Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
temporary confinement. In a multicat household, competing for food
can cause problems such as weight gain and aggression.When the new
cat comes out of confinement, each cat should have their own food
dish—for life. Asking cats to eat from the same dish, or to eat in close
proximity from a side-by-side dish, goes completely against their nature
and is just courting trouble.
Litter box hygiene is always important, but even more so when
there is more than one cat.The best way to prevent inappropriate elim-
ination and encourage proper litter box use is to have a minimum of
one litter box per cat. Although both cats may use both boxes, two
boxes become soiled more slowly than one. Scooping every box at least
once a day is a necessity to keep things clean.
KITTY'S BEING MEAN!
Cats may bite or scratch humans in their own defense—such as when
a child pulls on a cat's tail—but unprovoked aggression is not accept-
able. Some cats give warning signs that they are about to blow their fuse
by hissing or growling, lashing their tail or twitching their skin, but oth-
ers just strike out.You need to use caution any time you are handling a
cat who has previously shown aggressive tendencies.
Cats are not dogs, so if you see a cat wagging or thumping her tail,
don't mistake the behavior for happiness. Cats swish their tails when
they are mad.Watch out!
One confusing type of aggression some cats demonstrate is petting-
induced aggression. Cats with this behavior will sit contentedly on your
lap and act like they are enjoying being petted, then suddenly they will
turn and bite. Unfortunately, my hospital cat, Henry, does this. This
behavior is seen more commonly in male cats, and the cause is not
known.Two theories are:
1.
Cats don't know how else to tell you to stop when they are
tired of your petting, so they bite.
2.
Cats find the petting so pleasurable that they fall into a light
sleep, but then startle and feel confined, so they strike out.
You can decrease the chances of being bitten in this situation if you
become more aware of the subtle signs the cat may exhibit right before
biting, and back off.
