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Cats/our cats are fighting

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Expert: - 6/2/2008


Question
We have had a male cat since 1995 (from pound, neutered and all 4 claws removed by prior owner). His ten-year male companions died in Sep 2005; we picked up a female cat (1-2 yrs old) in Dec 2005 from same pound. Both are indoor cats, we take them outside supervised. After introduction issues, they got along fine for eighteen months. They then started fighting, often touched off if the male noticed other cats wandering through our yard, but they continued to fight for days. We've been using pheromones, which helped considerably, but two days ago they began fighting again, for no reason. They can walk up to each other, sniffing and grooming each other, but two minutes later be tearing out fur and caterwauling with no obvious provocation. What can we do to resolve this issue?

Answer
Hi Glen,

You are going to have to try to keep them from seeing outside. I know this may be hard but it is the about the only thing that will quiet this down. Your cats are displaying misdirected aggression. They can't get at the cat in their territory so they are going to attack each other. You can also try to keep the stray away from your yard using mothballs. As long as they see him they will fight. Use blinds or some sort of cover for the bottom of the window they can see him from. This should do the trick along with the pheromones. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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