I feel guilty for what I'm about to do
Background: I have two cats. One of the cats (male, 8 1/2 years old) is (and always has been) very aggressive. Up until 2011 he was the only cat in the house. He likes to bite and scratch. In late 2011, my wife adopted a street cat. At the time I was over in China for a year. We had a conversation on the phone about it and I tried to talk her out of it. She brought it in the house anyway, cleaned cleaned the cat up and took her (the cat) to the vet. The female cat is antisocial, hates everyone except my wife, and has gotten so fat that the vet says she could end up dying in a few years do to her being overweight.
Now: The two cats get in lots of fights. I've had cats before and never had a problem with them going too far in a fight to the point where they are hurting each other. I've also never had an aggressive cat like I do. The male cat's aggressiveness has gotten worse in the last few years to the point he has attacked me several times.
The incident: Last week I was breaking the two cats up and the older cat got really mad and attacked my leg and arm. The worst part were to large bite marks that were very deep and drew blood. I had to go to a doctor and get a tetanus shot, and they put me on some antibiotics, and topical cream for the wound.
I have wanted to get rid of the younger cat because I think the older cat would be happier being the only cat in the house (the way it was before my wife adopted the female cat). I've tried adoption places here in Korea, but every time I ask they say they are full and can't take any more cats. The only one place that would take her is the city pound. I have no choice.
As for the male cat, we have ordered a collar that is used to calm cats using some kind of scent. We figured we'd try it on him for a few months and see if that would work. I told my wife if after getting rid of the female cat and putting the collar on the male cat in three months things didn't improve that he'd have to go as well.
I'm just sick of dealing with them. It was ok before she brought that cat into the house, but now the combination of the two is putting our health in danger.
What would you do?
= new reply since forum marked as read
There's lots and lots of good info online. And meds can definitely help.
Plus, you need to understand the underlying cat psychology.
YouTube videos of Animal Channel's "My Cat from Hell" with cat expert Jackson can help understanding what can be done.
The guy does some AMAZING things with aggressive cats. One important thing he emphasized is letting each cat find a place that it feel safe. He recommends high ledges where each cat has his own perch...and even mounting shelves on the walls if necessary. He has lots of other advice. http://jacksongalaxy.com/
I'm so sorry you got badly scratched and bitten. Since your wife has a better relationship with the new cat, perhaps she should be taking the lead in separating the two.
You know, taking the cat to a shelter usually means death for it, especially ones with problems. Soo, I'm for trying to find more solutions.
Wishing you much good luck and a load of patience. Poor guy, you're going to need some but please try to hang in there because this can be solved. I'm sure of it.
