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Cats/cat behavoir

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Expert: - 1/12/2009


Question
i have a cat that like to attack our other cats for no reason. she is a female mix and weighs 8 pounds.our other cats out weigh her but she still fights them away from food and sometimes she just attacks them if they simply walk by. why is she doing this? if its because she is alpha female why does she have that rank when she is so much smaller then the other cats are? she only shows sympathy for our two kittens but the other three get it alot.

Answer
Lesli,

Dominance isn't about size, it's about personality. It makes perfect sense to me that a smaller cat who is more dominant would attempt to keep larger less dominant housemates in line. Things that cats find offensive when it comes to other cats can be subtle such as eye contact that's out of line or subtle changes in body language. Cat society is a bit more complex when it comes to hierarchy than human society. Being top cat isn't about having the right clothes, car, home or job, in a multiple cat home or colony of domestic cats certain individuals fulfill specific roles within the group, some keep order, some nurture, some just live and let live. If your cats haven't been spayed and neutered that could also account for a higher level of dominance because intact adult cats have the sex hormones that drive them to create, maintain and protect their territory. Spaying and neutering also creates health benefits in addition to the obvious behavior changes and prevention of reproduction.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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