Pet care: Senior feline hates her indoor roomie

Q: This cat found us. She is part of the Community Cat program here in El Paso. She is not feral; she is a stray and very social with humans. She’s around 5, according to our veterinarian. We are trying to acclimate her to an indoor environment. We also have an older cat who is 13 years old. She is being territorial, growling, hissing and chasing the new cat, "Baby." For correcting we’ve been using the water bottle and training calming collar with treats. Should we buy a cat tree house?

Dr. Nichol: You are right that your resident cat is being territorial. She is also being scared. Kitties who’ve been the only cats in their homes, into their golden years, don’t generally welcome newcomers with open arms. Your geezer wants the new kid on the next stage outa town.

According to the El Paso Animal Services website, “Community Cats are often semi-friendly or unfriendly cats that wouldn’t be suitable for adoption into homes, and are already considered free-roaming. Don’t worry, Community Cats are already used to living outside and are happier this way!”

These folks get it. A cat’s lifestyle, in their early months and years, is rarely open to change. Your Medicare recipient is stuck in her ways. The new “Baby” will do best in the great outdoors. Give her a snug, elevated cat house. Feed her on a different platform, several feet off the ground. Unattended food attracts raccoons, skunks and coyotes, maybe even lions, tigers and bears. Oh my! So pick up the bowl when Baby walks away.

We really hate it when the pets we love try to hurt each other. Treats are good, but forget the fire hose and napalm. Use a water bottle only if your pets catch fire. Improve your indoor senior’s life by simulating the great outdoors. Go to my website, drjeffnichol.com, for a good list of Feline Environmental Enrichments.

Wild birds matter, too. Accessorize Baby with a cat bib or a birdsbesafe collar. She’ll think she’s trendy; the birds, however, will snicker.

• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.