[Andiecat46]

Hey guys. This is my very first post. I am so psyched to find a forum like this to discuss my cat. I'm 24, and I've grown up always having dogs. My parents still have my dog Kelsey, who is 12 now. Four years ago, I got a cat, who I named Andie (after Andy Pettitte former Yankee, now Astro **** it!). She is such a doll. VERY funny and totally spoiled.
Anyways, I have several questions about things she does, that kinda confuse me. Perhaps you can all help me out.
First off, she is obsessed with the smell of BLEACH! What is that about? Whenever I clean the bathroom, or clean the counters with Clorox spray, she meows and then rolls on the counter or the floor (wherever the bleach was). I dont get it at all... anyone ever heard of this?
Also, lately, at night, when she is wandering around in between sleep sessions, I sometimes hear her whining, rather loudly. I wonder if she is sick, or upset. I recently got my own place in September. Before this, I lived with my roomie and her dog, and before that, I lived with my parents and our dog. So, I am wondering if she is a little lonely. Although during the day, she is her normal self.
Ok, and last question... when I am walking through the living room, she often hides behind something and then jumps out and attacks my legs! And its gotten to the point where she is aggresive about it! I think she's playing... but I dont get that. I just squirt her with a water bottle and she runs away. LOL.
So, sorry bout the long post.. can anyone help me out?

 

[karaokekat]

Hiya AndieCat from one newbie here to another. (Well not a newbie cat owner just a newbie on the forum). Anyway, as for the bleach I don't know I've never had that type interest in my cats.
As for the whining late at night, Gandalf does that too and I know she's not lonely (she has Mooch to play with). In your case, she might be lonely though if she's used to other animals around.
As for the playing: How aggressive is she? And how much time do you spend playing with her and giving her the attention she wants? She might be getting aggressive because she wants more attention from you. Are you busier now than you used to be and don't play with her as often?
Just my thoughts... but I'm no expert, of course.

 

[Padunk]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Here's a post on bleach:

http://www.catforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2111

Doesn't explain why they do it, but at least you're not alone.

Cats are nocturnal and do strange things at night. Mine meow, run around, and act rediculous every night.

When I only had one cat, she'd do the same thing. I would play back.. get on all fours and stalk her the same way. It was a lot of fun. It sounds like Andie is doing it because she's bored. She probably did the same kind of stuff to the dogs she knew. When I got my second cat, she stopped playing those games with me... even when I try to initiate the play.

So all you have to do to solve your problem is get another cat. :wink:

 

[PrincessClaire]

Well Hawkeye is the worst of my gang for running around at night, he also constantly whines, probably because the rest of the gang can't be bothered, Radar usually jumps on my bed and sleeps, Willow sit at the top of my cabinet and Becky lies under the clothes horse. so he really has no one to pay attention to him, I suppose thats why he whines.

 

[Andiecat46]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! This place is great. Andie is always doing such weird things, its nice to know I have a place to come and talk about it. Cats really are very interesting animals.

I was really interested to read the link about the bleach! I really thought Andie was the only cat with this strange obsession... but I guess not!!

As for the attacking my legs routine... I do play with Andie everyday... but I am assuming she really does kinda miss the dogs. I want to get a small dog, but I am not allowed to have dogs in this apartment. I considered getting a kitten for her... but she hissed at my brothers cat the first time he brought her over in her carrier. I have a feeling she wouldnt be too fond of another cat around. PLUS, I travel to my parents house at least once a month, which is 2 hours away, and getting Andie into her carrier is trouble enough, I cant imagine bringing two of them!

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[kungfukitty]

Holly loves bleach, too! I also had a cat who loved plastic bags. She'd lick away and sometimes do a little sucking. I had to make sure to keep bags away from her. I was afraid she'd suck up a piece. Holly goes a little nutty at night sometimes. I think she usually just wants some reassurance that I'm there. Sometimes she wants to play- at 2 in the morning.

 

[ForJazz]

I think your kitty is still adjusting to the new apartment. Lots of cats are very sensitive to change. If she's used to having another animal around then this probably explains her meowing -- she might be "calling out" for the other animal and wondering why she's the only one. And it also looks like it's the answer to her pouncing on you -- she needs SOMEone to practice her hunting on! You mentioned concerns about getting another cat, but I'd really seriously consider it again. Most cats will need an adjustment period to get used to another cat -- and if they have never lived with another cat it's pretty much a sure thing. There's lots of information on websites and this forum in particular about introducing new cats to each other. There is also help out there on getting your cat to be unafraid of the carrier. Leaving it out in the open, for instance. And if you get a new cat -- it will be easier to train them right from the start that the carrier is not going to hurt them. And another benefit of having a second cat is that they can learn from each other. So if you teach your newbie about the cat carrier and its mystique, your old baby might need less training from you!

I'd consider it again - it sounds like you're an animal person with an open heart. If I were you I'd look and see what information is out there concerning the problems you might run into. Do a little planning and some more consideration. But for now, either just let her cry, or let her pounce and keep nudging her off the bed. She might get the idea eventually.

 

[kitkat]

Also, lately, at night, when she is wandering around in between sleep sessions, I sometimes hear her whining, rather loudly. I wonder if she is sick, or upset.

My cat Twinkie does that alot at night, either he is calling out or wondering why we are so quiet! :wink: