Older cat attacking new younger and more timid kitty.
by BK
I have recently moved in with my boyfriend and he has a 5 year old deaf kitty named Sweat Pea. I have a 1.5 old feral kitty that is scared of other people but is very loving with me. So far my kitty jorge is living in the bedroom but the last few days we have put the sweat pea out on the patio and let jorge explore. He is getting braver. Sweat pea has tried to chase and attack him whenever she has the chance, lots of hissing and spitting and swatting. He just runs and hides and we have to intervene. After some time of this the pea seems to be getting more used to him as she can watch him through the screen on the patio door.He slowly aproaches her talking the whole time but of course she can't hear him. The hissing has stopped and now she just runs at the screen when he turns his back on her. She waggles her butt and tries to pounce on him. He dashes back to his room for safety and then slowly comes out and they do it all over again.They won't get more than about a foot apart. My question is when should I let her in to see if they will get along. I am so afraid she is going to hurt him. Her behavior has mellowed but she still looks mad and tries to jump him when he gets close to the screen door. Thanks for your help. RESPONSE: Firstly, stop intervening. From what you describe, these 2 cats are behaving perfectly normal for 2 strangers suddenly being forced to live together. Let them keep working it out. Sweet Pea is within her rights to be upset. Both you and Jorge have invaded her territory. And because she is deaf, she is at a disadvantage so being the agressive one is very normal for her. Jorge on the other hand, is behaving correctly (according to cat rules) by running and hiding. And since he was on his own before you came along, you don't know how he was treated by other cats so it is natural for him to run. He is the invader in Sweet Pea's territory. Give them time to work things out on their own. You can help them both by providing more play time, giving them treats when they are in the same room and behaving, and by providing lots of high up places and cubbies so they can get away from eash other whem they want to. Most importantly, don't get upset when they hiss, growl, spit and slap at each other. If you get anxious, the cats will just get more anxious so stay calm. Pull out a toy or toss a ball to distract them from each other or just let them "argue". They will eventually learn to tolerate each other, they just need time. Donna - House Full Cats Mom |
