sweet with people, but animals...

[rebsbabe]

IMG_20140830_140415.jpg

• rebsbabe
• Aug 31, 2014

This is Delilah. She is almost a year and a half old. She is the biggest sweetheart towards people. She is affectionate toward strangers and (strangely enough ) chihuahuas. She hates other cats. IDK how I'll ever get another one. Then there are dogs. When she goes outside, she is on leash and harness (harnesses trained since 8 weeks. Old) if not for the leash,she tries to chase dogs. Too attack! I was so embarrassed. A lady walked her tiny yorkie puppy passed us and she ran at it with raised fur and war cry. She was an inch from getting it.
I do not know what's up. When big dogs pass, she lays down and once they pass, she starts creeping after them.
is it normal for cats to act like this?

 

[p3 and the king]

Some cats just do not like other animals.  It's a sad fact.  It's lucky you see this BEFORE you got another kitty.  Most people don't (won't) see it and go out and get another and end up with a bunch of problems. 

My sister's cat, Belle, was like this.  Of course she also had some issues, chemical issues with her brain and personality issues.  She ran away after escaping upon my sisters pregnancy.  She got very upset about the sister being pregnant.  She would growl and hiss and swat at her!  And she was overly attached to my sister to the point of dependent before the pregnancy. 

They brought in two dogs because they knew Belle would never allow another cat.  They just kept them separated and it seemed to work for them. 

No it's not normal for them to act like this, she may have some chemical imbalances going on like Belle did.  But, it can happen without chemical imbalances and just be part of their personality to dislike other animals. 

 

[cjh27]

Hi,

are you considering getting another cat?

The problem with your Delilah is that she did not grow up with her siblings and other cats. She probably doesn't know how to act socially towards other cats.

If you do get a second cat this cat should be very well socialized and have always lived with other cats (if you're thinking about a kitten this kitten should have grown up with its mother and siblings and have stayed with its familiy for 14-16 weeks.

Even so you should plan carefully how you introduce the cats to each other and allow for plenty of time.

October

 

[p3 and the king]

 
Hi,

are you considering getting another cat?

The problem with your Delilah is that she did not grow up with her siblings and other cats. She probably doesn't know how to act socially towards other cats.

If you do get a second cat this cat should be very well socialized and have always lived with other cats (if you're thinking about a kitten this kitten should have grown up with its mother and siblings and have stayed with its familiy for 14-16 weeks.

Even so you should plan carefully how you introduce the cats to each other and allow for plenty of time.

October

I hate to disagree, but this is not so.  My sisters cat had siblings and was raised around other cats.  She still did not like other animals.  Yes her chemical imbalance contributed to her violent outbursts with them, but it was her personality, as well.  Some cats just are not other animal type of cats.  They are alphas and only kitty syndrome alphas at that. 

Getting another cat would be very ill advised and very difficult.  It more than likely would NOT work out at all and she'd end up having to rehome the kitty after months of agonizing situation where it might be traumatized by Delilah.  I would recommend speaking to a behavior specialists (ask your vet for one close or even in their office- vets are NOT behavior specialists) and seeing about a chemical imbalance.  There are medications out there to help her.  It could help curb her violent outbursts but it will not change her personality to the point where another kitty is advised.  It won't work a miracle but it will make her less violent and calmer. 

 

[cjh27]

So you don't see any correlation between anti-social behaviour towards other cats and the socialization, that a cat experienced in the crucial first few months?

If cats are to live together their personalities have to fit together. If a cat is very submissive by nature and another cat in the household is very dominant by nature this will not work out. BUT this doesn't mean that either cat is a loner and better off alone!

In addition, some cats don't get on well in a large group but can do very well with only one other cat in the household.

October

 

[p3 and the king]

Also, if you would like another example.  I have an older lady friend who has a Persian cat that is very only kitty syndrome cat without a chemical imbalance.  She has tried many times to bring another cat into the family without success.  She'll even try it for 6 months and it just doesn't work.  She knows all the right ways of proper cat introductions but Bluie just will not tolerate another cat in the house. 

The last time, she thought Bluie had possibly accepted the other kitten she brought home but then Bluie got violently ill and the vet attributed it to stress and anxiety from yet another attempt to bring in another cat.  So again, heartbreakingly she had to give up another sweet kitty she had grown to love because Bluie just can't do it. 

So I would advise you to see a behavior specialist and really talk to them and listen to what they say.  They will not advise another kitty at this time and possibly not in the future. 

 

[p3 and the king]

 
So you don't see any correlation between anti-social behaviour towards other cats and the socialization, that a cat experienced in the crucial first few months?

If cats are to live together their personalities have to fit together. If a cat is very submissive by nature and another cat in the household is very dominant by nature this will not work out. BUT this doesn't mean that either cat is a loner and better off alone!

In addition, some cats don't get on well in a large group but can do very well with only one other cat in the household.

October

Not all cats can live with another cat.  She can try, certainly... But it will be an uphill battle and it more than likely will end with them having to be separated all the time or rehoming one.  Not all cats are social animals.  You have to know your cat.  I am going into behavior studies to become a behavior specialist, I know what they'll advise.  And another cat would be very ill advised at this point.  And very likely ill advised in the future.  That's all I am trying to get across, from a medical profession standpoint. 

 

[cjh27]

 
Also, if you would like another example.  I have an older lady friend who has a Persian cat that is very only kitty syndrome cat without a chemical imbalance.  She has tried many times to bring another cat into the family without success.  She'll even try it for 6 months and it just doesn't work.  She knows all the right ways of proper cat introductions but Bluie just will not tolerate another cat in the house. 

How long did this Persian cat live without any other cats before your friend tried to bring another cat into the family?

Cats can **become** anti-social due to having lived for years without any contact to other cats. An example like the one about the Persian cat doesn't really tell us anything without the background story - and certainly doesn't prove that there a cats who by nature are anti-social.

And what is your definition of a "chemical imbalance"?

October

 

[p3 and the king]

They started trying to get Bluie another friend before she was even a year old.  It is just her personality.  You can disagree but I've seen it enough to know it is very real.  Some cats are very solitary animals.  Just like with people, some cats are loners.  I am not saying all cats are.  But it is not wise to tell someone who says their cat doesn't like other animals to get another one because it can work!  I work in a shelter/vet office... I see dozens of cats brought in because of that very reason... Their people got another cat and it didn't work so they picked the one they liked best and dumped the other at a shelter.  

Chemical imbalance is just like it is for humans.  It can cause anxiety, unrealistic fears, stresses, mood swings, violent outbursts, etc.  Cats can suffer from many psychological/mental disorders same as humans. 

 

[cjh27]

So "chemical imbalance" doesn't really mean anything specific? It's just a general term to say a cat isn't very sociable?

October

 

[p3 and the king]

 
So "chemical imbalance" doesn't really mean anything specific? It's just a general term to say a cat isn't very sociable?

October

Uh no?!  It's not just a "general term to describe a cat who isn't sociable".....  It's a real thing.  An illness in the brain, so to speak.  It's a like a person with a psychological disorder that causes them to be paranoid and as described above.  A cat like this cannot live with other animals with any hope of success without proper treatment.  Even then, it's not a magic fix.  It just makes the chemicals in their brain balance out so the symptoms are not as severe and they can "function" normally.  But, it does not change their personality. 

Look at Jackson Galaxies videos on this or look it up online.  Educate yourself.  I am not trying to discredit you but to help the OP because their cat is showing signs of possibly being this way.  And when someone advises to go ahead and get another cat... Well, they should know all of the reasons that they need to really STOP and think and get professional advice. 

 

[cjh27]

What is bothering me here a bit is how easily you seem "diagnose" a chemical imbalance, ruling out other possible reasons such as a lack in socialization while the cat was growing up. Or the cat being in a group that doesn't harmonize or that is too big for this specific cat.

According to your advice, Delilah should not be given the chance to live with other cats, which I finde qually difficult.

October

 

[cjh27]

A cat is sweet with humans - but difficult with other cats. Is this cat then chemically balanced towards people - but at the same time specifically chemically imbalanced towards cats? How exactly does that work?

October

 

[p3 and the king]

 
What is bothering me here a bit is how easily you seem "diagnose" a chemical imbalance, ruling out other possible reasons such as a lack in socialization while the cat was growing up. Or the cat being in a group that doesn't harmonize or that is too big for this specific cat.

According to your advice, Delilah should not be given the chance to live with other cats, which I finde qually difficult.

October

I can only conclude that you are choosing to not "listen" because my advice disagrees with yours.  That is your right.  I am not "diagnosing" anything.  I can't.  I am simply stating that she needs to really think about it before getting another cat.  Because it would be ill advised either way.  I was describing my sisters cat for her because there are similarities.  Yes, Belle was very sweet with my sister and her husband.  Not really anyone else but she was OK with people for the most part. 

I am not saying she couldn't get another cat, but it would be difficult because not all cats can live with other cats.  This is a myth, as well.  Cats are not pack animals.  They can be but not all are going to do well and she does need to seek professional advice and really soul search before doing so... Because it will more than likely be extremely difficult to get Delilah to accept another cat and even then, she may need to be kept separated all the time like Belle was for the majority of the time. 

I understand you don't like what I am saying but "getting another cat" is not good advice right now.  And you are putting the new cat in a very unfair and unsure situation which could lead to very bad consequences.  That is what I am saying. 

 

[rebsbabe]

Ok. Wow, there are a few interesting thoughts here. Lets start with one thing that I must make perfactly clear. Delilah is a territorial female who is very close to me. She will not EVER be made to take some kind of kitty psych meds! When I first got her, my neighbor had a male cat about 1 month older. They did not try to kill each other but there was tension, though . She don't see him anymore. I did try to get her a little used to other cats with him. I have a theory that the cats she wants to fight with are female. Her chasing some dogs and clearly attempting to befriend other dogs, like mini pincers and Chihuahuas is baffeling to me.

 

[p3 and the king]

Ok. Wow, there are a few interesting thoughts here. Lets start with one thing that I must make perfactly clear. Delilah is a territorial female who is very close to me. She will not EVER be made to take some kind of kitty psych meds! When I first got her, my neighbor had a male cat about 1 month older. They did not try to kill each other but there was tension, though . She don't see him anymore. I did try to get her a little used to other cats with him. I have a theory that the cats she wants to fight with are female. Her chasing some dogs and clearly attempting to befriend other dogs, like mini pincers and Chihuahuas is baffeling to me.

OK let me make clear, as well.  The medication is for cats that are so bad off that they cannot function and it doesn't mean the kitty is "psycho."  Just like with people, psychiatric disorders and chemical imbalances get a bad rap.  Just like with meds.  Belle did need them to function somewhat normally because she was a pretty moderate case.  And it effected her ability to function and be a happy cat.  With the meds, she was tolerable and much better.  So they do help.  But, I do not recommend them for cats that don't need them.  I never would. 

However, cats that don't like other animals are quite common, too.  I was just trying to urge you to really think about it first and read some of the threads people post in here about cats NOT getting along and they are at the end of their rope.  It's heartbreaking.  Mostly because there are no guarantees.  Just like with my friend who has Bluie.  She loves cats and did everything right each and every time... But, it just didn't work.  She was responsible and found good homes for the kitties to go to but it is very difficult to find good homes.  That is another fact.  So, please... Really think it over and do what you feel is best for your cat and not just what you want.  I am not saying she couldn't but again there are no guarantees.  Usually lashing out aggressively at other animals is a clear sign of being aggressive and possibly unable to tolerate other animals reasonably. 

I know it isn't what you (or anyone wants to hear) but sometimes the truth is what we need to be told and not what we want to hear. 

 

[cjh27]

She will not EVER be made to take some kind of kitty psych meds!

Super. I wouldn't give her any either.

There's nothing wrong with your cat.
 

When I first got her, my neighbor had a male cat about 1 month older. They did not try to kill each other but there was tension, though .

How long did you try to get the two used to each other?

The problem with this is that it was a long time ago and can't really tell you, how she would react today.

Her chasing some dogs and clearly attempting to befriend other dogs, like mini pincers and Chihuahuas is baffeling to me.

She probably has no idea that dogs can really hurt her if things go bad. She probably never was in a bad fight. The problem here is that she won't learn until she is badly bitten - and that is not something you would really want.

I have a theory that the cats she wants to fight with are female.

Has she been neutered?

cjh27

 

[rebsbabe]

Wow. When did I even say I was in the market for another? My cats are always rescues that fate brings together with me. She has never gotten ahold of anything to fight with due to the lleash and me. But she tries to chase
She LIKES most small dogs. Her best friend is s Chihuahua. Named dolly.

 

[rebsbabe]

I am more concerned with why she wants to act like"Billy. BadAss " towards big, probably dangerous, dogs.

 

[cjh27]

I am more concerned with why she wants to act like"Billy. BadAss " towards big, probably dangerous, dogs.

A mentioned above - she probably has no idea that she could get seriously hurt if one of these dogs happens to not like cats and gets hold of her in a bad way.

She might be overestimating herself because she's never lost a fight (due to not really having anyone to fight with).

cjh27