Help new cat owner

by Eric J
(Elgin, IL)

Kali the first cat

I have had my female tortie about 2 years now. she is an overall good cat. It took her a while to get out of the "kitten" biting stage, but I'm pretty sure that's under control now.

She is very sweet to me, greets me at the door when I get home and lays down at my feet until I pick her up and say hello to her.

Here is my issue, if I have company over she will be standoff-ish and slow to approach them. she will eventually approach them, rub against them, and walk across their lap.

But when a guest reaches out to pet her she flips out, ears back, hissing, swatting, and aggressive biting attempts.

Now if the guest extend just their hand out for her to smell, she is fine, it only happens when they try to pet her.

When I bring her over to my parents or sisters house, both of which have male cats, which she is typically fine around. An occasional hiss or growl at the beginning is all, then both cats leave each other alone.

My sister also has 2 small dogs, which want nothing to do with my cat. the problem here is that one a person tries to pat her, including myself she flips out and has the same behavior as above with a constant meowing and growling, and a frequent hiss at absolutely nothing.

I think maybe she is stressed out since she is in a new surrounding. How am I supposed to get her accustomed to my parents ans sister house so they can watch her when I am out of town? My family has said that they are afraid of her, and at time I am too.

Please HELP! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It has crossed my mind to put her up for adoption when she is behaving like this, but then I remember how sweet she is when its just her and me at home.

Thanks you,
Eric