CATS PROTECTION

Hello..... I really hope you can give me some advice......

My cat Huggy has always been - for use of a better work 'challenging'. But lately unfortunately his brother (from a different litter) has gone missing (his lost ad is on your lost forum) Since then Huggy, who is 5 years old has changed, although he has become more affectionate and bites us less (this used to be a standard daily thing with him when stroked for to long) he has become extremely clingy....... running between my legs everywhere I walk, following me around the house, or to hang washing on the line, he even sits and waits in the bath whilst I shower. he shouts to be let in and out about 50 times a day - we had a catflap fitted for him which we trained him how to use to try and resolve this...... but..... through the night he will use it to come in and scratch at our bedroom door (as we need to keep it closed to stop him from either attacking our toes or padding me in the eye with his paw which has become the latest habit) He paces the hallway during the night 'meowing' at the top of his voice and then he will scratch the carpets, cupboards, knock things off the window sills etc....... He really is driving us crazy and we are getting next to no sleep on a night - we have even tried cuddling him in and letting him sleep on the bed with us on a night but like i say its just to dangerous as the slightest of movement ang he pounces with claws ready. I just don't know what to do anymore...... please help  Thanks, Kirsty.

Hi Kirsty,

What a shame he sounds so upset.

I got a Bengal Kitten a few weeks ago who was very upset at leaving his litter mates crying and would not go to the loo, eat etc.

I got a feliway plug in thing from the vets and within hours he was purring and so calm and happy.

Our other cats who seemed a bit put out by him also calmed down and every thing is great.

It was about £25.00 and lasted a month but by then the problems had gone and we did not need to get another one.

it might be worth a try.

He sounds lovely though I like a naughty cat !

Gill

Hi Gill, that certainly sounds like its worth a try........ I appreciate your reply. And yes he is most certainly a naughty cat, its like if i dont give him my attention he goes into turbo mode until i give in...! Hes causing arguments between me and my partner as i want to let hm away with it and just have an easy life but my partner thinks he needs to learn that there is a time and a place for playing...... we really are at out wits end with the little monkey (who is currently sat on my lap trying to catch the cursor on the screen :D)

Kirsty.

Hi Kirsty,

It is fairly common for a cat to behave this way when the dominant cat has gone.

And I dont mean the one who makes the most fuss, usually there is amongst cat a 'top cat' and that one can be quiet, never making a fuss, but his scent is of dominance to the other cats in the household.

Then often cat no 2, challenges this, not with aggression towards cat no 1 but toward others in the home.

Huggy sounds like one of those.

When the dominant cat goes, the remaining cat wants to step up into their shoes, but cannot be sure the other cat will not return, hence you get the cries at night.

They also go through a sense of relief that they can now be top cat, hence behaviours change, and they almost become a kitten again.

Now Feliway plug ins, can indeed help the situation, but there is no guarantee, and you are right the behaviour will change once Huggy realises he does indeed have you all to himself.

Given time he will settle, Im sure.

Hi Chris,

Thats very interesting as we have always thought Huggy was the 'top cat' but what you say totally makes sense, thats quite a weight off my mind........ we thought maybe he was missing Sweep our missing cat and that another companion may help - hence my enquiry towards Chester yesterday - Do you think that getting Chester would be a good idea or should we let Huggy get through this himself?

Thanks again.......

Kirsty

Hi Chris,

Just thought I would give you an update on the 'naughty' Huggy...... he is now a transformed cat, just as you said we gave him time and he has found his own routine with us. He is now extremely settled and lets us have a full nights sleep whilst he sleeps on the end of the bed.  He is much more affectionate and confident and is a pleasure to own. Happy ending at last!!

Kirsty

I am delighted to hear it Kirsty... really good news.