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Expert: - 10/27/2007


Question
Hi Karen,
My husband and I have a house of 5 cats--1 male (13years) and 4 females (8years, 4 years-2, & 1 year).  Recently the one year old female has begun to go after one of the 4 year old females.  The 4 year old cat is a shy and more submissive cat, although the two used to play a little together.  The one year old seems particularly interested in the 4year old when she is using the litter box.  I frequently have to take my 4 year old to the litter box and stand guard for her.  Do you have any suggestions on how to change this behavior so my 4 year old can have some peace?

Answer
Hi Deanna,

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I had a family crisis here.

This problem you are having sometimes crops up in multi cat households. There can be a few reasons why this is happening. It sounds like the one year old is now the alpha female. She is beginning to consider your submissive 4 year old a threat, (liability), to her family. The litterbox is the best spot to catch her when she is most vulnerable. This is something that goes on in the dynamics of a multi cat house. I have that problem myself with two of my females. And it seems to only happen with the females. I hope your one year old is spayed. If she isn't then you will have more problems from this one with the others.

There isn't a magic cure all for this problem. You can try Feliway Comfort Zone. This is a synthetic happy cat pheromone which calms cats down. You can medicate the one year old with an antihistamine, cyproheptadine, (Periactin). This acts like kitty prozac. Or if this doesn't work, move the 4 year old into her own room with food and litter pan. Try to keep the other one out of the room. Sometimes the older cat will stand her ground. You'll see some fur fly but all settles down afterwards. 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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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