The Cat Conundrum
Discussion
So I have two cats, one Moggy, and one Bengal. They get on great, loads of play, loads of sleeping together. House cats (so far)
The Moggy is a year and a half. The Bengal is ten month or so.
The Moggy is a cat. He's grown out of kitten play and cuddles and needs me for food and food only, so now he's bored. And so I've started letting him outside. And he loves it! He runs around chirping at everything, pawing away, generally having the time of his life. He's even befriended next doors rabbits! He really is a friendly, happy little thing. Totally unfazed by new people.
The Bengal is a dog in cats clothing. He needs me because he loves cuddles and play. He's not interested in exploring - only being near me. Like a dog. He's really, really nervous of new people and doesn't handle being outdoors very well. Loud noise and he's all claws, fluffy tail and stress. Added to which, I'm sure he'd maul next doors rabbits and, looking like he does, sure to get nicked.
And here's the issue.
The Bengal, the high maintenance super cat, was entirely chilled when they were both indoors.
The Moggy, the domestic chilled out peasant cat, was up a height before being let out and almost becoming destructive.
When the Moggy goes outside, the Bengal goes BANANAS. He'll only calm when the Moggy returns. And if you've ever heard a Bengal before, you'll know how loud they are when something isn't going their way.
So I've gone from one crazy Moggy, and one chilled Bengal, to one chilled Moggy, but one crazy Bengal.
What do I do?
The Moggy is a year and a half. The Bengal is ten month or so.
The Moggy is a cat. He's grown out of kitten play and cuddles and needs me for food and food only, so now he's bored. And so I've started letting him outside. And he loves it! He runs around chirping at everything, pawing away, generally having the time of his life. He's even befriended next doors rabbits! He really is a friendly, happy little thing. Totally unfazed by new people.
The Bengal is a dog in cats clothing. He needs me because he loves cuddles and play. He's not interested in exploring - only being near me. Like a dog. He's really, really nervous of new people and doesn't handle being outdoors very well. Loud noise and he's all claws, fluffy tail and stress. Added to which, I'm sure he'd maul next doors rabbits and, looking like he does, sure to get nicked.
And here's the issue.
The Bengal, the high maintenance super cat, was entirely chilled when they were both indoors.
The Moggy, the domestic chilled out peasant cat, was up a height before being let out and almost becoming destructive.
When the Moggy goes outside, the Bengal goes BANANAS. He'll only calm when the Moggy returns. And if you've ever heard a Bengal before, you'll know how loud they are when something isn't going their way.
So I've gone from one crazy Moggy, and one chilled Bengal, to one chilled Moggy, but one crazy Bengal.
What do I do?
Edited by THX on Wednesday 27th August 20:34
Not sure it's the scent - there's two doors between them and it's even when the Moggy is well away outside. It's the absence that's causing the grief. Maybe that Feliway will do the trick (I'd actually forgotten that existed - could save the 3am wake-up calls, too. Half the reason for needing to let the Mog out)
BTW, Bengals are awesome little creatures. Bright as any dog, equally affectionate and they look amazing. Can be hard work, but no more than a, you guessed it, dog.
PICTURES!
BTW, Bengals are awesome little creatures. Bright as any dog, equally affectionate and they look amazing. Can be hard work, but no more than a, you guessed it, dog.
PICTURES!
Edited by THX on Thursday 28th August 18:54
Mobile Chicane said:
OP, what happens when you go outside with the Bengal? Is he more relaxed then?
I have an evening routine whereby I go for a stroll around the garden and Bob follows. At a discreet distance, natch. He's far too cool to trot after me like a dog:
That's an impressive garden!I have an evening routine whereby I go for a stroll around the garden and Bob follows. At a discreet distance, natch. He's far too cool to trot after me like a dog:
He's OK when I'm there, but he's still up a height. He'll nervously nose around, give me the squinty loving eyes, but then dart back inside the second there's a new noise.
Meanwhile, the Moggy will be rolling around on the shed roof top having the time of his life.
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