Our cats aggression and an abused dog.

Question
I actually have two questions. One, we have had our cat for two years now, and she is the most aggresive thing I have ever seen. She constantly is biting and clawing people, has basically destroyed most of my brother's bedroom furniture, (where she sleeps) and has an affinity for chewing on metal and wires. We have scratching posts for her and many toys, but they don't really seem to help. Is there ANYTHING we can do to calm her down so that she stops destroying everything and attacking everyone? We have yet to get her spayed, would that help in calming her down?

My next problem is this: My dad brought home a rat terrier that was in an abusive home where he was beat on a regular basis. Now, every night when we put him to bed in his kennel, or for that matter, anytime we put him in his kennel, he pees and poops on himself and just lays in it. He stays outside most of the day and has over two acres to run and play on, so it's not like we're not giving him time to go, but he always holds it in until we put him in his kennel. He is a healthy dog and has no health problems. However, he is driving everyone crazy because it is such an ordeal cleaning it up and the smell is horrible. We are almost at our wits end with him and are thinking about giving him away. He also can be aggresive with our other dogs, and is constantly barking at them. Is there anything we can do to help him and make him stop doing that?  

Answer
1. get the cat spayed, it can help.
2. get some FELIWAY in the plug in diffuser form and put on in the room she stays in.  
3. Minimize the stress. ie)leave her alone. provide food/water/litter. that is it. just calm talking. no petting nothing. that can aggravate the problem


the dog:

1.have you ever thought to think that poor dog was not allowed outside of his last home and was taught to urinate and defecate on himself? Its a sad thing, but it does happen.

lots of walks outside with YOU, not being tied up outside makes him learn that its OK to go outside.

aggression with the other dogs comes with his abuse.

speak to your vet. you have 2 very stressed animals. perhaps some anti anxiety meds can help too.