My 3 yo cat has issues. Hates life. Hisses for no reason. Try to pet him, he bites, hisses, or scratches. Doesn't like any one, but the boyfriend who works long hours. Turns his back when the boyfriend gets home. Hates his litter brother, too. Help?
by 
Babyden
ANSWERS: 6
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If this has come on suddenly, or if you haven't had him in for a check up in a while, you should take him in for one. Explain to the vet the problem and ask for suggestions. A sick animal often isn't friendly. I have had good success using alternative remedies for animals. You can try putting lavender oil on cotton balls throughout the house, and see if that makes a difference. My vet uses this in her practice, because lavender oil is calming to both humans and animals. Or you can try using a Bach Flower remedy to calm things down. You will need to study a website that covers Bach Flower in animals, and determine the emotion behind the cat's behavior. It sounds like he's got a bit of separation anxiety with fear of some sort mixed in. You might need to do a bit of experimentation and find the right remedy. Don't forget to look at how to adiminister it and the type of bowl you put the remedy into. Liquid homeopathics should be stored away from electrical fields such as refridgerators, microvaves, and radios.
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You have not properly socialized him and thus have a long uphill battle ahead of you if you intend to keep him. He does not trust either you or your b/f, because there has been no positive interaction initiated by either of you. Perhaps you have been paying too much attn to the sibling? You need to make time to spend with him alone, no other distractions...just sitting quietly in a comfy chair or on the couch with treats by your side (make sure he knows there are treats), which he gets as he becomes more and more willing to trust you...lay down next to you, be willing to submit to stroking and petting, and so forth...cats are independent creatures and winning the trust of yours will be a long time coming....but be patient, it's worth the time invested. Hugs.
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Ever since I did take in two larger, older females, I believe that is when Shoes turned angry. Didn't even like his own bro. Wonderful advice. I will spend extra time with him. When he gets to biting, I get mad, too. Have never struck my "kids". Maybe he senses my frustration. Thank-you!!
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Do cats have PMS? If not, your cat needs a checkup at the vets. Nothing worse in the world than a cat with an attitude.
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Take the cat to the vet to make sure he/she isn't in pain or ill. As the poster above pointed out sick animals are often not friendly. Once you have eliminated any illness you need to start on a behavioral program.
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Adding a couple of cats to the household will do it. You have been given excellent advice here and I would just add a couple of things. First you need to take him in to make sure nothing physical is going on. Second, you have to start back at square one to introduce and familiarize the new cats to him. He is angry that he lost his territory. Cats have a pecking order. #1 cat should be greeted first when you come home; put his food down before the others, make a big fuss over him, don't let him see you making a fuss over the other cats. Proper introductions are really important in a multiple cat household and it seems that did not happen here but hopefully you can correct it now. It might also help to spend some quality time with him in a room alone with the other cats shut out every day if you can. Also make sure they all have separate dishes and litter boxes. Good luck.
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