My cat is nipping, chewing, and stressed. What can I do to help?

This could be a normal behavior for Cleo. You can start disciplining her for this behavior. If you catch her in the act you can spray her with a little water bottle and tell her “no”. Also if she has anything particular she wants to chew up, I would try to keep those objects out of site. If you worry about her being stressed, you can try to add feliway didfusers throughout the house. Feliway is a cat pheromone that helps to calm cats but doesn’t work on everyone. Also, make sure she has plenty of cat toys to play with and make sure she is getting enough attention. Sometimes they do this if they are bored. Look up “environmental enrichment for cats” for more ideas on how to prevent Cleo from becoming bored. I hope this helps!

Cute kitty!! I'm sorry that you are having a hard time with her. It sounds like you've been trying all the right things up to this point. I think the most helpful thing for you at this point would be to consider investing in a consultation with a behaviorist. Here is a great site to find one near you: https://iaabc.org/consultants Additionally, consider a laser pointer toy at multiple times throughout the day to help keep her occupied: https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Automatic-Cat-Laser-Toy/dp/B07537S2LJ or a motion activated mouse is also a great option. Use a "hunter" type feeding toy... this allows cats to "hunt" their food. This is a great system: https://docandphoebe.com Here's a site with some additional info that may help you better understand the behavior and intervene appropriately: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Okie is gorgeous! Having a physical exam and screening bloodwork and a fecal exam and urinalysis to rule out a medical cause for his crankiness such as an ear infection, diabetes, kidney/liver issues, hyperthyroidism etc. would he best. Using a Feliway mulicat calming pheromone plug -in several rooms in your home along with daily VetriScience Composure chews or oral liquid may help significantly with stress related aggression /inappetance. Both of these products are available without a prescription on chewy.com and PetCo.com. Good luck!

Unfortunately the new cat is likely causing stress and this is a common feeling reaction to stress. She may not want to go outside as long as that other cat is around. It may be difficult to keep the other cat out of your area unless you want to purchase or build a fence. There are fences available that have curvature to the top that make it difficult for a cat to climb over. There are some things you can do at home that can help to manage her stress. Set aside 30 minutes a day for a vigorous play. Use a pheromone diffuser. There is a special prescription food made by Royal Canin called calm which may help. Use food puzzles. Give environmental enrichment. Lastly, your veterinarian has medications which can help as well. Many cats require a combination of therapies. Best of luck.

Try enticing her with toys and treats. Catnip may also work. A pheromone product such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffuser may decrease any anxiety or stress. Consider an exam with your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury if the behavior persists.

Sometimes this behavior can be related to boredom, anxiety or a desire to play roughly. There are a few things you can do which may help. Try enriching his environment. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. During the play time, if he seems like he wants to play rough, try to encourage him to wrestle with a stuffed animal. You may also try feeding him from a food puzzle and/or hiding food around the house for him to find. Most cats response best to combination therapy. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with behavior. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

There are many options from dietary supplements such as zylkene or kalm aid, pheromone diffusers and prescription anxiety medications. For renovation works, a short stay in a cattery could also be considered and may be less stressful than house and disruption at home