Cat Fights
Question:
I think it’s probably just the female showing the kitten who’s boss. How long have you had the kitten? We have a 16 year old cat and a 4 month old kitten and it’s been almost 2 and a half months and the 16 year old still fights constantly with the kitten. The kitten could be too energetic for the adult cat and that would also possibly cause fights. I wouldn’t be too worried about it unless it draws blood or goes on like a tom cat fight. Just my opinion, I could be wrong. Rechelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi Everyone, > I’m new to this group and I have a question. > I have a 3 year old adult, spayed female and a 6 month old spayed female. > Most of the time my 3 year old is very tolerent with the kitten, but there > are times when there’s growling, swatting and biting going on between them. > Is it just that there’s a big age difference between them or is the adult > cat just letting the kitten know who’s boss? > Thanks in advance for any answers. > Tammy
Response:
Hi Everyone, I’m new to this group and I have a question. I have a 3 year old adult, spayed female and a 6 month old spayed female. Most of the time my 3 year old is very tolerent with the kitten, but there are times when there’s growling, swatting and biting going on between them. Is it just that there’s a big age difference between them or is the adult cat just letting the kitten know who’s boss? Thanks in advance for any answers. Tammy
Response:
> When you squirt the cat, try to make it seem like the blast came from > out of the blue, and not from you, the cat’s trusted owner. In this way, > the cat is thinking (okay, we’re assuming this of course) that the spray > came from "god" and that way, fluffy or otis or the new cat in the house > won’t associate a human with the correction.
Paula Poundstone has a good routine about cats, including squirting them, and mentions about them running to you for protection, right after you’ve squirted them. > This makes the correction much more effective in that the cat will not > associate the punishment with you, and will expect to be corrected even > if you are not in the room.
Well, either our Kassie is smarter than the average cat or I’m dumber than the average squirter. When we tried this, even if I was (I felt) quite clever in concealing the squirting device, she would still look immediately at me with those huge, but scolding, eyes. Then she’d come over and search behind the chair, or under the table, or wherever I was holding it, catching me with the evidence. A reproving look usually established her disgust and my guilt. Luckily for me, most of the behaviors she was being squirted for, SHE decided to quit on her own, so just the other day I converted her squirt bottle to a cleaning solution bottle. Dumb animals, hah! — "For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism."
Response:
The chances are he is only playing. Is she intimidated by these fights? if not, forget it neither is doing any harm to the other. I asume both cats have been desexed. — Buffy rules the home
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
Your post doesn’t mention how recently you acquired the second cat. I also have two cats, both also adopted from our local Humane Society Shelter. When we got the second cat, Ashley, our first cat, Tabitha was 5 months old. I used to watch them play and think they were fighting. It worried me because Tabitha was so much bigger than Ashley, who was only 7 weeks when we got her. Then one evening, I watched and realized that Ashley was instigating a lot of the wrestling matches, and that she kept coming back for more. I decided that she must not be getting scared or hurt if she was doing this. I decided to back off and leave them alone as long as things didn’t get out of hand. The minute I heard Ashley squeal, I would step in with a squirt bottle. Nobody ever got hurt. We continued to separate them for a while longer when we weren’t there to supervise until we knew for sure that we could trust them together. Hopefully, with time, your two cats will adjust to each other. Unfortunately, there are some cats who just will not accept another cat. Introducing two adult cats to each other is much more difficult than introducing a kitten to an adult cat. There are lots of books with information about making these introductions, and your vet may also be able to give you some advice. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Jennifer
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
My male cats are silent when playing; but they sound off with yowls when they are serious. However, my Sheba always growls and snorts when she plays. It just changes timbre when she gets serious. Then her claws come out and she really whacks Amber. When Djoser is around her, she always yowls *Get out of my face!* or *Leave me alone!* She barely tolerates him; but she likes Amber. So I would have to say it depends on the individual cat. Just watch them close and break up anything too serious. But they both need extra attention right now. CATherine You’re nobody till you’ve been ignored by a cat.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near > noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight > but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that > they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will > tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. > Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. > Good luck.
Response:
> I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near > noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight > but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that > they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will > tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. > Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. > Good luck. > Larry Osborne
Larry makes a good point- cats only know one game, really and that’s hunt-it-down-and-kill-it. If both cats are fairly quiet about the rassling, as Larry said, it may well be just play. — Paul "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a free novel by T.L. Sebastiani yup free at HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
Response:
Hi Dennis & Shannon, My partner and I have nine cats, the last one I rescued for outside a 7/11 is now five years old <Turkish Van/Siamese> he quickly became the Alpha male cat, he often does the same things your resident cat. Your RC is just trying to show the other cat who’s boss. We suggest you keep an careful eye on them just to make sure he isn’t really hurting her. Cat’s like to rough house, just like small children, it’s important you keep their claws clipped so one one get hurt. Usually a clap of you hands, will part the combatants if need be. A water pistol, will also do the job. Remember what my seem deadly serous to us can be just playing, the trick is to tell when the play gets to rough. Hope the help, Lyle, John, and family
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
Paul gave some good advice: "When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you nail him with the squirt gun." Squirt guns, water bottles, etc. are wonderful tools to help correct your cat, but there’s one very important strategy that will make this technique much more effective in the long run. . . When you squirt the cat, try to make it seem like the blast came from out of the blue, and not from you, the cat’s trusted owner. In this way, the cat is thinking (okay, we’re assuming this of course) that the spray came from "god" and that way, fluffy or otis or the new cat in the house won’t associate a human with the correction. This makes the correction much more effective in that the cat will not associate the punishment with you, and will expect to be corrected even if you are not in the room. I used this technique when training the guys not to stick their head out of the railing on our elevated deck. I combined a surreptitious squirt with saying their name in a very low voice. Now, all I need to do is say their name in a low voice, and they judiciously (and quickly) back away from the deck edge. Good luck! Kathy V – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. > Dennis & Shannon Motl > Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. > Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your > supervision. > This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, > without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a > chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the > door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to > establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, > having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. > When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short > of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you > nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship > between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker > and easier it will be for all parties. > Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and > members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give > them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset > with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that > will pass as they get accustomed to each other. > A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. > — > Paul > "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her > wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. > Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. > Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani > HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. > Dennis & Shannon Motl > Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. > Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your > supervision. > This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, > without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a > chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the > door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to > establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, > having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. > When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short > of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you > nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship > between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker > and easier it will be for all parties. > Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and > members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give > them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset > with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that > will pass as they get accustomed to each other. > A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. > — > Paul > "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her > wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. > Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. > Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani > HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. If it is fighting then ibidem’s solution is appropriate. If it is just play however you will need to relax and watch to see that one is not being hurt. It can be amusing watching a couple of playful cats tussle back and forth. Good luck. Larry Osborne
Response:
Hi all, I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? PLEASE HELP!!! Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems.
Dennis & Shannon Motl Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your supervision. This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker and easier it will be for all parties. Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that will pass as they get accustomed to each other. A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. — Paul "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
Response:
Oh! That might be it. In our old house they didn’t have any oportunity to see other cats. In this new house we have a french door that leads to a deck and the neighborhood cats like to come and check out ours. It drives ours absolutely NUTS, then they turn on each other. I’ll try out that stuff and let you know if it works. Thanks. Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->It’s possible also that they’ve seen "new" cats outside through the >windows. It’s very common for a cat disturbed by seeing a strange cat >to take out its aggression on another cat in the household. >I keep hearing that Rescue Remedy (flower extract sold in health food >stores?) is very helpful in getting cats to calm down and be less >anxious, if you want to try that. >Anita
Response:
It’s possible also that they’ve seen "new" cats outside through the windows. It’s very common for a cat disturbed by seeing a strange cat to take out its aggression on another cat in the household. I keep hearing that Rescue Remedy (flower extract sold in health food stores?) is very helpful in getting cats to calm down and be less anxious, if you want to try that. Anita – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I can’t separate unless I crate them…which wouldn’t go over too big. > Right now they share a litter box and food dish (double bowl), so we thought > we would get another of each so they have some more space. > One cat is the kids’ favorite cuz she cuddles with them, the other prefers > adults, so guess which one they want to get rid of if it comes to that… > That’s right… the one that cuddles with me! > Ellen > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such….. >Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards >the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show >aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first >aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of > no >account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce >them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the > door >can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But >this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that >neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling >incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same >towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just >postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to >write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
Response:
Well, at least they’ll be VERY clean! (btw: that didn’t stop them from scratching the furniture, but you never know.) Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >It sounds as these kitties are fighting for dominence of territory, a >COMMON feline behavior, even if they were once friends and are females. >The best you can do is stop them when you see it happening, a spray >bottle of H2O or squirt gun works well. Just let them know this is a >no-no..and they should stop.
Response:
It sounds as these kitties are fighting for dominence of territory, a COMMON feline behavior, even if they were once friends and are females. The best you can do is stop them when you see it happening, a spray bottle of H2O or squirt gun works well. Just let them know this is a no-no..and they should stop. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved > to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. Today > they even bit each other badly on the ears and such. We would hate to get > rid of either cat. Does anyone have any idea of what we can do about this? > We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but > man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has > been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. > They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep > snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. > My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. > Ellen
Response:
Well, I can’t separate unless I crate them…which wouldn’t go over too big. Right now they share a litter box and food dish (double bowl), so we thought we would get another of each so they have some more space. One cat is the kids’ favorite cuz she cuddles with them, the other prefers adults, so guess which one they want to get rid of if it comes to that… That’s right… the one that cuddles with me! Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such….. >Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards >the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show >aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first >aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of no >account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce >them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the door >can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But >this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that >neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling >incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same >towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just >postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to >write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
Response:
> We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved > to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. bit
each other badly on the ears and such. > We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but > man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has > been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. > They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep > snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. > My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. > Ellen > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such…..
Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of no account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the door can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
Response:
We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. Today they even bit each other badly on the ears and such. We would hate to get rid of either cat. Does anyone have any idea of what we can do about this? We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. Ellen
Response:
I think it’s probably just the female showing the kitten who’s boss. How long have you had the kitten? We have a 16 year old cat and a 4 month old kitten and it’s been almost 2 and a half months and the 16 year old still fights constantly with the kitten. The kitten could be too energetic for the adult cat and that would also possibly cause fights. I wouldn’t be too worried about it unless it draws blood or goes on like a tom cat fight. Just my opinion, I could be wrong. Rechelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi Everyone, > I’m new to this group and I have a question. > I have a 3 year old adult, spayed female and a 6 month old spayed female. > Most of the time my 3 year old is very tolerent with the kitten, but there > are times when there’s growling, swatting and biting going on between them. > Is it just that there’s a big age difference between them or is the adult > cat just letting the kitten know who’s boss? > Thanks in advance for any answers. > Tammy
Response:
Hi Everyone, I’m new to this group and I have a question. I have a 3 year old adult, spayed female and a 6 month old spayed female. Most of the time my 3 year old is very tolerent with the kitten, but there are times when there’s growling, swatting and biting going on between them. Is it just that there’s a big age difference between them or is the adult cat just letting the kitten know who’s boss? Thanks in advance for any answers. Tammy
Response:
> When you squirt the cat, try to make it seem like the blast came from > out of the blue, and not from you, the cat’s trusted owner. In this way, > the cat is thinking (okay, we’re assuming this of course) that the spray > came from "god" and that way, fluffy or otis or the new cat in the house > won’t associate a human with the correction.
Paula Poundstone has a good routine about cats, including squirting them, and mentions about them running to you for protection, right after you’ve squirted them. > This makes the correction much more effective in that the cat will not > associate the punishment with you, and will expect to be corrected even > if you are not in the room.
Well, either our Kassie is smarter than the average cat or I’m dumber than the average squirter. When we tried this, even if I was (I felt) quite clever in concealing the squirting device, she would still look immediately at me with those huge, but scolding, eyes. Then she’d come over and search behind the chair, or under the table, or wherever I was holding it, catching me with the evidence. A reproving look usually established her disgust and my guilt. Luckily for me, most of the behaviors she was being squirted for, SHE decided to quit on her own, so just the other day I converted her squirt bottle to a cleaning solution bottle. Dumb animals, hah! — "For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism."
Response:
The chances are he is only playing. Is she intimidated by these fights? if not, forget it neither is doing any harm to the other. I asume both cats have been desexed. — Buffy rules the home
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
Your post doesn’t mention how recently you acquired the second cat. I also have two cats, both also adopted from our local Humane Society Shelter. When we got the second cat, Ashley, our first cat, Tabitha was 5 months old. I used to watch them play and think they were fighting. It worried me because Tabitha was so much bigger than Ashley, who was only 7 weeks when we got her. Then one evening, I watched and realized that Ashley was instigating a lot of the wrestling matches, and that she kept coming back for more. I decided that she must not be getting scared or hurt if she was doing this. I decided to back off and leave them alone as long as things didn’t get out of hand. The minute I heard Ashley squeal, I would step in with a squirt bottle. Nobody ever got hurt. We continued to separate them for a while longer when we weren’t there to supervise until we knew for sure that we could trust them together. Hopefully, with time, your two cats will adjust to each other. Unfortunately, there are some cats who just will not accept another cat. Introducing two adult cats to each other is much more difficult than introducing a kitten to an adult cat. There are lots of books with information about making these introductions, and your vet may also be able to give you some advice. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Jennifer
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
My male cats are silent when playing; but they sound off with yowls when they are serious. However, my Sheba always growls and snorts when she plays. It just changes timbre when she gets serious. Then her claws come out and she really whacks Amber. When Djoser is around her, she always yowls *Get out of my face!* or *Leave me alone!* She barely tolerates him; but she likes Amber. So I would have to say it depends on the individual cat. Just watch them close and break up anything too serious. But they both need extra attention right now. CATherine You’re nobody till you’ve been ignored by a cat.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near > noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight > but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that > they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will > tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. > Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. > Good luck.
Response:
> I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near > noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight > but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that > they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will > tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. > Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. > Good luck. > Larry Osborne
Larry makes a good point- cats only know one game, really and that’s hunt-it-down-and-kill-it. If both cats are fairly quiet about the rassling, as Larry said, it may well be just play. — Paul "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a free novel by T.L. Sebastiani yup free at HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
Response:
Hi Dennis & Shannon, My partner and I have nine cats, the last one I rescued for outside a 7/11 is now five years old <Turkish Van/Siamese> he quickly became the Alpha male cat, he often does the same things your resident cat. Your RC is just trying to show the other cat who’s boss. We suggest you keep an careful eye on them just to make sure he isn’t really hurting her. Cat’s like to rough house, just like small children, it’s important you keep their claws clipped so one one get hurt. Usually a clap of you hands, will part the combatants if need be. A water pistol, will also do the job. Remember what my seem deadly serous to us can be just playing, the trick is to tell when the play gets to rough. Hope the help, Lyle, John, and family
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
Paul gave some good advice: "When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you nail him with the squirt gun." Squirt guns, water bottles, etc. are wonderful tools to help correct your cat, but there’s one very important strategy that will make this technique much more effective in the long run. . . When you squirt the cat, try to make it seem like the blast came from out of the blue, and not from you, the cat’s trusted owner. In this way, the cat is thinking (okay, we’re assuming this of course) that the spray came from "god" and that way, fluffy or otis or the new cat in the house won’t associate a human with the correction. This makes the correction much more effective in that the cat will not associate the punishment with you, and will expect to be corrected even if you are not in the room. I used this technique when training the guys not to stick their head out of the railing on our elevated deck. I combined a surreptitious squirt with saying their name in a very low voice. Now, all I need to do is say their name in a low voice, and they judiciously (and quickly) back away from the deck edge. Good luck! Kathy V – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. > Dennis & Shannon Motl > Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. > Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your > supervision. > This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, > without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a > chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the > door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to > establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, > having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. > When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short > of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you > nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship > between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker > and easier it will be for all parties. > Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and > members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give > them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset > with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that > will pass as they get accustomed to each other. > A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. > — > Paul > "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her > wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. > Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. > Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani > HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. > Dennis & Shannon Motl > Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. > Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your > supervision. > This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, > without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a > chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the > door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to > establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, > having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. > When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short > of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you > nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship > between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker > and easier it will be for all parties. > Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and > members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give > them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset > with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that > will pass as they get accustomed to each other. > A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. > — > Paul > "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her > wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. > Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. > Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani > HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. If it is fighting then ibidem’s solution is appropriate. If it is just play however you will need to relax and watch to see that one is not being hurt. It can be amusing watching a couple of playful cats tussle back and forth. Good luck. Larry Osborne
Response:
Hi all, I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? PLEASE HELP!!! Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems.
Dennis & Shannon Motl Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your supervision. This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker and easier it will be for all parties. Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that will pass as they get accustomed to each other. A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. — Paul "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
Response:
Oh! That might be it. In our old house they didn’t have any oportunity to see other cats. In this new house we have a french door that leads to a deck and the neighborhood cats like to come and check out ours. It drives ours absolutely NUTS, then they turn on each other. I’ll try out that stuff and let you know if it works. Thanks. Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->It’s possible also that they’ve seen "new" cats outside through the >windows. It’s very common for a cat disturbed by seeing a strange cat >to take out its aggression on another cat in the household. >I keep hearing that Rescue Remedy (flower extract sold in health food >stores?) is very helpful in getting cats to calm down and be less >anxious, if you want to try that. >Anita
Response:
It’s possible also that they’ve seen "new" cats outside through the windows. It’s very common for a cat disturbed by seeing a strange cat to take out its aggression on another cat in the household. I keep hearing that Rescue Remedy (flower extract sold in health food stores?) is very helpful in getting cats to calm down and be less anxious, if you want to try that. Anita – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I can’t separate unless I crate them…which wouldn’t go over too big. > Right now they share a litter box and food dish (double bowl), so we thought > we would get another of each so they have some more space. > One cat is the kids’ favorite cuz she cuddles with them, the other prefers > adults, so guess which one they want to get rid of if it comes to that… > That’s right… the one that cuddles with me! > Ellen > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such….. >Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards >the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show >aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first >aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of > no >account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce >them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the > door >can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But >this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that >neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling >incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same >towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just >postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to >write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
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Well, at least they’ll be VERY clean! (btw: that didn’t stop them from scratching the furniture, but you never know.) Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >It sounds as these kitties are fighting for dominence of territory, a >COMMON feline behavior, even if they were once friends and are females. >The best you can do is stop them when you see it happening, a spray >bottle of H2O or squirt gun works well. Just let them know this is a >no-no..and they should stop.
Response:
It sounds as these kitties are fighting for dominence of territory, a COMMON feline behavior, even if they were once friends and are females. The best you can do is stop them when you see it happening, a spray bottle of H2O or squirt gun works well. Just let them know this is a no-no..and they should stop. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved > to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. Today > they even bit each other badly on the ears and such. We would hate to get > rid of either cat. Does anyone have any idea of what we can do about this? > We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but > man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has > been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. > They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep > snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. > My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. > Ellen
Response:
Well, I can’t separate unless I crate them…which wouldn’t go over too big. Right now they share a litter box and food dish (double bowl), so we thought we would get another of each so they have some more space. One cat is the kids’ favorite cuz she cuddles with them, the other prefers adults, so guess which one they want to get rid of if it comes to that… That’s right… the one that cuddles with me! Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such….. >Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards >the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show >aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first >aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of no >account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce >them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the door >can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But >this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that >neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling >incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same >towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just >postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to >write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
Response:
> We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved > to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. bit
each other badly on the ears and such. > We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but > man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has > been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. > They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep > snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. > My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. > Ellen > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such…..
Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of no account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the door can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
Response:
We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. Today they even bit each other badly on the ears and such. We would hate to get rid of either cat. Does anyone have any idea of what we can do about this? We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. Ellen
Response:
I think it’s probably just the female showing the kitten who’s boss. How long have you had the kitten? We have a 16 year old cat and a 4 month old kitten and it’s been almost 2 and a half months and the 16 year old still fights constantly with the kitten. The kitten could be too energetic for the adult cat and that would also possibly cause fights. I wouldn’t be too worried about it unless it draws blood or goes on like a tom cat fight. Just my opinion, I could be wrong. Rechelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi Everyone, > I’m new to this group and I have a question. > I have a 3 year old adult, spayed female and a 6 month old spayed female. > Most of the time my 3 year old is very tolerent with the kitten, but there > are times when there’s growling, swatting and biting going on between them. > Is it just that there’s a big age difference between them or is the adult > cat just letting the kitten know who’s boss? > Thanks in advance for any answers. > Tammy
Response:
Hi Everyone, I’m new to this group and I have a question. I have a 3 year old adult, spayed female and a 6 month old spayed female. Most of the time my 3 year old is very tolerent with the kitten, but there are times when there’s growling, swatting and biting going on between them. Is it just that there’s a big age difference between them or is the adult cat just letting the kitten know who’s boss? Thanks in advance for any answers. Tammy
Response:
> When you squirt the cat, try to make it seem like the blast came from > out of the blue, and not from you, the cat’s trusted owner. In this way, > the cat is thinking (okay, we’re assuming this of course) that the spray > came from "god" and that way, fluffy or otis or the new cat in the house > won’t associate a human with the correction.
Paula Poundstone has a good routine about cats, including squirting them, and mentions about them running to you for protection, right after you’ve squirted them. > This makes the correction much more effective in that the cat will not > associate the punishment with you, and will expect to be corrected even > if you are not in the room.
Well, either our Kassie is smarter than the average cat or I’m dumber than the average squirter. When we tried this, even if I was (I felt) quite clever in concealing the squirting device, she would still look immediately at me with those huge, but scolding, eyes. Then she’d come over and search behind the chair, or under the table, or wherever I was holding it, catching me with the evidence. A reproving look usually established her disgust and my guilt. Luckily for me, most of the behaviors she was being squirted for, SHE decided to quit on her own, so just the other day I converted her squirt bottle to a cleaning solution bottle. Dumb animals, hah! — "For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism."
Response:
The chances are he is only playing. Is she intimidated by these fights? if not, forget it neither is doing any harm to the other. I asume both cats have been desexed. — Buffy rules the home
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
Your post doesn’t mention how recently you acquired the second cat. I also have two cats, both also adopted from our local Humane Society Shelter. When we got the second cat, Ashley, our first cat, Tabitha was 5 months old. I used to watch them play and think they were fighting. It worried me because Tabitha was so much bigger than Ashley, who was only 7 weeks when we got her. Then one evening, I watched and realized that Ashley was instigating a lot of the wrestling matches, and that she kept coming back for more. I decided that she must not be getting scared or hurt if she was doing this. I decided to back off and leave them alone as long as things didn’t get out of hand. The minute I heard Ashley squeal, I would step in with a squirt bottle. Nobody ever got hurt. We continued to separate them for a while longer when we weren’t there to supervise until we knew for sure that we could trust them together. Hopefully, with time, your two cats will adjust to each other. Unfortunately, there are some cats who just will not accept another cat. Introducing two adult cats to each other is much more difficult than introducing a kitten to an adult cat. There are lots of books with information about making these introductions, and your vet may also be able to give you some advice. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Jennifer
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
My male cats are silent when playing; but they sound off with yowls when they are serious. However, my Sheba always growls and snorts when she plays. It just changes timbre when she gets serious. Then her claws come out and she really whacks Amber. When Djoser is around her, she always yowls *Get out of my face!* or *Leave me alone!* She barely tolerates him; but she likes Amber. So I would have to say it depends on the individual cat. Just watch them close and break up anything too serious. But they both need extra attention right now. CATherine You’re nobody till you’ve been ignored by a cat.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near > noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight > but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that > they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will > tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. > Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. > Good luck.
Response:
> I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near > noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight > but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that > they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will > tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. > Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. > Good luck. > Larry Osborne
Larry makes a good point- cats only know one game, really and that’s hunt-it-down-and-kill-it. If both cats are fairly quiet about the rassling, as Larry said, it may well be just play. — Paul "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a free novel by T.L. Sebastiani yup free at HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
Response:
Hi Dennis & Shannon, My partner and I have nine cats, the last one I rescued for outside a 7/11 is now five years old <Turkish Van/Siamese> he quickly became the Alpha male cat, he often does the same things your resident cat. Your RC is just trying to show the other cat who’s boss. We suggest you keep an careful eye on them just to make sure he isn’t really hurting her. Cat’s like to rough house, just like small children, it’s important you keep their claws clipped so one one get hurt. Usually a clap of you hands, will part the combatants if need be. A water pistol, will also do the job. Remember what my seem deadly serous to us can be just playing, the trick is to tell when the play gets to rough. Hope the help, Lyle, John, and family
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? > PLEASE HELP!!! > Dennis & Shannon Motl
Response:
Paul gave some good advice: "When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you nail him with the squirt gun." Squirt guns, water bottles, etc. are wonderful tools to help correct your cat, but there’s one very important strategy that will make this technique much more effective in the long run. . . When you squirt the cat, try to make it seem like the blast came from out of the blue, and not from you, the cat’s trusted owner. In this way, the cat is thinking (okay, we’re assuming this of course) that the spray came from "god" and that way, fluffy or otis or the new cat in the house won’t associate a human with the correction. This makes the correction much more effective in that the cat will not associate the punishment with you, and will expect to be corrected even if you are not in the room. I used this technique when training the guys not to stick their head out of the railing on our elevated deck. I combined a surreptitious squirt with saying their name in a very low voice. Now, all I need to do is say their name in a low voice, and they judiciously (and quickly) back away from the deck edge. Good luck! Kathy V – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. > Dennis & Shannon Motl > Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. > Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your > supervision. > This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, > without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a > chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the > door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to > establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, > having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. > When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short > of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you > nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship > between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker > and easier it will be for all parties. > Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and > members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give > them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset > with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that > will pass as they get accustomed to each other. > A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. > — > Paul > "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her > wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. > Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. > Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani > HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems. > Dennis & Shannon Motl > Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. > Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your > supervision. > This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, > without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a > chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the > door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to > establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, > having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. > When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short > of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you > nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship > between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker > and easier it will be for all parties. > Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and > members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give > them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset > with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that > will pass as they get accustomed to each other. > A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. > — > Paul > "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her > wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. > Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. > Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani > HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
I have a question. Is this occuring without any sound? Constant or near noise in the form of yowling, hissing, or growling tends to indicate a fight but if it is going on in silence or near silence it tends to indicate that they are playing not fighting. Another indicator of play that they will tend to alternate attacker and defender roles. Cats do play rough and it can look like a fight when it is really play. If it is fighting then ibidem’s solution is appropriate. If it is just play however you will need to relax and watch to see that one is not being hurt. It can be amusing watching a couple of playful cats tussle back and forth. Good luck. Larry Osborne
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Hi all, I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her throat it seems. Is there anything we can do short of giving him away? PLEASE HELP!!! Dennis & Shannon Motl
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> Hi all, > I haven’t posted here before, but I had a quick question I hope can be > answered. We got our first cat "Moco" back in 1996 (2 YO adult male & > deaf). We thought he needed some companionship, so we got him a 7 YO female > playmate. Both cats from the Humane Society. The resident cat has been > picking on her pretty bad lately. He pins her down and is going for her > throat it seems.
Dennis & Shannon Motl Establish the new cat in a room with her own food, litterbox, toys. Don’t let the resident cat in her room, nor let her out without your supervision. This accomplishes several things. It lets Moco know there’s a new cat, without outright violating his sense of territory. It gives them a chance to get familiar with each other without challenges (under the door, through smells and sounds.) It gives the new cat a chance to establish her own sense of territory, which she’s lost altogether, having been plopped down in Moco’s turf without a prayer. When they are together, let them interact in any way they like, short of hurting each other. When Moco goes for her throat, that’s when you nail him with the squirt gun. They do have to work out the relationship between themselves, and the less intrusive you are in that, the quicker and easier it will be for all parties. Cats are territory-oriented, unlike dogs, featherless bipeds and members of congress, so cat behavior isn’t always intuitive to us. Give them both lots of affection, and don’t be surprised if Moco is upset with you, and misbehaves in other ways, like peeing in corners. All that will pass as they get accustomed to each other. A couple weeks is typical for the dust to settle. — Paul "They’re evil. And they can read your mind," Norma said, touching her wrist. Laura responded with one of her snorts. "Aww, come on, Norma. Cats are just cats." Laura was known for her snorts. Ballroom Dancing at the A&P a full-length novel by T.L. Sebastiani HTTP://home.att.net/~ibidem2/
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Oh! That might be it. In our old house they didn’t have any oportunity to see other cats. In this new house we have a french door that leads to a deck and the neighborhood cats like to come and check out ours. It drives ours absolutely NUTS, then they turn on each other. I’ll try out that stuff and let you know if it works. Thanks. Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->It’s possible also that they’ve seen "new" cats outside through the >windows. It’s very common for a cat disturbed by seeing a strange cat >to take out its aggression on another cat in the household. >I keep hearing that Rescue Remedy (flower extract sold in health food >stores?) is very helpful in getting cats to calm down and be less >anxious, if you want to try that. >Anita
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It’s possible also that they’ve seen "new" cats outside through the windows. It’s very common for a cat disturbed by seeing a strange cat to take out its aggression on another cat in the household. I keep hearing that Rescue Remedy (flower extract sold in health food stores?) is very helpful in getting cats to calm down and be less anxious, if you want to try that. Anita – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I can’t separate unless I crate them…which wouldn’t go over too big. > Right now they share a litter box and food dish (double bowl), so we thought > we would get another of each so they have some more space. > One cat is the kids’ favorite cuz she cuddles with them, the other prefers > adults, so guess which one they want to get rid of if it comes to that… > That’s right… the one that cuddles with me! > Ellen > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such….. >Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards >the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show >aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first >aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of > no >account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce >them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the > door >can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But >this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that >neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling >incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same >towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just >postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to >write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
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Well, at least they’ll be VERY clean! (btw: that didn’t stop them from scratching the furniture, but you never know.) Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >It sounds as these kitties are fighting for dominence of territory, a >COMMON feline behavior, even if they were once friends and are females. >The best you can do is stop them when you see it happening, a spray >bottle of H2O or squirt gun works well. Just let them know this is a >no-no..and they should stop.
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It sounds as these kitties are fighting for dominence of territory, a COMMON feline behavior, even if they were once friends and are females. The best you can do is stop them when you see it happening, a spray bottle of H2O or squirt gun works well. Just let them know this is a no-no..and they should stop. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved > to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. Today > they even bit each other badly on the ears and such. We would hate to get > rid of either cat. Does anyone have any idea of what we can do about this? > We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but > man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has > been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. > They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep > snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. > My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. > Ellen
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Well, I can’t separate unless I crate them…which wouldn’t go over too big. Right now they share a litter box and food dish (double bowl), so we thought we would get another of each so they have some more space. One cat is the kids’ favorite cuz she cuddles with them, the other prefers adults, so guess which one they want to get rid of if it comes to that… That’s right… the one that cuddles with me! Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such….. >Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards >the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show >aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first >aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of no >account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce >them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the door >can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But >this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that >neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling >incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same >towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just >postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to >write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
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> We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved > to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. bit
each other badly on the ears and such. > We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but > man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has > been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. > They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep > snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. > My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. > Ellen > Cats don’t have territorial leaders as such…..
Moving has upset them, and one of them must have acted aggressively towards the other , mainly because of the stress. Then number two started to show aggression towards the first,because of the shock it got at the first aggressive reaction since then the problem has escalated, and now it is of no account who started it all. You need to separate the cats, and reintroduce them to each other slowly, by feeding them with a door between them, the door can be opened slowly and in the end they can be allowed to be together. But this will take weeks, so don’t rush it, it should be done so slowly that neither cat at any point shows aggressive behaviour (hissing and growling incl.) It migth be a help to rub them several times a day with the same towel. To give them any form of medicine is unnessasary, and will just postpone the problem. If you want further information, you are welcome to write to me. Good luck, and remember: things take time. CLager
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We have two females (litter mates) who we’ve had for about 7 years. We moved to a new house 9 months ago and ever since, they have begun fighting. Today they even bit each other badly on the ears and such. We would hate to get rid of either cat. Does anyone have any idea of what we can do about this? We assume they are trying to vie for the leader of the new territory, but man, it has been since last March. They don’t fight constantly, altho it has been pretty often lately, but enough to concern us. They used to be really close. The used to bathe each other and sleep snuggled together. Now they hunker down when they enter the same room. My kids (5 & 7) are hysterical at the thought of losing them. Ellen
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