Expert: Jessica - 7/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: I adopted a new cat, Charley, 2 yrs old, nutered.  I have a female, also adopted 3 yrs ago, Sadie, spayed, about 7 or 8 yrs old.  Have had Charley about 4 weeks.  He is fairly passive.  I don't leave them alone as yet but will gp outside and leave them alone for sort periods.   He most times wants to play and tries to follow Sadie everywhere.  Although they  touch nose's and eat in the same room he often will "jump" towards her, she flattens her ears and growls loundly.   He will back down but often will just lay there watching her.  It almost seems like he's testing her.   Everything I've read says to stay out of it and let them work it out.   Stressful to me as you can imagine.   Mt question is should I stay out it and hope it doesn't become physical or make a loud noise and interfer when this happens?  Startle them to make them go separate ways?   Really love both cats and would hate to let Charley go.   By the way, he has never growled or spat at Sadie.   Thanks for your help.   Linda

ANSWER: Hi Linda.  It sounds like things are probably going as expected for a couple of adult cats who were introduced four weeks ago.  I'm glad you're taking the time to introduce them very slowly and are still separating them when you aren't home.  

The cats do have to be able to work things out on their own to some extent, but I never just let my cats have at it, and any time I fear things might become physical, I intervene.  I think if Charley is allowed to continue with this behavior without intervention, Sadie may become more and more defensive.  If you can keep a laser pointer in your pocket and pull it out when Charley begins to act up, it may distract the two of them from their differences and encourage them to play, instead.  Try to shine the beam somewhere on the floor directly beside them until it catches their attention.  Most cats can’t resist.

If the laser pointer trick doesn't work, shoo Charley off and try to spend some interactive play time with him to expend some of his energy.  Part of the problem may be the age gap and natural difference in energy level.  If you can keep him busy for a few minutes, he may leave her alone for a while.  

I don’t think you need to think about giving him up just yet.  It sounds likely that Charley is making a play for alpha cat, a position which Sadie now holds.  Anytime this position is challenged, it’s tumultuous.  Once the two settle who belongs in that role, things should calm down.  


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jessica, well it does seem like Charley is definitely going for the alpha role.   He continues to be more agressive towards Sadie.   Its hard for me to be close enough to always stop it.   This morning he jumped towards her and they exchanged batting each other until I got there.  this afternoon they were sleeping in the same room. he woke up and went over to her and started batting her.  Maybe I shouldn't let them be together for awhile?  Alternate times when one is out alone?  A week or so?   thanks for any suggestions you might have.

Answer
Oh no!  That's too bad.  I would say to give the separation a try, and I would recommend to start using a product called Feliway.  This is a synthetic facial pheromone which helps to relax cats and create a calming atmosphere.  It's an excellent tool to use during introductions, as it reduces the anxiety that is associated with them.  Anxiety can manifest as aggressive behavior, and this might be a part of the reason that Charley keeps having these bursts of bad behavior.  I use the Feliway plug-in diffusers in my own home at all times.  You can learn more about how it works at www.feliway.com  It's available in pet stores, online and through some veterinarians.  It may take a couple of weeks before you see any real benefits.  The diffuser set up is a little pricey, but I really have found the benefits worth it, and you can get some really good deals online ($22.99 at entirelypets.com as opposed to $38.99 at some pet stores).  You would need one for every couple of rooms you're treating.

During their separation, I would try swapping their bedding back and forth so they get used to sharing, and also feeding them both something special on either side of the same door twice a day.  Although they won't be able to see each other, they'll be able to hear and smell one another, and hopefully this will give them something positive to associate with each another and help them to bond.  I may separate them for an entire two weeks as the Feliway begins to work, and begin the introduction over again.

It would be a real shame to see Charley go since they apparently get along well some of the time!  I hope the Feliway will help him calm down and that the extended separation might help to give the two a little extra time for things to sink in.

Best of luck!