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Question

My cat seems to be protecting my 6 month old daughter he's 4 years old and now freaks out on anyone other than I have her. my wife is experiencing issues now how can I handle it so we don't have to get rid of our cat?

Submitted: 237 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Age: 4; Male; Breed: domestic short hair

Already Tried:
just giving him space.... he freaked out on my sister-in-law's boyfriend one time... then like 1 month later he (the boyfriend) came to our house and my cat reacted the same way apparently he sensed the smell, but now he's doing it to my wife and even me at times... and we can't have that with our daughter around. what's next?

Posted by Missy Zane 237 days and 17 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi...

I'm so sorry this is happening. What do you mean by he "freaks out" -- what does he do? Is there anything specific that seems to set him off? Does he go out? I'm assuming he's neutered...

Thanks...
Missy

237 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

he is neutered.... he howls and hisses, and whines when someone gets close to him

Posted by Missy Zane 237 days and 17 hours ago.

Info Request

Is he aggressive? Has he actually attacked anyone?

237 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

no he's always been calm before he's strictly an indoor cat

Accepted Answer

Hi...

Thanks for the additional information. I'm glad he's not actually attacking. But it sounds like he's afraid of something.

Since this is new behavior for him, I'd have him checked over by a vet, just to be sure nothing's wrong. While this really does sound like a behavior issue, you want to be absolutely certain he doesn't have a physical problem.

Having a baby around the house is stressful for everyone, including the cat. Even though it's been six months, all the changes... the new sounds and new smells... might be upsetting him.

"Giving him space" really does sound like the best solution. If you approach him, and he starts to hiss, just leave him alone. You could also try making yourself as small as possible when approaching him... bend over so you're not towering over him. You'll appear less threatening to him that way. Don't look him straight in the eye. That's catspeak for "I want to fight." Instead, look away from him or blink at him. Looking away tells him you don't want to bother or harm him. Blinking sends a friendly message.

Rescue Remedy could take the edge off his anxiety and fear. This homeopathic-like remedy causes no side effects and will not make your cat feel or seem like he's drugged. Most health food stores sell it.

I like to put a couple of drops on a fingertip and rub it into the cat's fur on the top of his or her head between the ears. You can do this several times a day for up to six weeks.

I hope I'm answering your question. From the way your question was worded it sounded like the cat's freaking out when someone other than you is holding the baby. If that's the case, let me know and I'll give you some different suggestions.

Please feel free to write back to me if you'd like to talk more.
Missy

Expert: Missy Zane
Pos. Feedback: 99.5 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 3/30/2009

Many years as cat sitter & rescuer

A lifetime of living with & loving cats; specializing in behavior and outdoor cats

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