How to break an alpha cat?

duchess15

duchess15

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Keira is really, really, really alpha. She doesn't like to be picked up and if you do, she doesn't stay for long.

She gets into everything and I can't control her unless I scruff her. She also is starting to bite some of the other cats while they are sleeping and that has to stop.

Does anyone have any ideas of how I can break of her these habits? Also, she is really solid and chunky. She is still a kitten so I hope she will grow out of it.
 
jack31

jack31

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I don't think you can ever break that alpha cat, but I have curbed some of our alpha cats behaviors with Feliway. He is much more mellow because of it--I quickly find out when its time to change the diffuser because he gets naughty.

Leslie
 
nekochan

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Personally I think if you look at it differently it might help. Instead of looking at it as an "alpha cat" you need to "break" instead look at it as a cat with problem behaviors that need to be changed. First I would look at the environment. Sometimes if a cat is getting into trouble it can help if they are given other outlets for their energy. How many scratching posts or climbing structures does she have? How often does she get interactive play? Increasing mental and physical exercise may help some with the biting and getting into everything. You can use behavior modification/training to change some of the behaviors. Maybe you can try clcker training?
 
kai bengals

kai bengals

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Sabrina, you have a bengal kitten in her adolescent stage. Most bengals at this age, don't like being picked-up and held. They are too busy for that stuff.
She'll grow out of that.

She's into everything because she is bored and it gets a reaction from you. Keep in mind that bengals like any reaction, even if it's negative. She's also biting the sleeping cats because she is awake and bored. Sometimes bengals want to play with other cats and not humans if there are other cats in the house. I agree the behavior is unacceptable and you'll need to intervene.

I don't think she is old enough yet to establish her "position" in your home, but she is probably testing the waters a bit. However, my guess is she is mostly bored and looking for fun and tormenting sleeping cats is most likely fun for her.
We have several in the house right now that are the same age as your girl and they are all testing our patience. It's a bengal thing, embrace it and find an outlet for their energy. Re-direction is the key.
 
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goldenkitty45

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Remember to clip those nails weekly and maybe put a dab of Bitter Apple spray on the necks of the cats - that should "cure" her
 
esrandall2000

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Originally Posted by Kai Bengals

Sabrina, you have a bengal kitten in her adolescent stage. Most bengals at this age, don't like being picked-up and held. They are too busy for that stuff.
She'll grow out of that.

She's into everything because she is bored and it gets a reaction from you. Keep in mind that bengals like any reaction, even if it's negative. She's also biting the sleeping cats because she is awake and bored. Sometimes bengals want to play with other cats and not humans if there are other cats in the house. I agree the behavior is unacceptable and you'll need to intervene.

I don't think she is old enough yet to establish her "position" in your home, but she is probably testing the waters a bit. However, my guess is she is mostly bored and looking for fun and tormenting sleeping cats is most likely fun for her.
We have several in the house right now that are the same age as your girl and they are all testing our patience. It's a bengal thing, embrace it and find an outlet for their energy. Re-direction is the key.
Click to expand...
What immediately came to my mind was,that a daily, VIGOROUS session with "Da Bird," might be helpful. It seems that all of that energy needs to be directed somewhere and it would be best if you did the directing!
 
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