Single-cat Syndrome
You
have one cat, a neutered, ten-month-old male, and you wonder why he has
become physically abusive to you. He's always been saucy and his love nips
are his trademark, but now he's become totally aggressive. His neurotic
behavior is downright abusive. He ambushes you out of nowhere. Yesterday he
even nipped your cheek when you were stretched out on the sofa. He seems to
think you're another cat.
He interacts with you as he would another cat
because he's frustrated. Another cat might very well be your solution to his
neurotic behavior. Nip it in the bud! Don't let him continue to be a victim
of the single-cat syndrome. But if a second cat is out of the question, you
might want to consider getting another animal of a different species to keep
him company. Chapter 8 discusses how to introduce other animals to
your cat.
The objective is to assist your cat with his need
for attention and exercise. You don't want his neurotic or deviant behavior
to become a habit. If you can't accommodate him with an animal companion,
try one of the following solutions:
Give him longer play periods but make sure you
don't stop them while he's going strong.
Wind down slowly so he shifts into low gear. You don't want to
increase his frustration. To prevent anxiety from building up, let him
know when you're moving on to a new activity. Otherwise the angst builds,
and you have the ripple effect, especially with a cat that already
exhibits anxious behavior.
Arrange for a neighbor to visit your cat. A
young, responsible child who's a cat lover might provide the ideal
playmate for your frustrated cat. A child usually has enough passion and
creativity to challenge and amuse a cat.
Hire a professional cat sitter to add variety
to your cat's agenda and amuse him at times when you are at work or
otherwise unavailable.
Arrange play dates with a neighbor's cat if
both cats are receptive.
Borrow a cat-friendly
dog.
When the inner stress or anxiety is quickly
discharged and/or satisfied, your cat's discomfort will disappear. But
prolonged anxiety can turn into constant fear or timidity, threatening a
cat's peace of mind and physical well-being. The fear and timidity
exacerbated by low self-esteem can trigger acute and long-term disorders. If
your cat is exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior, don't ignore it in the
hope that it will go away!
Read a
testimonial from a Wilbourn
client.
The Complete Guide to
Understanding and Caring for Your Cat
contains more detailed information, diagnostic suggestions and
reconstructive therapy approaches. Buy it from
Carole's Cat Store.
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