I know this is not in subject to message. But, I could not see where to ask a question so I thought I would ask here. I have 2 kittens both 4 months old. They were both trained and one of them does listen and never does anything wrong anymore. But the little boy kitten. He doesn't seem to learn anything. He drags his but across the carpet after a visit to the little box. Chews on anything and everything. Bites and scratches to hard in play. Injured the other cat's lip twice. Digging in the garbage this very second.
Nothing that worked with the other kitten is working. I don't know how to discipline this curious trouble maker of mine accordingly and lovingly. He just seems. Feral at heart. I have had 7 years of veterinary experience if even I fall victim to this little cat. I love him but I can't have him injuring his sister and destroying everything with reckless abandon. All cats do it but this one won't stop. His sister had no problems... Had is the keyword. She's starting to mimic him. Undoing all I've already done. Just a form of "NO" that he would understand in his little kitty language would work.
Oh I forgot to say that for this particuliar cat. Water bottles wouldn't work. He swims in the toilet, Try's to take showers. Water is a big "YES" to him. And, Scruffing only makes him angry it seems. He makes sure to do everything wrong once you scruff him. Is he just too feral? I've tried everything you'd learn as a vet tech. I'm lost. Thanks.
My initial response would be to post these multiple problems to the forum From years of experience I know that this sort of discussion is almost always a "yes-but" affair. For every suggestion the reply is inevitably "I've tried that - didn't work." I'm sorry that I don't at the moment have a secret cure-all to help with this kitten's problems. Perhaps my readers will.
Comments
Have you taken him to the vet and had his butt checked? The dragging thing could be blocked anal glands. Physical discomfort can cause pets to act out.
If there is no physical problem (or once it is taken care of), try Vermont Naturals Calming Treats. It takes about a week to kick in, but one a day has worked wonders with our Sebastian. Our vet said not to go over the one-a-day limit on the package, especially with boys, due to the milk protein which is the “active” ingredient in the treat. If your cat has ever had urine crystals, however, don’t try the treats at all.
Also, if you have a holistic vet in the area, ask him or her about behavior help. Our local holistic vet has a behaviorist on staff who seems to have a talent for calming troubled animals.
Hope this helps.
Oh, and until you can get to the root of the behavior, secure your garbage where he can’t get to it and spray everything he chews with bitter apple. You don’t want him to injure himself in the meantime.
No, this is not a feral cat, nor is he feral at heart. Like people, some cats are more intelligent, more independent, angrier, or more prone to misbehavior. See a cat behaviorist. If you cannot find a good one in your community, see http://www.LittleBigCat.com for free articles and the name of a cat behaviorist we have used. As the previous comment said, secure your garbage. Separate the cats if need be to prevent harm. Clip nails weekly. Offer a rug near the boxes so he can scoot on the rug or mat while you are awaiting the vet visit. Punighment-based discipline like a water bottle only works when you spray within seconds of the “crime,” and your cat does not see that it is you spraying him. No punishment-based discipline should be used without a corresponding positive reinforcement based discipline.
You can also try Soft Paws claw caps to keep him from scratching his sister. One of our friends swears by them, although we have had only limited success in our house. One of our girls chews them off within a day or two, and another learned to soak them off in the cats’ water fountain (this takes 3-5 days, evidently).