Expert: Karen Craft - 4/17/2010

Question
Hi Karen. We have two cats, the older 8 yr old female is the mother of our younger 2 yr old male. They have been in the same home since he was born. Both are neutered. Both are timid, him moreso than her.
She has always been more domineering over him, and for some time our boy was, and still does, appear with large patches of damaged skin where it looks like clumps of fur have been ripped off. It was initially believed to be because of flea infestation, but since being treated and there has been no more infestation, could it be self harm/scratching due to stress when his favourite human was in hospital many times last year, or more likely he is being attacked by his mum?  
She always seems to be guarding the food, no matter whether one or two bowls are there, or even if a second is placed elsewhere. He does push in, but doesn't always stay long and there are times when he eats lots. He has however got thinner, where she is now fatter.
She tries to stop him coming in rooms, then when he is in, won't let him out again. This is especially the case in the morning after sleeping in the bedroom and they want fed. The other day it was discovered she had definately attacked him as he had a scratch running from his eye right back over his head, and also across his face under his nostrils.
They do fight and stalk each other with a lot of hissing and puffed up tails,etc.
They are both affectionate. She will come to you no matter what name is called, hers or his! She just bosses him around constantly.
What can we do to make life better for him? He always seems very aware of where she is and what she is doing. Thanks

Answer
Hi Jill,

You have a tough problem here. First off I would try some Feliway Comfort Zone. This mimics a cat's happy pheromones and might calm them down. Try this stuff too.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5070063_bach-rescue-remedy-cats.html

You can try both in combination. Give the female the Bach and use the Feliway in the house. See how they are. It may take a little time. In the meantime make a safe area for him. A room that is his own that she can't get into would be the best. Feed him there with the door closed. Place a litter box there for him. Place a bed for him there. And close the door almost all the way for him during the day. Make it an area where he doesn't have to look over his shoulder at her.

Also, make sure there isn't something else that is setting her off. Can she see outside someplace? There might be a cat outside that she is seeing and setting her off. She might be stressed out for some other reason and taking her frustrations out on the male. Do a little detective work and see if there is anything that might be bothering her. Give the Feliway and Bach Remedy a few weeks to work. Let me know how they are doing. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen