recenltly adopted male adult cat bullying my female adult cat. she is afraid now to leave the room to use the litter box

by jess
(rutland, mass)

ive been a cat owner my whole life. currently i have 3 cats. a 3 year old female, whos lived with me for 2 years, a 1 yr old male, i adopted when he was 6 months old, and my most recent adoption is a 3 year old male, ive taken him in for a friend who could not keep him anymore due to living arrangements. Ive always been a firm believer of working through issues with my cats. ive never run into the problem of bullying. my male and female cat i have get along beautifully. but with the addition of the new 3 year old male cat, everything has changed! the 2 males get along great, but the new 3 yr old male (yes neutered) is stalking, bullying, chasing and fighting with my poor female. she is petrified of him! she is barely eating unless i bring food to her in an enclosed room. she is afraid to use the litter box and at night i have to bring her to bed with me with food and a litterbox and shut the door so she feels safe! thats not fair for her, but i am determined to make it work! is it possible??? i dont know what to do! help!

RESPONSE:

This is not unusual when an adult is introduced into an established cat household. The new male is likely scared and is taking out his anxiety on the easy target of the female. It will take time before they learn to live together. Play will help. Play with the boys seperate from the girl and continue to allow the female to have a safe haven. Keep toys around and when the new cats atarts to look interested in "getting" the female, pull out a toy and distract him with it. Bach Flower Essences may also help. Try Willow, Water Violet and Vine for the new guy and Centaury for the female. Add it to their water. Try increasing play time and the Flower Essences and see if it helps.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom