Behavior problems & biting by cat

Question
Hi Jennifer!

I have a wonderful cat that is having some problems.  She came to us at 2 months old in July of 2002.  She had the whole house (and us) to herself until Sept of last year when we brought home twins.  My children are now 10 months old & are enamored with the cat.  The feeling is not mutual.  Because the time I spend with Kali (our cat) is much less, she has begun acting up.  All of the following is new:  First, anything with water in it is dumped within minutes by Kali.  She gets up on tables, counters, actually - ANYTHING & knocks stuff off onto the floor.  At night, she has a routine where she knocks off everything on my dresser.  She has bitten several of my nephews, ages 18 mos to 6 yrs old (my 6 yr old nephews have teased her in the past).  I discipline her by saying "NO" really loud & then I lock her up in the room with her food & litter.  At night, I have to lock her up bc she goes around knocking stuff off my dressers all night (she used to sleep with us).  I do not leave her alone with my kids but, I'm worried that I am only delaying the inevitable - do I need to get rid of her?  I tried introducing her to the babies slowly - I just don't want her to bite them!  She is still a good cat - very loving to adults.  Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Brenda

Answer
Brenda,

You need to spend more time with the cat....she is craving your attention and all the disciplining and locking her up in the room is making it worse.  Cats do not take kindly to punishment nor do they like change in their routine.  

Make sure to have at least 2 sessions of 15 minutes EACH day where you are alone with the cat--playing, petting, etc. (whatever she enjoys doing)  Burning some extra energy will also make her more tired at nite.

I would recommend FELIWAY (Comfort Zone) diffusers in the house to help reduce any anxiety she is feeling.

In addition, I would add flower essences to her water to help her with the jealousy and adjustment.  There are combination products out there but HOLLY is definitely the one for jealousy and BEECH is for adjusting to change in the household.  Visit the website below for more info:

www.rainbowcrystal.com/bach/floweran.html


GOOD LUCK!
DR. Fry