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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Dominant Male
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Question
After Mr. Tom, integration into household after 1 yr. has now resulted in experiment surgery to save eye of smallest female. Mr. Tom initially was seeking playmates but was rejected by both females. Mr. Tom became a bully. Now we have to daily position all 3 in and out of house. Is there any hope for a peaceful, conjugal household?
Cy,
You don't say if Mr. Tom IS a tom. If he is not neutered then please get him done as soon as possible. That will help some of the behavior problems. And the females spayed if they aren't already.
Also keep his claws trimmed. Here is a link on how to do it with photos:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)
http://www.cat-world.com.au/catclaws.htm
After a year if they are not getting along, maybe you should think about re-homing Mr. Tom to save harmony (and vet bills). Cats usually will get along after a period of time, but sometimes it just won't work.
Tabbi
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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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* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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