Cat Wars

by Meg

My sister has one cat, an older female that I've started calling Bruiser. She had habits of peeing and pulling her fur out since before my cats were living with her.

I have two male cats, both very affectionate towards each other. They do play fight but they never take it too far, if one stops he walks away and it's over. They are both about 5 years old. Oscar is a large tabby who means no harm but is usually intimidating toward other cats. Zig is kind and gentle and gets along with everyone. Oscar used to roam outside and he would mark the bushes lining the lot.

When we moved into a new house together we got feliway in hopes of preventing both spraying in Oscar and fur pulling in Bruiser. However yesterday Bruiser peed on the front couch (right next to feliway) She had peed on this before so my sister wasn't surprised. This morning, she peed on the couch again, plus two spots on the floor. My sister cleaned it up but I think oscar has now marked the couch.

Bruiser has been very aggressive, attacks Oscar, left a gaping hole in the side of his face and tore out a bunch of fur. Oscar now runs in fear at the sight of her. She also pushes through to the food, she is overweight and gaining due to this selfish habit.

What can we do! Throw out the couch I think is a must do, but will that be enough? Please help, can these cats live together or does one need to go away? Also, why is Bruiser only going after Oscar and not Zig?

RESPONSE:

First, be sure you are cleaning with an enzyme cleaner specially designed to get out cat urine odor. Next, try using some Bach Flower or Spirit Essences to help all of them cope with their new living arrangement. (Click the links on the left for more info). Try playing with them more to help them burn off excess energy caused by the stress of living together and moving. This behavior is very normal for cats and it will take some time and effort to get them calm and tolerant of each other. The female is picking on Oscar because he reacts just the way she wants and it allows her to feel in control. Zig does not respond the way she wants so she does not go after him. Again, this is very normal. Feeding her in a seperate area from the boys will also help. Give them some treats when they are in the same room and behaving. Try some of these suggestions, have patience and give it time and see how it goes.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom