Expert: Jessica - 3/4/2010

Question
Hi



I have seven cats in total, the first three are two females (anime and tiger) and one male (injured) are all related and they are around 3 years, the second two Smokey (female) and bandit (male) are also related and they are 2 years, after that comes another one fuzzy (female) and she is nearly 2, and the last one ‘yoru’ (male) is 1 ½.  That are all neutered, I only got Bandit and Yoru neutered recently, Yoru before he started spraying but still had fights with the other cats, but the problem it Bandit, its already been a few weeks but he still sprays around the house, is this because we neutered him when he had already started to spray. Another problem I have with his is that he seems to be the big boss of the house because all the cats are afraid of him. However not all the time, I did realize that at times he can walk right up to them they sniff and at times start licking each other but at times he can get very aggressive that it’s hard to stop them from fighting. This goes with the rest of them as well at times they can get really friendly but at times they fight. All seven of them are related so they have all grown up together since kittens. I also want to add that I have been living in this house for 1 year and a half, so at times I do think it’s because of the move but it puzzles me when they are friendly with each other.

I hope my question is not too long and that the information I have given you is enough.

Answer
Hi Nassiba.  You may yet see some benefits from the neuter.  Sometimes it can take a few weeks for the testosterone levels to really drop off.  It's always best to neuter cats before they start spraying, because it can become a habit, but even so, neutering stops spraying in about 90% of cats who had been spraying.  If not, your vet can try giving the cat an injection of a female hormone called megestrol acetate.  This sometimes helps put a stop to the spraying once and for all.  However, if one injection doesn't work, it's best to try something else, such as an antidepressant, since megestrol acetate can have serious side effects if used long-term, such as diabetes and mammary tumors (even in males).

It sounds possible that Bandit may have some issues over territory.  If this turns out not to be related to regular tomcat territorial aggression, which should resolve in the next week or two, it is likely rooted in anxiety.  You may be able to ease the tension by adding some more space to your home.  While putting an addition onto the house is probably out of the question, cats appreciate additional vertical space.  See if adding some tall cat trees with lots of shelves and hidey holes will help.  A couple more litter boxes, beds and food bowls also helps cats to feel they have some property of their own.

Also, I really like a product called Feliway, which helps to reduce stress and territorial aggression.  I use the plug-in diffusers in my home at all times.  See www.feliway.com.  You might also consider using a flower essence on him.  I like Spirit Essences, formulated by a holistic veterinarian.  They are based in the U.S. but ship worldwide.  See www.spiritessences.com if you are interested.  I think the Bully Remedy would help him.  You might be interested in Peacemaker as well, or the Ultimate Peacemaker package for your whole bunch.  It will help the meek ones to stand their ground and help the pushy ones to ease up.  In the worst of cases, an antidepressant, which has anti-anxiety properties, can really do the trick.  Most cats need treatment for a few months.  There are the few who need treatment long-term.  I've had a few cats who needed treatment with Prozac, the most successful at treating spraying, and amitriptyline, another good antidepressant for aggression (both medications should treat both problems).  None have needed treatment for more than 6 months.

Best of luck!

Jessica