Bad tempered

GlynD

We have the most gorgeous and majestic long haired tortoiseshell you could ever hope to see. She's always been a grumpy cat however and has never been one to allow herself to be picked up and cuddled. We got a new kitten last September and her reaction was adverse but we persevered with her. Unfortunately she hasn't bonded with the kitten. We accept that and were well warned it could turn out like that. What we are concerned is the deterioration in her temper. There are times when we cannot even touch her face or head as she always loved without getting cries, howls and growls and even getting scratched or lightly bitten on occasion. Other times she is just herself and comes for love and attention.

She is 10 1/2 years old now. She's been to the vet recently for dematting and an annual check up. Her health is fine.

Does anyone have any idea what we can do to make her feel more confident in her surroundings and stop the temper tantrums?

OnAndUp

Have you tried feliway? Lots of people swear by it.

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/feliway-products-c-1

I haven't tried it but there are a few other threads on this forum about it if you have a look.

GlynD

Yes we tried Feliway in the past OnAndUp. She appears to hate it. She also runs a mile from catnip but loves toothpaste and anything else minty.

OnAndUp

THat's a shame - maybe she's just a Diva!

CheeseCat

I've heard people recommending rescue remedy (its available for us humans in a dropper form to help anxiety) - put a few drops in the cats water. Worth a go? It doesn't sound like she appreciates sharing her territory much

GlynD

To be honest I'm not into giving her medications unless prescribed by her vet. I see the failing as ours and want to try and address it though our treatment of her.

peachyprice

My tortiseshell can be a moody old so and so too, she even hisses at the dog when she's in HIS bed.

CheeseCat

I believe rescue remedy is herbal (or 'natural' anyway not meds) just FYI

Hope Ms Tortie feels better soon. I don't agree with saying shes 'just a diva' when her behaviour has noticeably changed since getting the new cat (Not saying that you said that OP).

GlynD

CheeseCat wrote: »

I believe rescue remedy is herbal (or 'natural' anyway not meds) just FYI

Hope Ms Tortie feels better soon. I don't agree with saying shes 'just a diva' when her behaviour has noticeably changed since getting the new cat (Not saying that you said that OP).

I'll have a look at rescue remedy. I think she is a diva. She's not prepared to share her space. She's equally territorial outside with other cats. It's trying to find some way of interacting with her beyond what we've done for ten years to improve her demeanour. We love her so much and hate to see her in a bad temper but we accept there's maybe nothing we can do and will just have to let her be herself, even if it doesn't suit our love for her.

rising_from_the_ashes

When I took my tortie girl for her 1st jab, my vet just laughed at me - my old cat had a difficult time (kidney problems) and was often at the vet and was a grumpy so & so (the big thick gloves for the vet) when he was there.

She said .... why didn't you go for an easy cat this time!

Tortie's can be very grumpy - mine certainly is. She loves people & the dog but absolutely HATES other cats (including my other one).

She has mini temper tantrums every so often and will even hiss at me if I walk past her (needless to say, I absolutely adore her)!

I've tried Felliway etc but with no joy - has she got a "special" place that only she can go, this can help if they feel insecure.

Good luck

GlynD

Yes she has. She has several. Some indoors, some outside. Ever seen a cat's nest?