Expert: Karen Craft - 1/15/2011

Question
I hope you can help me. I have a cat name Chase (chase the jerk!) He was the only cat we had for awhile, he was 2 yrs old when we got him. I found, in different situations, abandoned kittens. I raised them up and adopted out the ones I could and have kept a few I couldn't adopt out. Chase was aggressive here and there, once when my husband shut the door before he could run out he scratched his leg, my husbands leg was shredded up. It was terrible. He didn't have any more episodes like that toward people. HOWEVER, we moved to a house close to my inlaws to help take care of them until they passed away. Since we've been here Chase has started attacking another cat we have. I have tried giving him more love and attention, I have tried separating him, I have sprayed him w/ water,I read that if you grab them by the scruff and blow in  their face that will show domination, I did that, nothing helps. We now have to have a cat box in our room so that kits (the attacked) can use the rest room in peace, we also have to put food and water in our room. when kits comes into the living room he sits w/ my husband or me. Last night chase jumped kits while we were all asleep and kits was cuddled in my husbands lap. We're on the verge of putting chase into the addition on the house or trying to find him another home. We would rather not get rid of chase but we also don't want him to continue to traumatize the others. He mostly goes after Kits but he has attacked other such as a little female we found, she was convalescing after being spayed, we were getting her a new home and was getting her ready to go, she walked out of the room and he jumped her. He is such a jerk. He can be sweet too. We try to show him love and affection but he is a black hole no matter how much we love,pet him and show him caring he seems to be aggressive and getting worse. Please please help us. Thank You very much Sincerely,V & B

Answer
Hi Vickie,

First off, is Chase neutered? If he isn't then get him done. Here is a great article about what is going on and what you can do to correct it.
http://www.kingstownecatclinic.com/intercat_aggression.htm

Follow what it says. You should have success with curbing Chase. Also try using Feliway Comfort Zone. This is a synthetic pheromone calming agent. If he doesn't respond to all of this then take him to your vet. He can give him some medication that will help calm him down. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen