Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/12/2008

Question
When my tabby was 2 years old, I adopted a 5 year old cat,Zoe that right out the door exhibited aggressive behavior. At first I believed she needed to get adjusted to a new home, and although she became more manageable, she is still quite aggressive. Often she will bite me or house guests. This will usually happen after they have been petting her, which she seems to enjoy. Suddenly she gets angry, bites and hisses. I had originally taken her in as a companion to my now 3 year old cat, but she will not go near her and mainly stays away from everyone in the house. Half a year ago I adopted a kitten who gets long great with my 3 year old, but is tormented by Zoe. Zoe begins growling and hissing the moment she sees the kitten and will often attack him or even me if I happen to be near. I'm not really sure how to curb this behavior. Zoe can be very loving and seems to enjoy playing with me and being affectionate,but she can turn on a dime and I feel bad that she makes my other 2 cats miserable and afraid to be in the same room. I knew the home that she came from and the former owner had had her for several years. She said she often watched a friend's cat in her home and that Zoe got along fine with that cat...

Answer
Deanna,

The behavior Zoe is exhibiting is common for a tamed feral cat. The can be affectionate and loving but the DO NOT like to be petted except briefly. If the tail starts wagging or the ears go back STOP petting her. They are not like domesticated house cats and do not act like one. They also do not like to be held or restrained. An older feral is especially difficult to get to change their behavior. Google: FERAL CAT BEHAVIOR and you will learn more about their actions and reactions.

The most important thing about introductions is to go SLOWLY! Do not try to rush it or force them together or you WILL end up with behavior problems. I am including some excellent links to articles on how to do the introductions properly. They should be helpful as a guide.
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

Growling, slaps, and hisses are nothing to worry about. They are just "kitty communication". That is the way the older cat tells the younger cat to keep her distance, what the rules of "his house" are, etc. When to be concerned is if there are ears pinned back, blood being shed, or major fur flying.

Once the cats can be together without being aggressive, or freaking out, feed the cats yummy cat treats periodically (like tuna, sardines (in oil) or pieces of raw steak, etc.) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant. Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is great for interaction between the cats. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cats as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.

Feral cats sometimes can cause problems in an otherwise peaceful household. Sometimes they have a tendency to see other cats as threats. They carry alot of excess emotional and inherited baggage. You need to understand them and 'give them their space.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi