Agressive New Cat

Question
We just adopted two cats from our vet thru a special program (all spayed, first shots). One is 8 months old and has adapted nicely after only 2 days. The other is 4 years old and was very sweet and playful in the kennel but has done a total personality change, hissing and biting at us; I don't think she really likes other cats (we have one other at 8 years) but she also doesn't seem to like any of us! She will come over for attention thou and then after a minute, start the whole growling and hissing and attempting to bite again. I know it takes time and she was a stray for awhile, but will she ever settle in? Will she ever let us pet her like she did at the kennel? She seemed so loving then.

Answer
Jennifer,

She was secure in her cage at the kennel. Now she is in a big new area, with new people, new animals, new smells, and a new routine. She is more than likely overwhelmed.

I would keep her in a room or smaller area at first then gradually expand her territory. Usually it takes at least 2 weeks for cats to get used to other cats and new people. With some wilder cats it can take months. It also takes a lot of love, patience, and kitty treats. Food is a GREAT bribe!

Do not look her in the eyes. That is challenging to a cat. Ignore her. Let HER make to overtures to friendship when she is comfortable. When you pet her, do it for a short time and quit. Make it longer as she gains your trust. Remember, you don't know what she has been through or what experiences she has had.

Just be patient. Talk to her alot so she learns your voice. Let her settle in and learn about where she is. You can even put her in a cat carrier with a towel to hide under in it, and set it where most of the action in the house is so she can get used to all the movements, voices, people, etc. and still feel safe. It would be like her being in a kennel again where she felt secure.

Play with her with dangley fishing-type toys, or pull a shoestring around. Anything interactive will build her confidence and trust. Playing interactive with her and the other cat is also good for them to learn to be together.

It will work out, but it may take awhile. If she was loving and playful at the beginning, then that is probably her normal personality underneath everything. But right now she is scared and confused, because nothing is the same for her, and she doesn't know that she is 'home'.

Keep me posted on how she is doing.

Tabbi


Growling, hissing, and slaps are normal 'kitty communications'. Just watch for ears flat back, blood being shed, or serious fur flying!