Some cat advice?

MissMuppet

Just wondered if anyone had any advice on dealing with a stroppy cat... he's always been stroppy and he's hissed and bitten me today for no reason, well there was a reason, I wanted a cuddle. :rotfl:

He's usually pretty chilled out, although he jumps at the slightest noise and he's started avoiding going out as we've just moved and there is another cat who is assuming he can come in my flat whenever he pleases. I've tried to scare the other cat off but he's not easily offended...

Alfie also has a litter tray indoors as well as being allowed to go outside... he's always had it as I leave him in during the day when I'm at work. I really wish he would go to the loo outside but I don't know how I can ween him off using the litter tray all the time...

Didn't realise I was asking for so much advice!!

- Stroppy cat?
- Scaring another cat from my back garden?
- Weening my cat off of the litter tray?

Anyway, thanks!

sandy2_2

I think perhaps you're asking too much of Alfie, he's a poor puss, who's being bullied, feeling a bit insecure in his new home AND you want to change his toiletting habits.
One of my cats has always been a bit 'stroppy', she'll have a cuddle when she wants (thats cats for you)
Other cat has probably always been allowed in your garden by the previous flat owner, so regards it as his territory. Poor old Alfie is the interloper as far as he's concerned, also it's a new smell for him to investigate. You'll just have to persevere with the other cat, squirs of water might be effective
Litter tray, I think you're expecting too much if you want Alfie to wait all day for a wee when you're at work. Unless you have a cat flap fitted and then the othe cat can visit as well when you're not there.
Perhaps Alfie might like some catnip toys and I think you can get a plug in type thingie that calms cats, but I expect someone else will be along with the name of the product.
Just chill and enjoy your new home with occasional catty cuddle

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

sandy2 wrote: »

I think perhaps you're asking too much of Alfie, he's a poor puss, who's being bullied, feeling a bit insecure in his new home AND you want to change his toiletting habits.
One of my cats has always been a bit 'stroppy', she'll have a cuddle when she wants (thats cats for you)
Other cat has probably always been allowed in your garden by the previous flat owner, so regards it as his territory. Poor old Alfie is the interloper as far as he's concerned, also it's a new smell for him to investigate. You'll just have to persevere with the other cat, squirs of water might be effective
Litter tray, I think you're expecting too much if you want Alfie to wait all day for a wee when you're at work. Unless you have a cat flap fitted and then the othe cat can visit as well when you're not there.
Perhaps Alfie might like some catnip toys and I think you can get a plug in type thingie that calms cats, but I expect someone else will be along with the name of the product.
Just chill and enjoy your new home with occasional catty cuddle

I could'nt of put it better myself.I think the product you are looking for is feliway,this worked for my nervous cat.I hope you and Alfie get things sorted,for both of you.Good luck......

SnowyOwl_2

I think there are all sorts of things going on here, and that the problem(s) are all a bit too complex to be solved via a forum! I'd suggest as a first step you seek a book by a lady called Vicky Halls. She's a professional cat counsellor/behaviourist and her publications are very helpful for a cat owner to see things from the cat's point of view. The book I am thinking of is called Cat Detective, which aims to untangle the mysteries of cat behaviour. There is another one called Cat Counsellor which is more about what your cat thinks of you.

Regards the litter tray, I think you are stuck with it. The first reason is that Alfie can't get outside to do his business and like you or me it's v.v.difficult to have to "hold on" for a whole entire day. It's downright unhealthy too! Secondly as long as there is a kitty stranger danger outside Alfie will want to eliminate indoors as outdoors is a scary place and he will want to feel safe whilst in a vulnerable position.

Edit...I nearly forgot - somebody somewhere has invented a toilet seat for cats which goes onto the human loo. It comes with a DVD to instruct the owner how to get their cat to use it. Here's a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Litter-Kwitter-Toilet-Training-System/dp/B000NIZZCW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=garden&qid=1214355699&sr=8-1

If you browse on YouTube you'll find various home clips of cats using human toilets. I don't think the Litter Qwitter idea is too far-fetched.