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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/new cat/ old cat
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Question
I have 2 cats that I got from the same litter when they were kittens. A male and female. They are 3 yrs old now. I rescued a cat that is an 8 yrs old female and for the most part she is still sequestered in my spare bedroom. It has been 3 weeks since she arrived. I expect some hissing and growling from her. What is puzzling is that my male cat is now acting aggressivley towards my female cat- his sister. They have never had problems before. What is causing him to act this way? How can I make him stop? Do I have to get rid of the new cat?
Lora,
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It is more than likely "Redirected Aggression". That is when there is a strange cat around that the male knows is there but can't get to to defend his territory. The cat will normally turn on another animal in the household (rarely, even the owner if there is not another resident cat or dog)instead and act aggressively towards them. They are "redirecting" their aggression. In the cat's mind, it is not his littermate he is attacking, it is the strange cat.
When the cat behaves like that I would put him in a room by himself for about 4 hours to calm down.
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 another cat around, and other cats can sniff and check her out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. It is better for the new cat because it is not secluded in a room by itself, and it can get used to the people in the home, and their movements and noises. I got mine at Petco. I will attach picture of it.
I am attaching 2 links as a guide on how to go about the introduction process:
(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 problems feed all the cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.
An 8 year old cat is approximately 48 years old and at that age they do not take stress and change very well. Sometimes the older cat can develop health and emotional problems from stress. Watch her and see how she is reacting to everything. If she seems OK with things the proceed slowly with the introductions. Your male may be very territorial and cause some problems so watch him closely. Hopefully in a couple of months they will all get along, or your cats will at least accept the new cat being around, even if they don't become "friends".
There is a calming aid that you can put in your cat's water that is very popular called Bach's Rescue remedy. You can get it at a health food store (people use it too) or on-line. It calms a cat using natural ingredients and people swear by it. More information can be found at these websites:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)
http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm
http://www.nelsonbach.com/BFE_for_pets.html
http://www.petsynergy.com/flower.html
http://www.oes.org/page1/Bach-Rescue-Remedy.html
Remember...time and patience along with lots of love, attention, and kitty treats!
Tabbi
Related Articles
- Help me handle this new aggression between my cats - Behavior FAQ
- Cat Aggression - Cat Attacks - Redirected Aggression
- Aggression Between Cats Sharing a Household - When Feline Housemates Fight
- Aggression Between Cats Sharing a Household - When Feline Housemates Fight
- Why did my cat wet the bed - Cats FAQ from About.com
Answers by Expert:
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).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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