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Original poster

My beloved pet is becoming a problem

285 replies

99problems99 · 04/03/2025 17:34

Firstly I’m fully aware of the fact ‘a pet is for life’. So please be kind i am desperate for some
constructive advice.

4 years (almost 5), I purchased a pedigree British long hair cat. She is the most beautiful girl, she was welcomed into the home and we love her. She was from a reputable registered breeder and cost me £950. Money wasn’t the issue I just dreamed of her for so long.

From the start she was always very particular with food.. no problem.. I just chopped and changed when she lost interest. She’s had the best of the best since the day she arrived. She’s groomed every day, she has lots of toys, up to date with vaccinations and is solely indoor. She has treats and cuddles (when she allows). She’s always been a little anti social and doesn’t like ‘new people’ until she has investigated them fully. Some she decides she doesn’t like at all and can be quite snappy and scratchy.

When she arrived my now 9DS was 4. They were fine together.. I’ve since had another boy who is 18m. She is awful to him. I’ve taught gim
to be gentle, he’s noisy of course but she used to just leave the room. Now it’s like she’s antagonistic towards him. I watch his every move but she has snarled at him and has scratched lightly twice. I’m on edge all of the time.

I teapot of course love her, but the safety of my son is paramount, I can’t settle knowing she may just get so fed up of him and hurt him. I suppose as he gets older this might settle but I don’t know what to do.

any advice is welcomed and please be kind this is breaking my heart I wouldn’t even know where to start if I ever considered rehoming her. I have posted in some local groups I am in for her breed and people have been so horrible.. as if i am saying she’s disposable now I have another child.. it’s not the case but I have to be realistic.

YABU- thinking of rehoming
YANBU- completely understandable to re home.

thanks for reading.

OP posts:
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Original poster
99problems99 · 04/03/2025 17:45

steff13 · 04/03/2025 17:37

What was he doing when she scratched him?

He doesn’t do anything. He can just be near her. Sometimes she’s fine. Other times she just gets annoyed for seemingly nothing. I care about her too so if she seems distressed I always take her away from the room for peace as he’s quite noisy

OP posts:
Lamelie · 04/03/2025 17:45

iamnotalemon · 04/03/2025 17:40

I'd say the child is the problem and the cat is reacting to it.

Oh for goodness sake.
Yes very possibly a toddler is behaving in a way which antagonises the bloody cat. However a child is more important than a cat. The child is not a problem because there’s something scratchy and bitey in its home, the cat is.
@99problems99 I’m sure it’ll be easy to find a good loving home for your cat. And of course you should do so.

Coffeeishot · 04/03/2025 17:45

99problems99 · 04/03/2025 17:43

He can be sitting on the sofa next to him and she bats at him and makes like a growling noise at him. I show him when he does try to touch her to be gentle and if he does every touch her when I’m with him he is so gentle but she just bats at him without her claws.

Show quote history

If there is no claws she just doesn't like him just chase her away from him or put her out of the room every time, you don't have to make a big deal if it.

Original poster
99problems99 · 04/03/2025 17:43

Jellycatspyjamas · 04/03/2025 17:41

18 months is very young for him to be with the cat unsupervised. I’d be creating a cosy, safe space for her - possibly high up, so she can have some peace. I’d also be teaching my child to absolutely leave the cat alone, if she does scratch him he’ll soon learn to back off.

I don’t leave them unsupervised. Nowhere in my post have I said that he’s left alone with her.

OP posts:
Coffeeishot · 04/03/2025 17:43

NovemberMorn · 04/03/2025 17:39

Could you take her to a dog training class and speak to the owner, see if her jealousy can be controlled in any way?

In the meantime, I would definitely never leave her alone or unsupervised with your child.

edit....sorry, I misread cat for dog.

Edited

It's a cat.

Op you need to keep them apart put the cat in another room away from your toddler.

Original poster
99problems99 · 04/03/2025 17:43

iamnotalemon · 04/03/2025 17:40

I'd say the child is the problem and the cat is reacting to it.

He can be sitting on the sofa next to him and she bats at him and makes like a growling noise at him. I show him when he does try to touch her to be gentle and if he does every touch her when I’m with him he is so gentle but she just bats at him without her claws.

OP posts:
Jellycatspyjamas · 04/03/2025 17:41

18 months is very young for him to be with the cat unsupervised. I’d be creating a cosy, safe space for her - possibly high up, so she can have some peace. I’d also be teaching my child to absolutely leave the cat alone, if she does scratch him he’ll soon learn to back off.

iamnotalemon · 04/03/2025 17:40

I'd say the child is the problem and the cat is reacting to it.

NovemberMorn · 04/03/2025 17:39

Could you take her to a dog training class and speak to the owner, see if her jealousy can be controlled in any way?

In the meantime, I would definitely never leave her alone or unsupervised with your child.

edit....sorry, I misread cat for dog.

steff13 · 04/03/2025 17:37

What was he doing when she scratched him?

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