New cats and claws

I'm innocent, I'm innocent!

Dear Fisher,

Help me, Fisher! My human brought a darn kitten home 4 months ago. Her name is Spice. Mom kept us separated and tried to introduce us slowly but I just don’t like her. She is pesky and always wants to play. She keeps jumping over me and playing with my tail. Last week she sat on my quilt! Can you believe it ? I thought she would mellow out but It has been 4 whole months. She usually plays on the patio so I can chill out in the house but it has been cold here in Florida so Mom has brought her indoors. When Spice is inside I like to go hide in the garage. I’m too short to reach the door knob so how do I get rid of her for good? Will she ever mellow out?

Sugar

Dear Sugar,

So the new upstart has gotten you frustrated. This is where the power of patience can play a major role in the quality of life for both you and your Mom. It is not uncommon for both humans and older cats to completely forget how annoying the escapades of little kittens can become. Of course they are adorable with their never ending antics, but does it have to be all the time?

It may help you to think about why you are in this predicament. Your loving human – the same loving human that invited you into the house – may well have wanted you to have a playmate and full time companion. Humans who are on-the-go these days feel bad when they have to leave their pets for lengthy periods of time. Or perhaps, she wanted a new kitten and was very sure you would be welcoming and happy about it. Or, it is possible that your human just thinks if one cat (you) is nice to have around, having 2 cats would be even better.

The thing I am trying to get across here is that inviting the darn kitten (Spice) to live with you is not meant as a punishment. Four months should be enough time for you to adjust, but since that has not happened, I would like to recommend an old and established procedure called “Go Back to Square One.”

• Re-establish separate space for you and Spice. Choose times during the day when one or the other is separated from the rest of the house.
• Toys, food and water bowls, and bedding should be separate. And, if you have undone it, re-do the separate litter box technique.
• Equal time and attention given to each by your human, preferably within view of each other should teach that you are both special.
• Whenever either one of you exhibits bad behavior toward the other, your human should gently place you in your space behind the closed door.
• Learn more about kitten wants and needs at West Hills Animal Hospital.

I have one last piece of advice for you, Sugar. If it looks like the Go Back to Square One option is chosen, start campaigning for the master bedroom. Good luck to you.

Your friend,
Fisher


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