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Posted by fullottermoon on December 05, 2002 at 03:01:21:

In Reply to: Re: Help needed with newly adopted kitten. posted by PHMadameAlto on December 04, 2002 at 19:02:19:

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:I think a vet check would be wise here in view of the fact that the cat doesn't seem to be eating. This may uncover a reason for this behavior.

:It sounds sort of like your kitten has petting-induced aggression. I would avoid picking her up even when she meows at you. Try giving her just one pet and then no more.

:It could also be that the problems stem from her trying to establish her place in the household. She may be trying to become the alpha cat or she may be fearful of the other cat.

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I agree with Mdme Alto - it sounds like the kitten is not lacking attention- quite the opposite. She's testing you to see if she can get you to stop what you're doing and pay attention to her, thus putting her in charge of any given situation. So, you must show her (preferably in cat ways) that you are the boss. Ignoring her crying behavior will work to an extent,but she may get more pushy after a little of that. There is always the spray bottle- keep a couple available in areas where she usually does this. Very firm "NO's" will have some effect, too. But I expect that you'll have to resort to the "swat." Not hitting her, but the kind of "cuffing" cats give each other when being annoyed.
It has to be very quick and accompanied by the firm NO. With an open hand just swat at her ears- the side of her face touching fur only. You need not connect or incur pain- it's the speed and the action in combination with the voice and command that gets the point across. Now,ths is just my opinion, but I have done this successfully in the past with a VERY dominant, VERY strong willed male that weighed about 15 lbs. (and NO fat). But we came to an understnding and were good friends most of the time. Also remember that some cats are more distant and remote. It's the nature of the beast. o try to accept her aloofness as part of her personality if it continues. Best wishes! Nancy

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