My Cat Bella the Bitch
by nancy
my 7yr old female (black cat)hates my 3yr old male(white cat), I got bella when she was 1 yr old from the shelter,she was all lovable the first 3 yrs she was with us before our "baby cat" came into the picture, then our baby we got when he was 2 months old from the pet store. when he came home she hated all of us instantly she refused to be picked up or played with. she swats us with her paw, she always has her nails out, we cannot play with her anymore at all nor can we pick her up without her growling at us, she once and a while comes near us and brushes up against our legs and purrs then we reach down pet her she gets angry and turns her head and bites and scratches us. Now our 3yr old male is starting up some of her behavior!!! he too once and while will even hiss at us and mimic her scratching at us and some of her biting behavior. Bella bullies him constantly, at times I have found a small spot of dried blood on him. she hides and pounces on him, hurts him and he shrieks, we feel horrible we tell her no firmly even when she bites us and scratches at us but it doesnt work, he was so very loving and he's starting to change too !! we dont know what to do we even tried that calming plug in for cats like our vet suggested, that lets out some calming hormones out in the air for them but that too didnt work . . our baby used to want to play with her and he was friendly now she turned him into this anti-social cat I wish there was something we can do for the both of them to get along so we can pick her up again and show her we still love her RESPONSE: First off, I must apologize! I accidentally deleted the picture of Bella! I am so sorry! Send us another and I'll post it! As to your problem, look at things from Bella's point of view. She was happy in her home, not a care in the world, and all of a sudden, a stranger moved in and completely invaded her territory. She is anxious and scared and lashing out is her only way of showing it. Bella needs more play! Use interactive toys such as fishing pole or string type toys and play with her often, especially near bed time. Play until she is tired. This will help her to burn off her excess energy caused by her anxiety, will lessen her desire to go after your boy, and will help to bond you together again. After play, give them some treats and slowly start to pet Bella again. Don't try picking her up. This makes her feel trapped and her instinct is to fight. Just work on play, treats and pets. Talk to her in a calm, happy tone all the time as well. When she comes up and rubs on you, just talk to her, don't try to pet her. Only try petting after play and treats. You may want to try some Bach Flower Essence or Spirit Essences to help Bella feel calmer. (Check the links on the left) When Bella tries to bite or scratch you, just ignore her. Don't reward her negative behavior with more negativity and increased anxiety. Just act like it means nothing and walk away. Be consistant. Bella will soon get the idea that good behavior get more attention and rewards than bad behavior. Play, play, play!!! A tired cat is a happy cat! And Bella needs to learn how to be happy again. Donna - House Full Cats Mom |
