Disturbed Laya...HELP!!!

by Chantale Woodrow
(Ontario, Canada)

We presently have 4 cats (2, 5 year old Bengals, a 4 year old Siamese and our 12 year old Tabby)...all have been with us since they have been kittens, and all get along with each other...that is, until trouble started 2 years ago when we brought home our new addition...a little Yorkie puppy!

The expected reaction was observed by all kitties, except for Laya, our Bengal girl, who is the most attached to me, seemed a little more restless...projectile vomiting on a couple of occasions, and then, we started to notice pee in several areas of the house, daily, everywhere...eventually, the peeing decreased to several times per month and is still ongoing to this day. However, after a couple of months, Laya began stalking, and chasing our senior Tabby...almost obsessed, on a daily basis, Laya lies in wait for Tabby, blocking the stairs, and hoping for a good chase! Tabby is stressed and terrified...Laya seems to feed on her fear, and the cycle continues, as well as the peeing. We have prepared a separate bedroom for Tabby, so that when we can't be there to supervise the two, Tabby has her own quiet space. Weird thing though, Laya and the puppy have become best buds and love to chase and play with each other ! Other than Laya's behavior towards Tabby, she is a happy, healthy, playful little girl.

We are at our wits end and don't know what to do. We have tried several calming herbal remedies, as well as pheromone plug ins, but so far, nothing has worked! We have considered re-homing our precious Laya on many occasions, but it would break my heart to do so...is there any hope!!!???

Chantale

RESPONSE:

Bengals, by nature, are very active cats and need lots of stimulation. It sounds like Laya is frustrated. Perhaps you can teach her to walk with a harness and lead and take her out for walks. It there anyplace you can set up a screened in area so she can be entertained by outside sights and smells? That may help as well. There is an exercise wheel that was developed just for Bengals. It is similar to a hamster wheel but deSigned for cats. Once they learn how to run on it, most Bengals love it. You could also try clicker training with Laya. Clicker training will challenge her physically and mentally as well as improve her bonding with you.
Try some of these and see if they help. Good Luck!

Donna - House Full Cats Mom