cat terror

[incitatus]

Bailey, brave cat about town, is terrified of my mother in law. Whilst I sympathise, she has done nothing to him. how do we persuade him to accept her as unthreatening?

[molly]

The way to a cat's heart is through his stomach. Can you get Mum in law to feed him sometimes or give him some titbits occasionally.

[incitatus]

she has tried that- he refuses to eat them until she has lefft the room, and just stares at her.

[molly]

Has your cat got a favorite toy? Perhaps she could persuade him to play. Or maybe next time you go away, let her look after him. If he has no other company he'll be forced to accept her. Is your Mum in law maybe a bit afraid of cats? They often can sense this. Can't think of any other suggestions, sorry.

[Buffy]

Ask your mother-in-law to stop barking.

[incitatus]

tempting. he loves playing with a ribbon, which she picks up then he runs away. we have tried tuna, cheese, pringles (his fave flavour) all sorts. he really doesnt like her. and the reason im concerned is that he may have to go stay with her. can cats take valium?

[PurplePixie]

Cats can be a bit offish with some people. It can even be the persons tone of voice, or if they try & keep eye contact (VERY rude & threatening to cats!!) It could also be her perfume...one of mine hates 1 of my visitors because of the scent she wears. An idea if she's not already doing it would be to avoid eye contact, also to make sure she smells as much like you as possible (say, to wear one of your jumpers) and a game I've found even the most senior cat to be unable to resist is an entire box of plastic drinking straws tipped on the floor (not sure why!) Don't forget cat mint if he likes it...put it everywhere, usually helps to chill them out a bit. Hope it helps, it can be a bit embarrassing when your own cat is scared of the mother -in -law! Good luck.

[Jenny Tools]

No, not on the own, they have trouble getting the child proof lids off.

[treaclefight]

incitatus...is this the mother in law from previous questions, the one that mysteriously breaks all appliances.... if only the cat could talk, i bet he's seen what she does, no wonder he doesnt trust her. ive never known cats to think anything but what they want to think, your going to have to respect his opinions.

[Janetex]

Just lie down on this couch while I get my paper and piece of pencil and we'll get this pear-shaped m-i-l stuff sor'ed.

[sylvia]

Turst the cat, he might know something you don't.