Kitten terrorizing the household.

[Casper]

Emmitt is one of the kittens we raised from one week old.
He is the only one who remains at our house and he is a complete hellion!

I know kittens tend to be a handful, but this one is especially pesky. I don't remember any of our other cats being this terrorizing at this age.

His attitude is what I don't like. For instance, I was taking one of the dogs out on a leash and Emmitt was hanging around by the door. I picked him up to set him on the couch so he would not be able to dart out. He replies by growling, hissing, then trying to ball up on my hand. I had not startled him; he clearly saw me coming.

He has also been known to try to bite or scratch at other peoples' faces. We have tried the water-bottle approach, but he is becoming immune to it. I just don't get it. He has plenty of things to play with and we play with him regularly. We do not torment him nor anything of the sorts. He is supposed to be a temporary guest, but I don't think he is compatible for much longer.

The main habit I want him to break is peeing on dog beds. Twice we have bought new dog beds and both times he has ruined them by peeing on them. He always has easy access to the litterbox and he does not pee anywhere else. I don't know how to deter him away from the dog beds while still allowing our dogs to feel welcome around them.

I feel this cat has broken the balance we had in our household.
Gosh, even my tempermental tortie has a better attitude than him...


I appreciate any advice.

[kb2yjx]

WOW!!! Your boy sure has some 'tude going!!! Is he neutered? It really sounds like he does not like the dogs very much. Did he get along with his littermates?? Maybe he misses them....

[Casper]

WOW!!! Your boy sure has some 'tude going!!! Is he neutered? It really sounds like he does not like the dogs very much. Did he get along with his littermates?? Maybe he misses them....

He is not neutered yet. I think we have one more month left before he is old enough to get the big "snip". I am hoping that helps... but in the meantime he is driving us crazy.



He likes the dogs... but the dogs aren't too fond of him (they try to avoid him at all costs).
He got along with his littermates, but tended to terrorize them at times. Come to think of it, ever since the kittens started to walk Emmitt was the one causing trouble...

[Pinot's Mom]

I hope 'snipping' helps! It sounds like he just keeps trying to establish dominance and territory. Some herbal calming in order possibly?

[mruffruff]

One of my cats (don't know which one) has continually peed on the dog beds, too. I now use an old pillow wrapped in hospital pads that won't let the liquid through. I can wash any part when necessary. Whoever it is has gradually lessened this--I have no idea why they started or stopped!

My cats usually respond to a loud clap rather than the water bottle. I'm usually not close enough for the spray to reach. Since he's still young, maybe you could scruff him when he's doing something wrong and tell him "No!", then put him down and walk away. (Lift him up so he's not touching the floor but don't shake him). Be consistent.

It sounds like Emmit has ADHD

[Casper]

The hospital pads idea sounds like it might be a winner.
And I will try the alternative ways of scolding him when he is being a bad boy.

Thanks!