Cat problems

acrego

I am an animal lover. We have 3 cats and a dog. That being said...

Does anyone have any advice... 2 of the 3 cats are making my life miserable. The newest kitty, Violet, spends 99% of her time hiding from the oldest kitty, Annie, who is a psychotic *****. The last time I tried to pet Annie, she scratched my hand badly to where it was bleeding. I do not try to pet her any more.

Annie stalks Violet and when she finds her, corners her & won't leave her alone until they fight. When they fight, Violet pees & poos everywhere, plus clumps of fluffy weightless fur is everywhere. So I am constantly cleaning, and there is a smell I cannot get rid of. Violet is litter trained, but Annie will not allow her near the litter box.

Plus, all 3 of them are guilty of getting onto counters & on the dining table. I am at my wit's end. How do I put a stop to this? I am probably damaging the table right now, because I keep squirting it with water, thinking that the next kitty that jumps up there will get her paws wet & won't like it.

The dog & the other cat have no issues & are sweet, gentle, and obedient. Violet & the dog are best friends!

EmCarroll1990

Are your cats neutered?

I would recommend getting poor Violet her own litter box.

And if you're open to it, Annie could be declawed (though I'm very against it). My cat, Benjamin, used to attack the *kitten* out of me randomly - to the point of tears and my fiancé having to pry him off of my head, hell, I've even got the scars to prove it. Now that he's two he's calmed down a lot.

Vespyr

I'd start with increasing the number of litter boxes...and put them in different areas (minimum of 3, 4 is ideal). Did you introduce the cats slowly? You can also try those feliway room diffusers. Sometimes separating them and then reintroducing them very slowly can help. Google introducing cats and thecatsite is a great place for info.

I went through 3 months of hell with my cats before they finally came to some agreement.

I would not declaw an older cat (or any cat for that matter). It is an amputation and many of them have a version of kitty PTSD afterwards and tons of other problems.

_GlaDOS_

I’ve never had this experience before but I think it’s important that when you choose to bring other pets into your home, you should remember that they are not just there for you – they should be able to get along with the other pets you have. How new is this kitty? Many people recommend secluding new kittens from other animals in the house for at least a few days until they become comfortable, and then introduce them to the other animals gradually. To me it sounds like you introduced a kitty immediately to an older one who probably felt like her space was being invaded by this new kitty.

As for the behavior of the cats – getting on furniture you don’t want them to be on and peeing everywhere, kitties can be trained, but usually it has to be done at a young age and it’s important that kittens have an older cat around that will essentially teach them “how to be a cat”. Without that, cats can end up kind of mean and spoiled. It sounds like your adult cat is already this way though, so could be that the kitten is just doing the same. I agree that you should get more than one litter box though. This might help.

But please do not de-claw your kitties.

Lauren8239

Annie just doesn't like Violet. Funnily enough, I had the same issue, with a cat named Annie, lol. For some reason she detested my newer cat and would corner her as well, and show her displeasure by peeing on the stove (have no idea why) and when she would corner and tackle the new cat, she would pee on her too. I finally just got Annie a new home, figuring she didn't like other cats. All cats were spayed.

_GlaDOS_

Annie just doesn't like Violet. Funnily enough, I had the same issue, with a cat named Annie, lol. For some reason she detested my newer cat and would corner her as well, and show her displeasure by peeing on the stove (have no idea why) and when she would corner and tackle the new cat, she would pee on her too. I finally just got Annie a new home, figuring she didn't like other cats. All cats were spayed.

Aww that makes me sad for Annie.

Cats are different than dogs. They really like their people and their space and you are bringing a kitten into that space and splitting attention between cats. This is one reason why I won't get another cat and even if I did consider it, it would be an adult cat. It's really not fair to the cat you already have unless you can introduce the two slowly and be patient with both. When I lived with two roommates in college one decided to get a kitten when I had my cat living with us already, the kitten was not introduced to the kitten for at least a week. The kitten stayed in my roommate's room and my cat was not allowed in during that time. It was hard and my cat was loud and wanted to see the kitten, but you just have to be patient and fair with them.

CM9178

Do NOT do NOT do NOT declaw a cat. PLEASE.

First off, get them all fixed if they aren't already. That can cause major problems.
Secondly, increase the number of litter boxes.
Lastly, Separate them and then SLOWLY introduce them to each other. Some cats can "forget" each other after less than a few hours. But you must reintroduce VERY SLOWLY. In other words, keep them in separate rooms for at least a week without ANY contact at all. Then, slowly begin cracking the door VERY slightly so they can smell each other for a few minutes. Then, slowly begin feeding them on either side of the crack. This process can take a month or longer. Finally, when there is no hissing or attempts at attacking on either side of the door (or very minimal), put them in a room together (NOT either room that they were previously in, because they will consider that room THEIR room. They need a neutral area).
There may be some hissing at first, but it should die down after that.

We have two cats and the initial introduction period lasted 2 months. Eventually, all of the hissing and attacking stopped. They didn't love each other, but they put up with each other. Then, our one cat got sick and we had to keep her secluded for a few months. During that time, they forgot each other and we had to reintroduce them again - which took another month. And now they are back to how they were before.

Also, if they are jumping on top of higher things that you don't want them on, they are probably "tree dwellers" and need more cat friendly places to go. Get them a cat tree, shelves they can climb on, or something else.

Have you ever seen that show "My Cat from Hell"? He has some really good advice that you could probably use yourself to stop the insanity in your household!! Good luck!

WickedGarden

I'd start with increasing the number of litter boxes...and put them in different areas (minimum of 3, 4 is ideal). Did you introduce the cats slowly? You can also try those feliway room diffusers. Sometimes separating them and then reintroducing them very slowly can help. Google introducing cats and thecatsite is a great place for info.

I would not declaw an older cat (or any cat for that matter). It is an amputation and many of them have a version of kitty PTSD afterwards and tons of other problems.

^^^ALL of these of these

Feliway diffusers-a must in multi cat households when kitties don't get along-it is a 'momma cat pheremone' and helps calm kitties

multiple litter boxes-sometimes kitties get angry when another uses their litterbox, good rule of thumb, one litterbox per cat PLUS another one. If you have multiple floors, one litter box on each floor. Also make sure they are CLEAN, females can be bitc#y and only want to use a clean litterbox...think of the last time you used a dirty port-a-potty.

NEVER de-claw an older kitty, they have the most problems and are more prone to complications, infection, it makes them miserable.

The new kitty should be confined to a bedroom with the door shut for a few days/weeks/months. Your older kitty (the aggressor) is 'protecting' her territory. Let Violet know it's okay to explore, spend time with just her in the bedroom, play with her, give her treats, feed her in there, and give her a litterbox, so she becomes more confident. When she seems more confident, leave the bedroom door open and see how she does with the other kitty.

If you still have issues after you tried ALL of these things, then take the older kitty to the vet. Sometimes some 'happy pills' will do the trick.

Good luck!

felice03

moral of the story...multiple p*ssies are not always a good thing....

Stinkeymonkey

I don't have any advice on how to get your kitties to like each other, but I did find a solution to keep my psycho devil kitty off the kitchen counters. Last year I brought home this cutest little kitten. I was told she was a siamese mix and after googling siamese kittens I learned they typically tend to be a bit more active. What I didn't know is how darn stubborn they are. My devil kitty would jump up on the counter and I would spray her in the face with water and she would jump down. Then she would jump right back up on the counter again and I would spray her again. We did this over and over until she was soaked and I got tired of it. When I mentioned some of the issues at work about this cat someone suggested putting a little vinegar in the spray bottle. Oh my gosh! Worked like a charm! She hates the smell and taste of vinegar and she no longer jumps on my counter! Maybe you try this on your cats?

Vodkha

moral of the story...multiple p*ssies are not always a good thing....

look at this one, belting out one-liner funnies in various threads! LOL

jackpotclown

moral of the story...multiple p*ssies are not always a good thing....

FTW ^^^

BAMFMeredith

I feel like cats sit there and say "*kitten* you I'm a cat, I do what I want" about 90% of the time. The rest of the time they're snuggly and sweet to distract you from all the stuff they're going to destroy later.


Can you tell I'm not a cat person?

galegetsthin

moral of the story...multiple p*ssies are not always a good thing....

I just...... where do I....... uhm...... yeah....... you win....... I can't top this.

Dilfster

sounds like annie thinks the home is hers and is simply being territorial. It happens when a cat is used to a certain environment and then feels threatened by bringing in another cat. i have 2 cats that get along great, but only 1 of them is a lap cat. the other doesn't like to get too close to humans, but he loves playing with the other cat.

_GlaDOS_

I feel like cats sit there and say "*kitten* you I'm a cat, I do what I want" about 90% of the time. The rest of the time they're snuggly and sweet to distract you from all the stuff they're going to destroy later.


Can you tell I'm not a cat person?

You have never had a ragdoll cat then.

LorinaLynn

How long have you had them all? I have seven cats, five are girls, and a lot of them don't get along, but they're tolerant of each other. They're fed separately when I give them canned food (well, three that are siblings will eat off one plate), and I have 6 litterboxes. There was usually at least one week of pure hell when a new cat was added, but everyone I have now was quarantined for a while before being introduced to the rest of the crew.

vim_n_vigor

You should have a litter box for each of your cats plus one (according to MIL who works for a vet and has plenty of her own). If they aren't fixed, you should probably get that done quickly, and if there is one cat mainly causing the problems, get rid of it. Find it another nice home where both of you won't be so stressed.

Myndi73

Annie just doesn't like Violet. Funnily enough, I had the same issue, with a cat named Annie, lol. For some reason she detested my newer cat and would corner her as well, and show her displeasure by peeing on the stove (have no idea why) and when she would corner and tackle the new cat, she would pee on her too. I finally just got Annie a new home, figuring she didn't like other cats. All cats were spayed.

You got rid of Annie, the cat you had FIRST?

Johnnyswife

moral of the story...multiple p*ssies are not always a good thing....

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


On a serious note, rather than declawing the older cat, get softpaws for her. That way when she smacks the kitten around, it won't cut her, (or you when you pet her), and the kitten will learn to stand up for herself knowing she can't really get too hurt. I get the soft paws for both of them though.

hausofnichele

Try watching some episodes of 'My Cat From Hell' with Jackson Galaxy. He rocks.

Cats have to be fixed.
Try acrylic nails for the cat -- you can get them at Pet Smart or the vet can put them on for you. Please don't declaw!
Separate the cats and reunite them in a space that is different from home (if you can).
And wash away the nasty pee and spray everywhere. Jackson uses something that gets rid of that stuff really well but I can't think of exactly what it is. Once the place is cleaned up then you can reintroduce the cats.

sissypunks

one word for being where u dont want them MASKING TAPE! works great put sticky side up they stick to it and do not like it thats how i stopped my 10 yr old cat not to climb in the babys crib in about a day!

BlueInkDot

Feliway is awesome and a great investment. I buy it regularly and I'm really glad I do. So yea, I recommend Feliway for sure.

Multiple litter boxes is a must for multiple cats.

At this point it sounds like it's too late for the the gradual introduction thing. But hey, now you know for next time.

Spaying/neutering your cats is always a good idea, of course.

Declawing isn't a good plan, but claw trimming is do-able? The cat can be a real b**** sometimes when you're trying to trim those claws, but when my cat was being like that I put her in a pillowcase and pull one paw out at a time and trim her claws like that. She gets so mad at me when I do that but hey it gets the job done. :P

Oh and here's a funny thing I saw on youtube to get pets off your counters and stuff. A dude set up a motion sensor to pick up motion on the counter, and then set the motion sensor to turn on the blender and some strobe lights. He set up a video camera to see what happened and it was great. I don't have the link but...... I think you can imagine what happened, hahaha. The cats don't go on the counter anymore, lol.

SeasideOasis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpl5mOAXNl4

woopidydoo

I'm having the same problem. The 2 cats I had are picking on my new cat. They are so jealous of him. I try giving my "old" cats extra attention so they don't feel like I'm forgetting about them. They fight constantly and my new cat is afraid to use the litter box because that's always when they corner him. So now my new cat is going to the bathroom on top of my microwave (it's up high..So I think he feels safe). They fight constantly and my new cat never sticks up for himself. I feel sorry for him. One of these days though, I think my new cat is going to fight back and then it'll all be settled. If I put my "old" cats in the basement my new cat has no problems using the litter box. I guess it's just the "pecking order" and it'll all eventually die down.

saragato

It's ideal to have multiple litterboxes when you have multiple cats.

Violet sounds like she's afraid of Annie which, no duh, she's being bullied. Annie is probably asserting her dominance and Violet's smelly reaction is submission. If you're not cleaning the pee up with the proper stuff you might be smelling the ammonia or someone may be marking territory somewhere. Even if cats are fixed they can still urinate to mark "their" property. I have a cat that used to mark my bed and it took a while to not only stop him from it but to get the smell completely from my mattress. As for the claws, if you're against declawing there are gel caps you can buy from places like Petsmart and either put them on yourself or go to the vet and ask them to.

Female cats do not get along, generally. If you have more than one female cat in your house you will see some fights because they are generally more aggressive than males. Males can fight, but usually within 6 months of being introduced they will work out who ranks where on the totem pole. Females want to always be the top totem.

What I'd also suggest is taking Annie to the vet and talk about the behavior problems and if, possibly, any medication to calm her could be prescribed. You could very well separate the two for a while and try to slowly introduce them to each other again, but if you work and you're the only one home it can be more difficult. But I think for now you need to find Violet a place where she is Annie-free, whether it's a room or a closet or what that, when you're home, you can let her in and out of so she can de-stress and not worry 24/7 when she'll be pounced.

I really can't encourage the suggestion of getting rid of one cat if it's the problem one because these cats go to shelters without having that behavioral problem fixed and might be the one that keeps coming back to the shelter. If you can find out why Annie is so aggressive and get her to calm down and not be so offensive then Violet will calm down, quit pooping and peeing outside the litter box, and you might get more harmony. With multiple cats it's a given there might be a spat here and there, but not constant fear.

saragato

Annie just doesn't like Violet. Funnily enough, I had the same issue, with a cat named Annie, lol. For some reason she detested my newer cat and would corner her as well, and show her displeasure by peeing on the stove (have no idea why) and when she would corner and tackle the new cat, she would pee on her too. I finally just got Annie a new home, figuring she didn't like other cats. All cats were spayed.

Your cat was marking territory because it felt insecure. You brought home another cat and all the space it thought belonged to them was now shared and uncertain. Cats pee to mark what they want to be "their" property, places the other cats can't go because their smell is there. If she was peeing on the other cat, chances are she was trying to tell the cat that she was here first. You gave your cat away because it was insecure. Had you worked with your cat and the new one, you could have prevented the cat from being booted out.

And spaying/neutering doesn't stop the marking. It can lower the intensity of aggression due to hormones, but that's about it aside from the reproducing aspect.

k8blujay2

I am an animal lover. We have 3 cats and a dog. That being said...

Does anyone have any advice... 2 of the 3 cats are making my life miserable. The newest kitty, Violet, spends 99% of her time hiding from the oldest kitty, Annie, who is a psychotic *****. The last time I tried to pet Annie, she scratched my hand badly to where it was bleeding. I do not try to pet her any more.

Annie stalks Violet and when she finds her, corners her & won't leave her alone until they fight. When they fight, Violet pees & poos everywhere, plus clumps of fluffy weightless fur is everywhere. So I am constantly cleaning, and there is a smell I cannot get rid of. Violet is litter trained, but Annie will not allow her near the litter box.

Plus, all 3 of them are guilty of getting onto counters & on the dining table. I am at my wit's end. How do I put a stop to this? I am probably damaging the table right now, because I keep squirting it with water, thinking that the next kitty that jumps up there will get her paws wet & won't like it.

The dog & the other cat have no issues & are sweet, gentle, and obedient. Violet & the dog are best friends!

I haven't read the other comments so I may be repeating... for one, get at least one more cat litter box... yeah it will be a pain to clean up after, but at least you won't have a cat going on the floor because another one is goose gaurding. Also, I would try a pheramone (sp?) defuser for Annie, put them near the litter boxes and where they tend to sleep/hang out... it should calm them down a bit... you can usually find them either at Petsmart or the Vet's office.

As far as the counters and tables are concerned... try tin foil or sticky tape (sticky side up)... generally they will hate the noise or the feeling.

One trick that I found to work is when introducing new cats, get the smell of each other on them somehow... I rub a towel on one cat, than the other and back again.

mexy04

I am an animal lover. We have 3 cats and a dog. That being said...

Does anyone have any advice... 2 of the 3 cats are making my life miserable. The newest kitty, Violet, spends 99% of her time hiding from the oldest kitty, Annie, who is a psychotic *****. The last time I tried to pet Annie, she scratched my hand badly to where it was bleeding. I do not try to pet her any more.

Annie stalks Violet and when she finds her, corners her & won't leave her alone until they fight. When they fight, Violet pees & poos everywhere, plus clumps of fluffy weightless fur is everywhere. So I am constantly cleaning, and there is a smell I cannot get rid of. Violet is litter trained, but Annie will not allow her near the litter box.

Plus, all 3 of them are guilty of getting onto counters & on the dining table. I am at my wit's end. How do I put a stop to this? I am probably damaging the table right now, because I keep squirting it with water, thinking that the next kitty that jumps up there will get her paws wet & won't like it.

The dog & the other cat have no issues & are sweet, gentle, and obedient. Violet & the dog are best friends!

You need two litter boxes to every class (so experts say), there are products from nature's miracle that has phermones that calm kitties and spray for the spots where they pee. The two cats that aren't getting along is common, its a dominance thing and the cat will only do it on her terms. Its best to give them their own space. When introducing new cats you have to keep them separate for a couple days until they come to terms with sharing environments. New toys and playtime is very good. I swear they are coniving creatures but experts say its just their demeanor's. The hair problem is something I have had too, my kitten was fluffy and didn't shed until he grew older and its impossible to keep on top of the brushing plus they don't like it sometimes. So I gave him a lion cut...shaved his body and left his mane, tail, and below his elbows...I have had much success with hair around the house. The counters: don't spray the table girl!! Spray the cat!! When you see them do it spray them...I yell or clap real loud so they associate it with be startled. Sometimes you have to lock them in the bathroom with the litterbox. Cats are funny bout where they go so something is bothering, when they are traumatized by the box they stop going in it and go where comfortable.

My cat began going everywhere and come to find out he had crystals in his urine...I had to put him to sleep because there is no guarantee that it will be cured and their pee is disgustingly strong. I had to call stanley steamer and it took a couple months for the pee smell to go away. The pee will soak into the wood under your carpet and rot. Worst case scenario is that you will have to get rid of one of the cats thats just being honest.

I was miserable when my cat had gotten sick, I was ready to pull my hair out so I just wanted to share my knowledge and experience with that situation because I can sympathize with your situation. Good Luck

mexy04

I am an animal lover. We have 3 cats and a dog. That being said...

Does anyone have any advice... 2 of the 3 cats are making my life miserable. The newest kitty, Violet, spends 99% of her time hiding from the oldest kitty, Annie, who is a psychotic *****. The last time I tried to pet Annie, she scratched my hand badly to where it was bleeding. I do not try to pet her any more.

Annie stalks Violet and when she finds her, corners her & won't leave her alone until they fight. When they fight, Violet pees & poos everywhere, plus clumps of fluffy weightless fur is everywhere. So I am constantly cleaning, and there is a smell I cannot get rid of. Violet is litter trained, but Annie will not allow her near the litter box.

Plus, all 3 of them are guilty of getting onto counters & on the dining table. I am at my wit's end. How do I put a stop to this? I am probably damaging the table right now, because I keep squirting it with water, thinking that the next kitty that jumps up there will get her paws wet & won't like it.

The dog & the other cat have no issues & are sweet, gentle, and obedient. Violet & the dog are best friends!

You need two litter boxes to every class (so experts say), there are products from nature's miracle that has phermones that calm kitties and spray for the spots where they pee. The two cats that aren't getting along is common, its a dominance thing and the cat will only do it on her terms. Its best to give them their own space. When introducing new cats you have to keep them separate for a couple days until they come to terms with sharing environments. New toys and playtime is very good. I swear they are coniving creatures but experts say its just their demeanor's. The hair problem is something I have had too, my kitten was fluffy and didn't shed until he grew older and its impossible to keep on top of the brushing plus they don't like it sometimes. So I gave him a lion cut...shaved his body and left his mane, tail, and below his elbows...I have had much success with hair around the house. The counters: don't spray the table girl!! Spray the cat!! When you see them do it spray them...I yell or clap real loud so they associate it with be startled. Sometimes you have to lock them in the bathroom with the litterbox. Cats are funny bout where they go so something is bothering, when they are traumatized by the box they stop going in it and go where comfortable.

My cat began going everywhere and come to find out he had crystals in his urine...I had to put him to sleep because there is no guarantee that it will be cured and their pee is disgustingly strong. I had to call stanley steamer and it took a couple months for the pee smell to go away. The pee will soak into the wood under your carpet and rot. Worst case scenario is that you will have to get rid of one of the cats thats just being honest.

I was miserable when my cat had gotten sick, I was ready to pull my hair out so I just wanted to share my knowledge and experience with that situation because I can sympathize with your situation. Good Luck

opps need to proof read every cat

ksludwig

rule of thumb is usually 1 litter box per cat +1. Example: 3 cats + 1 = 4 littler boxes.

Also, put the litter boxes in different locations. That why if Annie is guarding 1 Violet has an alternative. Also, uncovered litter boxes will help Violet feel more comfortable about not getting cornered.

A calming collar for Annie might help too. My friend found that helped with her crazy kitty.


@woopidydoo I would follow the above, and maybe put a litter box on the microwave where your new cat is having accidents. I know it seems kind of gross, but you do not want the cat to become accustom to going to the bathroom on that type of surface. You can gradually move the box a foot or two each day until the cat is going in a place where you would like to keep the box.

Good luck with your kitties!