I adopted a year old DSH in August, and three weeks ago I moved out of my parent's house and into my own place. I don't have any other pets. The problem is, my cat isn't used to being alone, ever.
When she was in the animal shelter she was allowed out several times a day to play with people and other cats and animals, in my parent's house, there were other people around, two other cats and a dog. Now, all of a sudden I'm gone 9 hours a day at work and she is going insane.
About a week after moving, she started getting agressive with me. She wouldn't really attack me, but she did it in the "play agression" type way. I ignore her and don't play with her when she does this, but I know part of the reason she's doing this is because she wants attention. I'm afraid that ignoring her whenever she's agressive is just contributing to the problem.
I engage her in play as much as possible, but sometimes she just won't let off attacking me and being agressive.
I don't want to spend all my time with her pushing her away or ignoring her, does anyone have any suggestions for helping her to cope better when she's alone so much, and how I can encourage her to play more appropriately?
Thanks!
When she was in the animal shelter she was allowed out several times a day to play with people and other cats and animals, in my parent's house, there were other people around, two other cats and a dog. Now, all of a sudden I'm gone 9 hours a day at work and she is going insane.
About a week after moving, she started getting agressive with me. She wouldn't really attack me, but she did it in the "play agression" type way. I ignore her and don't play with her when she does this, but I know part of the reason she's doing this is because she wants attention. I'm afraid that ignoring her whenever she's agressive is just contributing to the problem.
I engage her in play as much as possible, but sometimes she just won't let off attacking me and being agressive.
I don't want to spend all my time with her pushing her away or ignoring her, does anyone have any suggestions for helping her to cope better when she's alone so much, and how I can encourage her to play more appropriately?
Thanks!