Peter The Middle Cat Feels Betrayed (Aug 2024) - Carole Wilbourn
Carole Wilbourn, The Cat Therapist, has been the leading voice in feline therapy for over 5 decades. She has helped thousands of cat moms and dads explore, face, and resolve cat behavioral and health issues. Carole is truly the most trusted Cat Therapist in the United States.
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29 Aug Peter The Middle Cat Feels Betrayed (Aug 2024)

Posted at 20:33h in Blog by

Senior middle cat with psychogenic dermatitis bullies younger companion who leaves periodic puddles.
*Peter, The Middle Cat, Feels Betrayed
(Inter-Cat Hostility, New Kitten Competition, Indiscriminate Urination)
“Peter will sometimes hit Armando,” said Tanya at the start of her phone consult ……

Peter comfortable with Armando

 

Peter with old pal Jasper

Tanya explained the scenario:

  • She had adopted Armando as a kitten fifteen months ago.  Her oldest cat had passed on, and she felt she could comfortably keep her cat population at three.
  • Peter who was now twelve years old had an amicable relationship with Jasper, who was one year his senior but it was touch and go with new kitten Armando.
  • She realized that lately Armando would cower when Peter cornered him.  Still, there were times when they’d sprawl out side by side. And Armando brightened up when Peter played with him.
  • Jasper was diagnosed hyper thyroid in January and was now on transdermal medication, and Peter has bouts of psychogenic dermatitis where he overgrooms.
  • “I know this is a symptom of stress and Peter was a feral kitten when I adopted him. He’s come so far in his adaptation to a loving, giving house cat.”


Puddles of Urine
Tanya’s main concern was that Armando would periodically ignore his litter box and urinate on the floor or a soft surface. The vet found no medical issues. Tanya tried various cat litters and had extra boxes which she scooped frequently. 

“It’s Peter who’s the main discontented cat in this trio,” I said and told her how he was the baby until Armando arrived. Now he’s the middle cat.
Peter feels betrayed. “Even though I’m sure you don’t neglect him, he hasn’t been able to accept Armando.  Peter feels unloved so he picks on Armando who now urinates here and there to communicate his angst.”
“It’s the ripple effect. But there are ways you can show and communicate to Peter that you haven’t neglected him, at no loss of attention to Armando or Jasper.”

Treatment Plan 
** Play Time
Engage Peter and Armando in play, Jasper too, if he feels inclined.  Be enthusiastic so your actions are contagious. Repeat play times two or three times a day. This will slowly un-blur their boundaries. They’ll become more communal instead of bookends. This play time will definitely chip away at Armando’s angst so his bladder won’t be so uncomfortable.  Peter will feel very included and Jasper will reap the harmonious feelings even if he chooses to be a voyeur.

** Acknowledgement
Don’t you feel cool and terrific when you’re acknowledged and sometimes left-out when you’re not, especially when those around you are being noticed?  Okay. Well, your cats feel left out, especially Peter, when Armando is the center of your attention. You can defuse this angst by the verbal mention of Peter and Jasper when you’re talking or touching Armando and vice versa. It can be as simple as “Right guys?” or “Isn’t that so Peter and Jasper?” Your mention and acknowledgment can be as chatty as you feel.  If you slip up, Peter will possibly overgroom.  He’ll also direct his discontent to Armando who will have an anxiety attack and ignore the litter box — indiscriminate urination.  Jasper’s thyroid gland and indigestion may also be stressed. 

** Food and Extras
Vitamins: Peter’s skin would certainly benefit by an anti-inflammatory aid such as the Omega 3 fatty acids in powder, flake or liquid form. This helps to promote healthy skin and has other health benefits good for Jasper and Armando. Your vet may have a favorite supplement.  CBD drops are another option.
Food: Should be bladder-sensitive to especially nurture Armando who has a sensitive bladder.
Extras: A hot water bottle or cat friendly heating pad is effective for relaxation.
Play the music from their consult repeatedly to create a positive association. It will increase their relaxation.

Tanya remembered that she probably doted on Armando when she introduced him which sent Peter slowly over the edge. I gave her my links to a new kitten introduction/competition for future reference and reminded her she could find all this information in my books.  Here’s my Kitten Introduction – Scroll down to Can our 22 year old cat …. 
Also See #Me Too Relation Maker.

Tanya says she now realizes that Peter and Armando’s unacceptable behavior is symptomatic of their physical discomfort and emotional angst. Her behavior would be the key to their forthcoming acceptable behavior.

 

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