new cat bully

by Stephanie Gagliardi
(Paramus, NJ)

I have 2 female cats, one is 9, the other is a rescue around 10 years old. I've had the rescue for almost 2 years now and the two would bicker and fight to some degree but could co-habitate fine. I just rescued a third female (Russian Blue) who is approximately 1. she has warmed up to me incredibly, but is terrorizing my other 2 cats. I have to keep them separated b/c the little one just goes after them..and not in a playful way. when she does this, I squirt her with water and she runs but if allowed, she will immediately go back for more. I feel terrible for my other cats. Help!

RESPONSE:

You need to start the introduction process all over again. Isolate the new cat. Give her towels, blankets, etc. that have the other cats' scent on them. Visit with her and play with her in the isolation room for a few days. Rub her with towels or t-shirts, and rub her scent on the other 2 cats. Isolate the other 2 cats and let the new cat out to explore and play for a while then isolate her again and let the other 2 back out. The idea here is to co-mingle all of the cats scents but not let them have any face to face meetings. After a few days of this, bring the new cat out in a carrier and let all of the cats see and sniff each other. Give them all treats during this time. Then isolate the new cat again in her room. After a few days of this, bring the new cat out in the carrier and, feeding them all treats, open the door to the carrier. The idea here is to have the cats associate good things with each other. Some hissing and growling is normal but if fights break out, go back a step for a few days then try again. Try giving the new cat some Walnut Bach Flower Essence or Shelter Adoption from Spirit Essences to help the new cat cope with the changes in her life. (There are links to Bach Flowers and Spirit Essences on the left) Believe it or not, the new cat is scared and is coping in the only way she knows. She is trying to prevent fights by picking fights. This helps her to feel in control. As a rescue, her experience as taught her that showing aggression is the best way to protect herself. Give her time, patience and lots of love and she should start feeling more secure and not feel the need to pick on the other cats so much.

Donna
House Full Cats Mom