I’m in a real conundrum. I’ve always had dogs and sort of know how to “read” and discipline them when there are problems. Cats, on the other hand, are another matter entirely.
In the Beginning
Mr. Meow has been an awesome cat. He’s never misbehaved or been anything except remarkably affectionate and loyal. Tabby is proving to be the same way. She’s a loving snuggle bug who prefers nothing better than being wherever her people are and/or her Murphy is, preferably in our laps or nestled against Murph.
But introduce Mr. Meow into that picture? She turns into Tabby the Terrible!
It wasn’t always like that. The first three weeks she and Mr. Meow were tolerating each other. They’d be in the same room, including our bedroom, together no problem. It wasn’t until the fourth week that things took a turn for the worst.
Quit Chasing Mr. Meow!
Tabby turned very aggressive towards Mr. Meow, chasing him from our bedroom to his sun porch. Then it became a matter of not even allowing him upstairs at all. That’s when I began to suspect she might be pregnant.
Which she was. And that very likely explained her change then. But now it’s been two, going on three, weeks since her surgery. Lately she’s been more aggressive to him than ever.
Help!
I asked Dr. Singleton about it at Tabby’s checkup on Tuesday. On one of our previous visits, I had mentioned this problem and she had given me some suggestions, but said if it got really bad she had the name of a lady who was a sort of “cat whisperer.” (And this after I scoffed at the people who have to seek Cesar Millan’s help. That’ll teach me to throw stones!)
I admit I haven’t tried any of Dr. Singleton’s suggestions yet, but not because of laziness. Tabby had had so many complications after her surgery that priority one was simply getting her healthy again.
Light at the End of the Tunnel?
But now she is and my concerns have shifted back to making this a cohesive household. Dr. Singleton advised trying to “reintroduce” Tabby and Mr. Meow first using a confined space and a carrier. If that doesn’t work, she gave me a brochure for Pam Johnson Bennett.
Before I actually solicit professional help, which I’m sure will cost a lot, I’ll give these other suggestions a shot. After visiting Ms. Bennett’s site, I discovered she has books with tips on dealing with the very situations I find myself concerned about. I’ll read those first, then move from there. I have hopes that Tab and Mr. Meow can learn to get along. I saw them do it before, so I’m confident they can again!
Related Blogs