Hello Lina!

To me it sounds like Zell's problems arise as a result of the combination of declawing, environmental changes and thereby following increased pressure on his territory. This is provided that he checked out at the vet of course, regarding all physical measures (FUS, etc.), since physical pain also can cause aggression and/or behavioural problems.

This would be consistent with the fact that the problems seemed to arise when you moved to your new hourse even if Zel was declawed long before that.

What's his trouble now is the increased amount of pressure on his territory from getting the outside world and strange cats ever so much "closer to home" combined with the fact that he instinctively knows that he is unable to defend his property because of the lack of "tools" on his front paws.

The inability to use his front claws for scratching and defence has necessitated his invention of other modes of response to threats, hence the howling and biting etc. - AND the smell from the litter box contents has become an important aid in his maintaining his territory.

That's what I think, anyway. And what to recommend? I think the advice from Edwina's Secretary is an important one. Other than that? My advice would be to somehow reduce his feeling of threat from outside cats, and how you would do that depends on how your house is and your garden, etc. Inside the house you may be able to create a special "safeplace" for him that is his only.

As far as I can tell from what I've read on the internet and from personal experience it never helps to punish an aggressive cat for his behaviour, it will only enhance the amount of aggression.

I think your main issue should be to make him feel secure and relieve him of his stress. If he threatens or attacks you: Spray him with a splash of water from a water pistol and yell loudly to show this is unwanted behaviour and praise him when he is calm. Make room for some of the more harmless peculiarities of his. And if everything fails to help - you may have to consider finding a new home for him, that will be more secure for him, i.e. an apartment well above street level!

Good luck!

Here are some links that you may/may not find useful - but I think they relate fine to Zel's problems:

http://amby.com/cat_site/declaw.html

http://www.defiant.net/declaw.html

http://messybeast.com/toileting-problem.htm

Oh, and both Zel and Eva are wonderful kitties!

Love,
Sus & Bella