Recently Deaf Cat Being Picked On Horribly

[ravenwoodglass]

We have come to realize that our oldest kitty is pretty much totally deaf. This is something that came to my attention a month or two ago. It of course makes her a bit easy to startle but the real issue is my two other cats. They seem to be picking on her terribly and not in fun ways. There was quite a row last night in the middle of night and it was the 2nd or 3rd time in less than a week. I hate to have to keep them seperate but have been letting her sleep with me but she wakes at 4 am to go to the potty and the 'attack' last night took place then. Does anyone have any ideas what I might be able to do to help them? Even her own son has gone after her a couple times but it is usually my other HUGE cat that is the biggest problem. I feel so bad for her having to deal with this at her age.

[Nightingale8472]

A litter box in your room for her, and a spray bottle for the other cats. Keep them separate when you're not home, and when they are together and picking on her, spray them every time. They'll think the evil sky-water gods are watching them every time they pick on her, and stop after a while.

[ravenwoodglass]

I never thought of using a spray bottle, duh. I must be going brain dead as I have even advised that for others for keeping them off counters. Hadn't thought of using one for this purpose. Thanks.

[G-freegal12]

  On 3/12/2010 at 12:32 AM, Nightingale8472 said:

A litter box in your room for her, and a spray bottle for the other cats. Keep them separate when you're not home, and when they are together and picking on her, spray them every time. They'll think the evil sky-water gods are watching them every time they pick on her, and stop after a while.

Sky water gods...I like that one

[plantime]

It sounds like your other cats know that something is wrong with her, and they are trying to move her to the bottom of the pride. You will have to intervene for her, and I agree with using the waterbottle. Cats don't like the Sky Water Gods (I love that phrase!), and will soon realize that the Queen of the Pride, you, will not allow the fighting. I also second keeping her separate when you are not home, as cats are well known for doing no-nos when they think we are not looking.

{{{hugs}}} for your poor kitty.

[newgfcali]

Get one of those super soakers so you can be all the way across the room when you spray them. That way they don't associate the water with you. It just mysteriously "appears" when they pick on your older kitty. Super soakers are pretty accurate, too, so you don't end up drenching the photo of your Auntie Jane accidentally.

[ravenwoodglass]

Things are going a bit better. I do have her in my room now by herself at night. Oh joy. She wakes me up at around 2 to potty and then croaks her desire to come back in a couple minutes later. I don't mind. She does like to drape herself on top of my head unfortunately. Fortunately she is not my 26 lb kitty.

Thank goodness it is getting warmer and the door to the back sunroom can be open. The big guy who is doing all the picking is not real graceful or good at jumping up on stuff so she has a couple areas out there where she can 'hide' out of reach and watch the hawk catch the birds she would like to. I have also started feeding her alone and first on the porch perch so the big guy can't scarf or intimidate her away from her food.

She was very much the 'queen of the neighborhood' and the house in her younger years so I do think the person who said that they are trying to lower her rank in the pack has hit the nail on the head. Funny her son is almost blind but he has retained his spot as second in command. It is the brain damaged kitty that thinks he is a dog and was always at the bottom who is trying hardest to usurp her.