Pet Problem...

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

I wasn't quite sure where to post this... It isn't really a problem with Charlie, it's Toby (the Siamese cat). I didn't want to put it in the pet forum because not many reply there...So here is the story...

Toby is the "boss" of the house, and always has to be in control. He also has jelousy issues. Charlie is scared of him. Usually, I keep them separated, but I want them to get used to eachother so when I am able to supervise I let them go where they want. Charlie knows not to mess with Toby so he will usually ignor him and go about his own bussiness.... But if Charlie even *looks* at Toby, Toby will attack him, and Chase him. Charlie will curl up in a corner and whine. At this point, I throw a blanket over Toby and get him out of the way so Charlie can escape. When Charlie walks around the house Toby follows him from room to room and constantly growls and hisses at him. Sometimes they will both lie on the bed together, Charlie will be lying on one end playing with a toy and Toby will hiss and growl at him for no reason at all. Why is Toby like that? It's like he doesn't even want to *try* to befriend Charlie.

Not long ago I was in the room with Charlie and Toby. They were both on the bed together, I was sitting on the bed as well. Charlie was playing with his pelican and Toby was growling and hissing the whole time. Charlie was getting annoyed so he barked at him, then Toby jumped at him. Charlie came to me so I could "save" him and hid his head under my arm.

Even when Charlie is in his crate, Toby will go over and sit in front of the crate and meow at him like he is in pain. I have no idea why he does that.:confused:

Does any one know why he behaves like this? How can I "teach" them to get along?

Thanks.:o

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

... No one can help me solve this? :confused:

[Roxy's CD]

I'm sorry Aus, I really don't know. When my cat was alive she tormented the dogs but not to the extent of Toby. They could be left unsupervised together and they all just minded their own business.

The only thing that I could suggest is the "loving each animal in the other animals sight". So taking Toby and praising him and loving him while Charlie's around, I'm sure Charlie won't mind and it'll lead Toby to believe that you love him the most :) I had to do that with my cat, she hated my niece...

I really can't think of anything else. Some animals just don't get along, like people I guess.

[Herschel]

Someone help, that must be a tough situation. Sorry!

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

I try to give them both attention. (They both get jelous, lol) I've also tired rubbing Toby's scent on Charlie, but that didn't help much...

Thank you for replying. :)

[RD]

Reward ANY good behavior from Toby when he is in Charlie's presence. If he goes even 3-4 seconds without taking offense to Charlie being in the room, immediately reward and praise Toby and remove Charlie from the room. Don't give Toby the chance to get angry with the dog. Gradually build up the amount of time that Charlie is in the room with Toby.

I taught my cats to tolerate the dogs just by using a verbal praise marker and treats, but now that I know more about clicker training if I had to do it over I would definitely have used a clicker with them. It just makes everything much easier.

If all else fails, perhaps a little nose-to-nose chat with Toby would sort things out. One of my cats seems to understand exactly what I mean when I tell him "DO NOT do this".

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

Thank you, RD. I'll try that. :)

[Carolyn]

goodness me, naughty Toby. Hugs for Charlie.

I think Toby needs to be brought down a peg or two. When we brought Max home, Becker's world fell apart. I had the opposite problem. Max never hurt Becker, he just wanted to play. Becker spent the first month, of Max joining our family, up on window ledges, shivering in fear etc etc. Becker had been here 4 years before Boofhead came along lol.

Max of course was reprimanded for chasing Becker, which he did a few times. The crunch came one night when Becker was on our bed snoozing. Max thought it would be fun to pounce the cat. Becker responded with a swipe, and drew blood on Max's nose. AFter that Becker realised he wasn't so vunerable after all. Now they get along fine and Max is very wary of the cat. They all curl up together though, and life is good.

Becker has to abide by rules just like the dogs. He knows when I'm angry at him. He gets a NO and reprimands just like the dogs. I also use a squirt bottle when the rare occasion happens that he is doing something he shouldn't.

I'd do the same with Toby. When he does this to Charlie, I'd give him a firm NO or use whatever growly command you choose. Combine this with a prompt squirt from a water bottle. Toby will soon learn to mind his manners too. Cats learn as well, just like dogs :) Keep the bottle where you can get to it. I have three, so I can get to them easily. Keep one filled in the lounge, one in the kitchen, one in your room etc. He will soon get the idea that his behaviour has consequences as well :)

Good luck

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

Thanks, Carolyn. I've never thought of using a squirt bottle. He might get a little mad at me for this... But I'll try it. :p

[Carolyn]

You're welcome :) Trust me he might sulk a bit, but will soon get the message that all have to live harmoniously, as a family. If Toby is a bit stubborn and isn't fazed by water, you can add a bit of citronella, or eucalyptus oil. I use the latter and it has a nice smell too hehe :D

Trust me all pets HATE eucalyptus with a vengence ;)


Good luck :)