Expert: Marcia Owen - 3/21/2009

Question
I've got a Moggy (Pookie)of 4y, who it looks like is loosing her dominance over my nearly 2y old cross, Ragdoll/ Persian (Misty). there has always been a bit of rough play between the two, Pookie has become more aggressive towards misty and visitors. Pookie has been spayed but misty i was debating over breading. Although due the behaviour i am concerned over how Pookie will react to both the pregnant friend and the possible new additions.... should I breed misty? How can I make Pookie feel less threatened…... at least I think that’s what she’s feeling?

Answer
It sounds as though Misty is becoming sexually mature and as is the way with animals is trying to establish herself at the top of the pecking order.  Pookie is obviously trying to retain her No 1 position now as she is picking up on the hormones that Misty is giving off.  

I would be wary about breeding from Misty as if Pookie doesn't take to the kittens, Misty may well get the wrong vibes and assume that her kittens are being threatened and the breakdown between the two of them could get worse.

You could ask for your vet for something called Feliway which is a feline pheremone which calms cats.  You could also ask for something like Zylkene which is a capsule that you can put on the food which again helps to destress a cat.  Its worth thinking about to help your cats through this difficult period.

Marcia.