The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Discontented Cat
Hello. I have three cats. One seems very content (even with three dogs), another is happy when the dogs are outside and not running through the house, while the third and youngest (three years old) fights with anything. I believe she’s very discontent. She’s cranky and irritable seemingly all the time, beating up on the two older cats and dogs. Is the best bet to try to find her a new home where she can be the only pet or the only cat? Thanks.
From Cheri, via Martha Stewart Radio
Hi, Cheri. Here's my advice:
First, have your vet check her out. Make sure she isn't physically hurting somewhere -- in her mouth, or on her body, which can make a cat especially irritable.
Once you eliminate a physical problem as the source, then you have to separate her from the other animals for a day or two -- maybe you have a small room or bathroom you could use? -- and assess her behavior and her demeanor. Does this calm her?
Maybe she's just a cranky character. But to pinpoint the problem, you have to eliminate other elements, so you can determine what's ruffling her feathers. It may be too many other animals. Some cats simply can't cope with too much going on, especially when the activity involves other cats and dogs, and it sounds like your house is pretty lively! I hate to see you have to give her up, but if you're right, she's miserable, and that's no good, either. She may not have to be a "solo" cat; it's possible she'd do better with just fewer other animals.
Do you have another home in mind? Giving her to a shelter might be a death sentence, and we don't want that!
So give some of these suggestions a try, and make sure to give your cat enough time to adjust. Again, Cheri, thanks, and good luck!
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
