Hissing

One question. Am I over reacting to maggie hissing at me? If it is something that will disappear over time, ok, but if not then how do I stop it?????

What are you doing right before she hisses at you?

all I am doing is patting her, and carrying her a short distance. Now I have the dog that I look after, and beginning the intro period for them. Funny thing is, I am not worried about the dog doing anything, but i am worried about maggie taking a swipe at the dog. Maggie has claws, unlike suzie. But they are prolly about 5 ft from each other right now, and maggie is eyeing the dog keenly. I have even let maggie sniffy my hands for the dog's scent too, to help.

Since you just got her, let her come to you for pets and for holding. Although she has moved right in and is comfortable for the most part, the hissing is a warning for you to stop what you are doing.

Good Luck with the dog and cat Intros.

I usually do stop, then let her come back around a bit later. The amount of time is increasing so she must be getting used to it. The intros with the dog or coming, and I have the dog for a couple of days over the holidays, so they will continue then. If I may, let me ask one more question. Since it is also a behaviour question. Why do cats go nuts when a harness is put on them? Is it cause they are not accustomed to this, or it is unnatural for them? Just wondering.

If you get Cat Fancy, my article about harness training appeared there last month.


Basically, it boils down to this; not all cats are good candidates for harness training. You need a younger, or an outgoing cat, and when you put the harness on the first time, you don't fasten it. You feed while the cat is wearing it. Then remove it after the meal. Repeat that procedure a few times more for however long it takes for the cat not to react to it. If your cat is "going nuts" then he is probably not a good one to take outdoors. Many harnesses are made so the cat can easily slip out of it, so if your cat freaks outside, you could lose him. If the cat isn't bothered by the harness, than taking that cat outside becomes a real possibilty. But food and reward are key when training a cat to accept a harness.

About the hissing, if this cat is new, advise you to back off and not approach or initiate contact. The cat needs to get used to his new environment, and although you may want a lap cat, that is the furthest thing from this cat's mind at the moment. Also do not stare into the cat's eyes for any reason. If you make contact, close your eyes and blink slowly then move away. Staring means you are ready for battle and your cat will answer with claws and teeth at the ready.

My thinking for the harness is too allow her to enjoy the balcony during hte spring summer and early fall with me. seeing as I live on the ground floor, the harness will give me a bit of control of her, but still allow her to enjoy outside. She is definately outgoing, just a matter of getting her used to wearing the harness.

Most of the contact is initaiated by maggie. it is not really that I want a lap cat, but sometimes when I am giving her some attn, someone comes to the door, and it is easier to hold her to answer the door than to have her hop off.