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Cats/Attacking Elderly Cat for no reason

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Expert: - 9/30/2007


Question
Hi,

i have a 9y.o B&W male cat and recently he has taken to attacking and pouncing on my 21y.o. Female tabby. Due to her age and frailty she cannot fight back, i know that she doesnt have long left and i would like her to enjoy her remaining life. Why is he doing this? and is there any way i can get him to stop? ive heard that seperation makes it worse but i am worried he is really hurting her.

any help would be much appreciated

Answer
Hi Darryl,

First off, get the younger one to the vet to be checked out. He could have something wrong with him and he is lashing out at the other cat because of this.
Has anything changed lately in your household? Someone new around, or something changed? This will cause a change in behavior like this.
Try a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. This should relax the younger guy so he won't attack your older one. If the attacking behavior continues there are medications that can calm him down. Discuss this with the vet. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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