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About 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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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Cats > Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral) > Alpha Male Behavior Changes
Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/25/2009
Question
A little over a year ago, we adopted a stray pregnant female. We found homes for all the kittens and even kept one for ourselves. Tubby was an affectionate little boy, very playful and social until Mama showed up with another litter. Once again, we found homes for all of the kittens, and kept one. Once Chance arrived on the scene, Tubby was an entirely different boy. He became very anti-social and since then, has displayed aggressive alpha male characteristics.
This is something we (and Chance) came to accept. However, a week ago, we adopted a new baby kitten. Since then, Tubby won't come out of hiding, rarely eats, doesn't play, and has developed a cough. He has become quite lethargic. I try to give him more attention, but he just seems so sad. (even cat nip barely interests him). Is there anything I can do to fix this situation? Is finding a new home for the baby the only way I can get Tubby to go back to himself? The kitten and Chance get along great. Tubby is a year and a half old. Chance is a year old, and Ozzy (the baby) is maybe 2 or 3 months old. Is this just a case of too many boys in the roost?
Answer
Cherish (pretty name!)
It may be a coincidence, but it sounds like Tubby's behavior right now may be because of a medical issue instead of a behavioral one. His behavior is excessive for the situation. I suggest taking him to a vet to have him checked. I would also have him tested for Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). If he had a feral or stray cat for one parent he may have something inherited that was brought out by the stress of the new kitten.
Are your males neutered? That helps a lot of behavioral problems! They are all old enough and you have a lot of testosterone there. If Chance and Ozzy are getting along that is great because kittens need other kittens to play kitty games with, and to be companions and comfort when they are alone. A lot of cats, especially males, do NOT like kittens until they are older. It may be their smell or their energy level that frightens them, plus a little jealousy and territorial issues involved.
I would keep Ozzy, especially for a companion for Chance, but there are some things that you can do to smooth the way with Tubby (after you eliminate the possibility of a medical problem). I would feed the cats yummy cat treats TOGETHER (tuna, tinned sardines in oil, etc.). That is so they will associate each other with something pleasant and not negative. I would also get a pet laser light. The cats can all chase the 'little red bug', and when they are focusing on that, they tend to forget about each other which helps them to get used to each other, again in a positive atmosphere instead of a negative one.
Tabbi
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