Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/4/2008

Question
We have two male 8 months old kittens (same litter) who were neutered at 6 months old.  They have always done some play fighting since the beginning, but at the same time play together and get up to mischief together as well as groom each other and call out for each other.

We have been on holiday for two weeks and my parents in law have lived in our house to look after them.  It seems that since we have been back (nearly a week), they are fighting more than usual and it seems also more serious with the occasional bushy tail and high back.  However, they still get up to mischief together as well and don't fight all the time.  Is it possible that they are establishing some sort of hierarchy between them as they are becoming more adult?

Thanks
Carla

Answer
Carla,

I'm sorry the expert you asked this question of is no longer here so I am answering her back questions.

Yes, as they become adults the kittens will establish their pecking order. One will become more dominant than the other. That is normal. Problems arise when both try to become the dominant one which will sometimes cause one to leave. But that is rare. You shouldn't have any problems after they get through their 'teenage years'.

Some males, even though neutered, still have a strong male mentality and will, at times...especially during mating season, act like tomcats. There is also a behavior known as Redirected Aggression where a cat will see a stray cat out the window, but can't get to it to defend it's territory. It will then turn to the other animal members in the household and fight with them as if they were the other cat (which in their mind they are). If that is the case, then blocking a window that they can see another cat out of usually stops that behavior. If they are really stressed about it they can start inappropriately eliminating around the house.

Feed the cats kitty treats together (like tinned sardines in oil, tuna, etc.) so that they associate each other with something pleasant. Also getting a pet laser light is an excellent interactive toy for play between them.

I hope this helps, and by this time they are getting along great again.

Tabbi

FYI NOTE: if you live in PA, there is a recall for a possible salmonella problem in dry cat and dog food manufactured by Mars Petcare, including Special Kitty, Pedigree, and Ol'Roy. See their website for details.