Expert: Dear Tabbi - 1/19/2009

Question
Hi, I know this comes up time after time, but I still don't know what to do re
2 yr old male Ecco (felis), had from shelter since 6 mos, exerting dominance
over 'resident' 3 1/2 yr old male Goblin - both neutered and indoor, Goblin
larger/stronger if anything, but less assertive.  I hate that I can never play
with G. because E. horns in immediately (tho' I have put him in other room a
lot), plus E. chases and tries to 'kill' (jumps on back) G.  It's really getting
old!  I love them both, but feel SO bad for Goblin, and don't know what to
do.  Finding good new home for E. around here (middle of nowhere, rural)
really almost impossible.  I try so hard to be 'equal' and not 'scapegoat' E.
because he's young, smart, very active, etc. and only being a cat, but is
there any way at all to get G. to be more assertive, or (hopefully) to cool E.
down?  Thank you!

Answer
Catherine,

It's difficult when you have one laid-back cat and one cat that is overly energetic. Goblin's personality is set, he will not change into an 'assertive' cat. Smart cats need to have stimulation, and energetic cats need a way to burn off excess energy. It sounds like Ecco is both.

Some suggestions:

You may want to think about adopting a cat about Ecco's age and temperament that will play with rough with him like he wants to.

Have you tried taking Ecco outside, with you supervising, and let him explore and run around?

Do you have a pet laser light? They are excellent for burning off energy and both cats can play interactively. Cats LOVE to chase the little red 'bug' on the walls, floors, and ceilings. You can get them at PetSmart, Petco, etc.

Play 'throw and fetch' with Ecco. Get some furry stuffed mice or shiny craft balls that come in a package at Wal-Mart's craft dept. or a craft store. My cats love to just carry them around when I get tired of throwing them!

Ping pong balls in the bathtub is a great hit also (remember to cover the tub drain). They go crazy chasing the balls and sliding around. Plus the balls don't get lost under furniture!

If you want to add some extra work, an aquarium or a cage with some pet mice can keep cats occupied.

I also have videos for cat that they LOVE to watch on TV. Here is a link for some that I have:
http://petsittervideos.com/index.html

It is good that you put Ecco in another room periodically to give quality playtime, affection, and attention to Goblin. That is important. Cats understand the dominance, or pecking order, and usually they are OK with it. Don't worry unless blood is being shed, or major fur is flying between the two.

And Ecco WILL settle down...eventually. (smile)

Tabbi