Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat aggression

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/21/2008


Question
I have three cats. Rosie (3), Daisy (1), and Scooter (4). Rosie and Daisy are constantly fighting, with Daisy as the aggressor. I've tried putting Daisy in her crate as somewhat of a time-out, but it's not working. They continuously fight during the night. I'm very frustrated, and I don't want to get rid of Daisy (we've only had her a couple of months). I can tell that Rosie is fed up as well, because when I come home, she's at the top of the cabinets snoozing, just to get away from Daisy. Is there anything I can do to alleviate this problem?

Answer

Dog Crate for Cats
Amybeth,

Did you do the introduction process correctly? You have to go through the introduction process slowly. You can't rush it or you will have behavior problems that are going to be hard to correct, as you can see.

I would do it all over again from the beginning. It may take longer because of the negative interaction they already have had.

I am attaching a couple of links on how to go about the introduction process, which may not all pertain to you but it can be 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...

Once they can be together without fighting feed both cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.

Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between the two cats. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug', which helps them get used to each other.

I use a big dog crate for a new cat. It has room for litterbox, food and water, small cat carrier without the door for a bed and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they can get used to other cats around, and other cats can sniff and check them out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.

Rarely does it not ever work out, but with time, patience, and love, it should.

Tabbi  

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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