Troublesome cat

[Sarah]

Hello, this is my first time on this forum I have two cats Inky (female) and Tigger (male), brother and sister. I have an issue with Tigger. Both are 4 years old and we got them from a rescue centre two years ago. Both got cyctisis awhile ago and due to Tiggers size we have been feeding on wet pouches. They are mainly house cats but often go out at the weekends when we are around. Tigger has always liked his food but recently he has taken this to the extreme. We feed them both 1 1/2 pouches in the morning and evening. But this never seems enough for Tigger. He is constantly hungry and turns nasty when you don't feed him. Today my husband walked into the kitchen and tigger ran at into him thinking he was going to feed him. Tigger broke my Husbands skin with the force he ran. Its really getting us down as we want Tigs to be a happy cat like his sister. The only way we can calm him is to feed him but he is already over weight and he doesn't need this extra food. Unfortunately his sister seems to take the brunt of his anger as when he is hungry he fights with her. If we try to distract him by playing or strokes he is really vicious (which he is never normally like). He has been wormed and everything else is healthy with him. Like I mentioned he is a large cat and does spend the week days inside, but his sister is not as large as him or acts like he does around food. I'm really sorry to go on but I don't know what else to do. even as I type he has run head on to the kitchen door! Please help.. Sarah

[alexgirl73]

First of all, welcome to Catsey, you'll find it a great place to get advice or just have a natter.

In regards to your problem, would it be possible to leave some weight control dry food down for him during the day, cutting back on the pouches if need be. Has he always had this problem or is it a recent development?

[Mags]

Hello Sarah, welcome to Catsey!



Sorry to hear you are having these problems with Tigger

You say he is vicious now but never used to be ....... I think my first step would be to take him to the vet and get him checked over to make sure there is no underlying reason why he should suddenly be acting like this. Maybe you vet can advise you regarding his diet at the same time.

Good luck, let us know how you get on with him......

[Sarah]

Hi Thanks for the pic. Tigger has always liked his food but in the last few months it has got worse. Maybe it could be due to not being allowed out when we get home from work as its too dark. It could be frustration of not being able to go outside. They do love their dry food - we have tried specialist dry food for the urinary tact but it also need to be light as we are trying to get his weight down. Maybe we are not feeding him enough? I feel really bad though.

[alexgirl73]

They are gorgeous. I think Mags is right, you need to speak to your vet about this and he'll be able to give you the best advice on his diet. If he's above average weight then 3 pouches a day just might not be enough to fill him, whereas with a light diet it still gives him the impression of being full. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Amanda]

Hi Sarah,
Welcome to Catsey

I do hope that Tiggers probs are sorted soon

[Sarah]

Thanks all for your help. I'll seek advise from the Vets and take it from there. Thanks again

[dinahsmum]

Hi - sounds like you've had lots of good advice there.
Good luck and please let us know how this goes

[charliebubs]

Hiya Sarah and welcome to Catsey!

you have a gorgeous pair of cats and I agree with the advice that Tigger needs to go to the vets for a check up. I don't know much about it, but wonder if it could be a thyroid problem as that can affect their weight and always feeling hungry.

It could also just be that he has "taught" himself this bad behaviour. If you feed him every time that he's grumpy and agressive then in a way you are rewarding this behaviour and perhaps he has learnt that this works for him and helps him get more food!?!?!