Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-17-2003 03:36 PM         

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Hello all - I have a question. Even though I'm a tech at a vet clinic, I don't know what to do about the following behavioral problem. I have 7 indoor cats and I just got the baby of the bunch spayed. She's only about 8 months old and she's always had a lot of attitude to begin with. My vet told me that I could expect a change in her "tude" in 6-8 weeks after surgery. Well, its now been 13 weeks and the only change is her putting on some serious weight. I wish she were more sociable with the others but she continues to be the only one that keeps to herself. I'm concerned about her agressive behavior towards everyone else but me. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated - I don't want to have to give her up. Thanks

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Member

Posts: 139
From:UK
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 06-19-2003 08:20 AM         

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Depending on the size of your house you may find that with 7 house cats there just isn't enough room for them to get their own personal space. You need around 150sqft per cat to keep them happy.
You might find you new kitty is just not a sociable cat and needs to have her own solitary time, if she is putting on weight it sounds like she is bored or depressed. Is there no way you can get her out? Maybe even a couple of hours out on a leash? I know a cat on a lead sounds mad but it calmed one of my little ones down no end!

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Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-19-2003 08:38 AM         

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I've heard of taking cats out on a lead before. How do I go about getting the proper type of leash for her that she can't get out of. I worry she may get loose and I live on a busy street. But, I am willing to try - do you reccomend a certain brand or type of leash?

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Member

Posts: 139
From:UK
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 06-20-2003 05:01 AM         

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The type of leash you should use is an under front leg harness that goes around the kitties neck and around its belly in just behind the front legs. No even a houdini can get out of that. If you go to your pet store they will be able to show you the right one. I think they make some for cats specifically these days but equally one designed for a small dog such as a yorkshire terrier will do.
You can start to lead train your cat by putting the harness and leash on when she is in the house and letting her wander around getting used to the weight. The first time you take her out just go a little way and make sure you give her plenthy of time to have a sniff of things. If she tries to bolt just pick her up and give her some reassurance.
It can be quite a long process but ultimtaley rewarding.
Good Luck

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Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-20-2003 07:08 AM         

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Thank you Isis - I'll try it this weekend fairing the weather. I appreciate your suggestion. Thanks!

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