We just added a new cat to our family. She is a 7 month neutered female. Our old 12 old neutered male has not been friendly toward her. We have fed them in bowls that are touching and they seem to not mind. When we turn our backs they get into very aggressive combat. Should we intervene or let them work it out. They haven't done each other in real physical harm except for a little fur flying. Both have had their claws removed.
agressive cats
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 lolaatwood |
agressive cats |
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Posts: 2 (01/31/04 13:25:29) |
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Unregistered(d) |
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Posts: 0 (01/31/04 17:11:33) |
First off - Congrats on your new addition!
Your older cat is probably not exactly thrilled about his new little sister and hopefully will let go of his aggression over time. You might want to take a step back and put the little one in a separate room (bedroom, bathroom etc) if possible for a few days with her own food and litterbox. Then feed both cats on either side of the door so they associate good smells with the other cat. Then let the little one out and put the older one in the room for awhile. However, since they've already been 'introduced' this trick might not work. Generally speaking, as long as they are killing each other and the older one isn't showing any signs of being ill or stressed out toooo much, then you probably don't have much to worry about. They might never learn to love each other, but as long as they tolerate each other, then it should be fine. Good luck! Michelle |
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Freida95 |
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Posts: 949 (02/02/04 20:43:58) |
Cats that have had their toes amputated ("declawed") are usually more defensive and stressed than cats that still have their first line of defense: claws. Some declawed cats suffer chronic pain in addition to having to alter their gait to compensate for the missing parts of their toes. This leads to more stress. A new cat in the home is always stressful for the resident cat, as a newcomer has "invaded" his territory. Slow introductions are always recommended when a new cat comes home. The new cat should be set up in a room of her own, with her own food, water, and litter. Gently rub a towel or cloth on each cat and exchange the towels so each cat can become aquainted with the other's scent without the stress of being face-to-face. Even though you've already gone beyond this step, it wouldn't hurt to start over with a slow, methodical introduction. Each cat can have his/her own space without feeling threatened by the other cat. Hoepfully they will begin to accept each other without fighting. The 12 year old cat is a "senior citizen" and may need a lot of reassurance.
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lolaatwood |
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Posts: 2 (02/07/04 15:37:27) |
Thank you for your help. The cats, Sweetoe amd Callie Jo seem to have calmed down some. Now we are having trouble getting both of them to use the litter box. We placed separate litter boxes and then tried to work them back together and they are still having a problem with this. We are still getting some lesser aggression that flares up from time to time.
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