and
generally having a miserable life for one and all. First, I always sort out the litter trays - one par cat and one extra. Next,
they need to be away from feeding areas, and always keep them all but one as
clean as possible, leaving one slighlty smelly. Next water- at least 4 water bowls, all in discrete parts of the house - but
not where any cat could be cornered when they settle to drink. Then to help the attitude. In the uk we have feline hormone sprays and
plug-ins, possibly also in Canada? Also I have been trying a behaviour control drug on checked out healthy cats - called seleginine - it is really for dogs, but works well in a few cases that I have tried over here - including my own cat! You would need to see your vet re the last two points. Good luck!
James Haddow
|
|
|
