Ill-tempered cat

I got my cat from a shelter about 18-20 months ago. My kitten was only 12 weeks old. She was very sweet at first but now as she has grown up she has grown mean towards just about everyone but me. She's a total sweetheart around me. I live alone and she is alone most of the day. I have tried to introduce her to some neighbors' cats and she growls and hisses like there is no tomorrow. She is the same with most other people. Any advice on how to handle this? Giving her away doesn't even seem like an option since she's not likely to take kindly to any new owner.

Giving her away is definately not the answer.

First of all, some cats are really only one-person cats, but I doubt that's the case with your cat. Many cats are only fond of those they live with and only slowly build up a bond with friends over several (sometimes many) visits.

Secondly, most cats need time and proper introduction to get to know other cats - introducing her to neighbours cats is probably unnecessary, so don't bother her with it. If you would like to adopt a second cat for her, there are ways to do this to make it easier on you and both cats.

Does she like any of your visitors? Can you try a feliway plug in or spray when you're planning on having guests (it's a synthetic phermone, we can't smell it at all, but it smells like happiness and calmness to cats).

I agree with Satai, some cats are one person cats. I have 5 that are not really people friendly at all. There are just the people that have visited me many many many times that they have adjusted to and I do mean many visits. Otherwise, you wouldnt even know I have cats, if you came to visit me, except for the cat hair you left with on your clothes.

Cats that are happy to meet random other cats all of a sudden are few and far between. Introducing them should take a matter of days, longer if they're ornery cats.

My cat loves other cats but she also sometimes hisses on walks in there's one in a window or something.

As for people, your baby just might not like other people. If your guests aren't overnight, is there a room you can keep her in? If not, cats regard people who ignore them as the friendliest. Instruct your guests to not look at or touch or talk to your cat, and you may find everyone getting along much better.

Wow! My beloved Pandora was exactly the same way, and I had adopted her from a shelter at 5 weeks! The only difference I see is that I saw her love toward me and was defensive about her hostility towards others! Some cats are 1 person loners and I feel you should soak up the love and what could become territorial aggression towards others with you........there is nothing like unconditional love.............when it becomes a little over bearing, a bit of firm verbal command or simple recognition of thier feelings might be necessary. But believe me, this is a rare relationship that you may benefit from, often animals know things we don't! Goodluck!

Here is a pic of Pandora, queen of the house!

Rest her soul...........

She definately gets along well with everyone when everyone pays no attention to her. She'll come in and hang out nearby and watch the action. It's only when someone walks past her or tries to pet her that she will hiss or something. She never uses her claws. She just kind of bats with her paw, telling them she doesn't like people to get too close. I guess from what you tell me her behavior is pretty normal. I'll just be patient and maybe as she gets older she'll mellow out.

agh, that sounds just like my best friend's cat, Little Girl. She hates everything and everyone- except my best friend. She's a part-feral tortie, which apparently adds to the problem. My friend agrees- tell everyone to just ignore her and it'll be better for all involved.

Originally Posted by thedust2010

She definately gets along well with everyone when everyone pays no attention to her. She'll come in and hang out nearby and watch the action. It's only when someone walks past her or tries to pet her that she will hiss or something. She never uses her claws. She just kind of bats with her paw, telling them she doesn't like people to get too close. I guess from what you tell me her behavior is pretty normal. I'll just be patient and maybe as she gets older she'll mellow out.

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Glad that you see the better side, a lot of people are'nt like that, they would just give up and give her away................ The best way is just to tell people that she really does'nt like to be handled by strangers, she likes to watch. Pandi was very perceptive of animal lovers so when someone would be over that respected her space, sure enough she would go up to them and say hello. Although there were times when she was super beotch mode and I would have to tell her to go in the other room! I think most of us are the same way, some more then others!