My cat hates my husband :(

[isobel]

Hmm, that's an interesting idea. I have heard of Jackson Galaxy but haven't seen his show. I've toyed with the idea lately of consulting an animal communicator, so maybe I'll see if JG does private consultations (although I'm guessing he would charge a lot.)

I started putting Bach Rescue Remedy in Izzy's water, so maybe that combined with the Feliway will eventually start to help.

Thanks for your constructive ideas. Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up and saying "Why can't we all just get along?!" But I'm trying to remain hopeful that there is a solution.

[moosmom]

Cats have a keen sense of knowing when someone isn't a "cat person". I had the same problem with my Dad's RB cat Jessie. No matter what I did, feed her, try, as hard as I might to pet her, toss her treats, she would sit there and hiss at me, her tail all puffed out, growling. I was NOT a cat person at that time in my life. In fact, I couldn't stand cats (hard to believe, huh??) back then. I grew up with dogs. So, I just fed her, cleaned out her litterbox and left her alone. It was a long week, but we both survived. I'm SURE it had a lot to do with the fact that she was in MY apartment, not in her own environment. I didn't know any better.

You got some great advice here. Try the Bach's Rescue Remedy and Feliway and make your husband feed her and toss her treats everyday. The only thing I can add is patience. She was there first, please keep that in mind. Cats do NOT like change, and this is a BIG change in her life.

Is it POSSIBLE that he could've accidentally stepped on her paw, tail or she got under foot and he tripped over her??? Just a thought.

Please don't give up.

[isobel]

Hubby is a cat person (he has a cat), but he doesn't baby his cats the way I do. I talk in baby talk and treat Izzy really gently, while he has a deep voice and more gruff demeanor. I think this might be part of the problem, but his efforts to speak in baby talk, etc. just don't work.

I'm pretty sure he did do something to inadvertently traumatize her, but it was so long ago that we are at a loss as to why she can't seem to get over it.

Don't worry, I won't give up. The situation's just gotten more stressful now that we all live together, and I'm desperate to figure out a way to make it better. But patience is probably the best approach.

[lizbud]

May I ask how she gets along with the new cat in the house?

[isobel]

I think they're getting along well enough under the circumstances. If anything, the new cat is more aggressive. They've had a couple of run-ins because they surprised each other, for example when New Cat jumped up on the bed not realizing Izzy was there and landed right on top of her, which caused a short-lived ruckus -- I felt bad but I couldn't help laughing. They haven't had any out-and-out fights that I know of, but I am keeping them mostly separated for the time being.

[Barbara]

I feel if your husband just ignores Izzy- that may be fine. Cats prefer to find out by themselves.
Izzy may be more hurt by the new cat coming in. In this case it is important that there is plenty of room and that there is room where she can retire without being disturbed.

[isobel]

I agree about there being plenty of space. Rather than keep her in her room, last night I let Izzy roam the first floor while everyone else (including the new cat) was sleeping upstairs in a closed bedroom. When I came downstairs this morning she was very chipper and had obviously enjoyed having the run of the place. She seemed back to her old self, so I think this will be a new nightly routine. I don't think it solves the problem of her fear of my husband, but it will hopefully help make her feel more comfortable and at home in the new place so she is able to make progress with him over time.