My boyfriend and I have had Tak for about 3.5 years now (she was a kitten when we got her). She's always been a little crazy, and very active, but it didn't strike me as odd as most cats are that way.
Lately she has become absolutely unbearable to live with. She has picked up many nasty habits and is driving Simon and I completely insane. We don't get any sleep and we spend a lot of time picking up after her. I've been trying to give her extra attention and play time to fix her bad behaviour, but it didn't work. It seemed to get her more wound up. Further, it is very hard to want to spend time with the animal that is making me so miserable...
Here's what she's up to. I'd appreciate any input at all, as she's making us very unhappy and cranky...
1. Meowing. CONSTANTLY. It's this awful, mournful noise. She mostly does this at night, and will go for a good 6-8 hours. Letting her in our room does not solve it, nor does keeping her out. She's not allowed outside here (busy roads). Nothing has changed in the past few months to make this behaviour start, but it's been going on for a long time. I want my sleep back! (yes, she's spayed)
2. Getting into the paper garbage in the computer room. We've tried everything to fix it so she won't get in there, but she keeps at it. I'm tired of picking it up at least twice a day.
3. Eating things she shouldn't be. Most notably: photographs, negatives, postcards, important letters, plastic bags. She chews them up until they are useless. Even if I hide things from her, she finds them and ruins them.
4. Being agressive with guests. She used to be so loving with our company, no matter who they were, but recently she's been biting and clawing them if they get close. She doesn't growl or snarl. It seems like more of a playful thing, but it is hurtful for the human involved!
I don't want to send her away, but I am at my wit's end with what to do. Losing the solace of our home to this suddenly destructive animal is really wearing both of us down. I fear it might be the cat or our relationship if she doesn't straighten up... but I don't know where to start!
Thank you for ANY help.
Lately she has become absolutely unbearable to live with. She has picked up many nasty habits and is driving Simon and I completely insane. We don't get any sleep and we spend a lot of time picking up after her. I've been trying to give her extra attention and play time to fix her bad behaviour, but it didn't work. It seemed to get her more wound up. Further, it is very hard to want to spend time with the animal that is making me so miserable...
Here's what she's up to. I'd appreciate any input at all, as she's making us very unhappy and cranky...
1. Meowing. CONSTANTLY. It's this awful, mournful noise. She mostly does this at night, and will go for a good 6-8 hours. Letting her in our room does not solve it, nor does keeping her out. She's not allowed outside here (busy roads). Nothing has changed in the past few months to make this behaviour start, but it's been going on for a long time. I want my sleep back! (yes, she's spayed)
2. Getting into the paper garbage in the computer room. We've tried everything to fix it so she won't get in there, but she keeps at it. I'm tired of picking it up at least twice a day.
3. Eating things she shouldn't be. Most notably: photographs, negatives, postcards, important letters, plastic bags. She chews them up until they are useless. Even if I hide things from her, she finds them and ruins them.
4. Being agressive with guests. She used to be so loving with our company, no matter who they were, but recently she's been biting and clawing them if they get close. She doesn't growl or snarl. It seems like more of a playful thing, but it is hurtful for the human involved!
I don't want to send her away, but I am at my wit's end with what to do. Losing the solace of our home to this suddenly destructive animal is really wearing both of us down. I fear it might be the cat or our relationship if she doesn't straighten up... but I don't know where to start!
Thank you for ANY help.