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Cats/young male attacking older female

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Expert: - 9/7/2007


Question
QUESTION: We have an eleven-year-old calico who needed a friend. We got an 8-week-old kitten from a local shelter in May and introduced them slowly as we were told to do. They were doing fine with each other and for the most part still are. The problem is that Cole (our 5-month-old) has been almost constantly running at Lauren and attacking her. Lauren never fights back, just hisses and growls and runs if she can. Cole has a ton of energy that we try to expend as much as we can, but he still goes after her and we can't get him to stop. We're almost positive that he's playing with her, but he's very sneaky and incredibly fast: he can attack Lauren and be out of the room all in a split second. How can we get him to stop? Or is Lauren actually playing with him in her own way?

ANSWER: Hi Sandy Mae,

It sounds like Cole is ready to be fixed. He sounds like he is feeling some of the hormonal changes going on and he is taking them out on May. Once you get him neutered all should calm down again. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We had him neutered last month (as soon as we possibly could) as the shelter he was adopted from mandates. They're also both front declawed, could that have something to do with it?

Answer
Hi Sandy Mae,

Thanks for the further update. Yes he's playing with her. She's not used to such a young cat around. If her ears aren't back then she isn't too annoyed with him. She might get a little pissed at him but unless he goes and bites her, don't worry about it.

Being declawed shouldn't have any effect on them. It just protects them from hurting each other. You might try getting a laser pointer. This works great on distracting cats and tiring them out.

The one thing you have to look forward to is that as he gets older he will calm down a lot and not play as hard. Give him about another 2 months and things should be a lot better. If it continues and he starts to hurt her write back and I'll tell you what to do. 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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