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Sunday Chat: 9 PM ET Pet Loss Support
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Posted by Martisimo on January 16, 2003 at 09:12:42:
In Reply to: Angry agression, incessant yowling, and more! posted by zoomgirl on January 15, 2003 at 11:44:48:
Wow, this sounds like a really big problem. (I'm not a pet psychologist, first of all.) How old is she? Cats aren't normally attracted to things that are lying still. I'm sure a part of the problem is the high-strung nature of the Siamese, and the vocalization goes along with that (welcome to the yowling of Siamese cats!), but...no cat should attack people as they sleep! I'm thinking perhaps there was some inbreeding going on somewhere along the line with the oh-so-scrupulous breeder you describe. Certainly some really indesirable traits were being passed along.
The aggression while you're petting her is not uncommon. My advice would be, don't pet her. Maybe a scatch here and there, but nothing extended and never on your lap so it never escalates into a situation where she gets ugly. Always leave her wanting more and in a good mood, never let it go beyond that. If that only means petting her for one second, so be it. It's important that no one gets hurt. Some cats hate to have their back or belly touched, so avoid those.
It also sounds like she might be a little bored. Have you tried playing with her using a laser pointer? This would expend some energy and give her a "job" to do chasing "laser bugs", as I call it. I wouldn't use traditional cat toys because if she were to get too worked up you might be a target since she can see you manipulating the toys.
Obviously, never have this cat around kids and I'd always put her in one room when you have visitors so safety won't even be an issue. Some people might not be understanding about her, and if they were bleeding I almost blame them!
Regarding the vet advice you've received: I don't know you, I don't know your cat. You must make the most fair judgement. The most important thing is that she doesn't hurt other people and that she, too, is safe. (I'm facing a similar issue with a foster dog now, except she's aggressive with everyone but me.) Before considering such a decision I would consult with a Siamese rescue or interest group to see if they have advice. You might also search out a pet behaviorist, have Spike evaluated and be up front with the behaviorist about what you need and what you're willing to do to help Spike's behavior.
:The Siamese cat forum seemed to be a little quiet, so I thought I'd post this here (although, I have been told that this problem might be a "Siamese thing."). Anyway...
:I love my cat and I think she loves me too, although at times it is tough to tell. She goes from sitting on my lap, purring, to bitting and scratching viciously in a matter of split seconds. I do not (knowingly) provoke this behavious, and from what I can tell, it is not playing; her tail is twitching, and she growls and spits. If I push her away, she dives back at me, screaming, teeth bared, ready for more action. She has drawn blood on numerous occasions - not just mine, but that of household visitors too.
:Coupled with this, she wanders around the house meowing at the top of her little lungs all day long. Even when I'm not there (when I come home, I can hear her meowing even before I get up to the house). I know SIamese cats are talkative, but this yowling is pointless, as far as I can tell. It is loud and incessant, and I hate to say it, annoying after a long day at work. Her meow has started to sound like how a cat trapped in a well might sound. It is totally blood-curdling.
:Here are the stats about Spike:
:I got her when she was 6 weeks old, from a 'breeder.' This breeder had a horrible set-up, in my opinion - dozens of cats crammed into dirty, small cages. Spike took a long time to adjust to my house as a kitten. She has always been very jumpy and antsy, but in the recent past it has gotten worse. She is spayed and is up to date on all of her shots. Recently, my roommates moved out of the house and it's just been me and Spike, but I work all day long and most evenings. In short, I don't spend a lot of time at home. I admit that the separation may cause the crying, but the biting has been happening all along.
:Vets have suggested to me that any cat that viciously atacks humans and draws blood should be put down, but that option makes me feel ill.
:The spray bottle infuriates her even more. Sitting perfectly still infuriates her more. Pushing her away boils her blood.
:I don't know what to do.
:Last night she attacked me in my sleep!
:I'm at my wits' end about this, and just need some information or advice. Any pet psychologists in the house?