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Question
I have 3 cats. 13-year-old female, 12-year-old male, 1-year-old male. When the new kitten was introduced last year, the older male showed stress by throwing up whenever he was around the kitten. He soon got comfortable, and everyone lived in harmony until the kitten was about 9 months old. Suddenly, fights were breaking out about once a week between the two males. (The female is very docile, and doesn't fight with either of the others.) Since that time (about 5 months ago), the fighting has increased in frequency and intensity. The older male is the aggressor, attacking with no provocation. He will "jump" the younger cat from behind. Their fights sometimes draw blood - scratched noses, punctures on paws. We are at our wits' end. We now have 2 kitty habitats in the house, complete with litters and food. Unless they are separated by a closed door, the younger cat slinks around, terrified. The separate spaces doesn't seem to help if they are both allowed free roam of the house. Do you have any suggestions??
Thank you!
Sue Lawrence
Hi Sue,
If any of your cats are not neutered get it done right away. Next get something called Feliway Comfort Zone. This should help relax all the cats in the household. It mimics the happy cat pheromones. If this doesn't work write back and I'll tell you what you need to do next. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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