Two brother cats chasing (and terrorizing) girl cat...any hope?

We adopted two orange tabby brothers last summer to blend them with our 2 yr old girl cat with the hope she would have companions. The boys were approx 9 weeks when we adopted. A vet friend recommended orange tabbies b/c they are sweet and also recommended getting two of them, so they would play w/ each other as kittens and not bother the older cat. Around the end of the November (the boys were 8 months - they were spayed in October), the boys started chasing the girl and causing enormous stress. The chasing has become a constant now and we don't see how we can keep the boys b/c we live in a one-floor condo and it is virtually impossible to keep the cats separated (though we are doing it, at great cost to everyone's sanity and quality of life for cats and humans).

In March we hired an animal behaviorist who deals with this issue. We implemented what changes we could (her basic message was give the boys more outlets for their predatory instincts), but we could not implement everything because we are on a tight budget (decent climbing stations are $150) and our HOA restricts everything we can do outside the four walls (no window "runs", no yards, no screening of the balcony, etc.). The boys have been out on the balcony (second floor)for periods of time this summer, so they do watch birds and catch bugs, but it has not diffused their instinct to chase the girl. I try to get the boys to play laser tag and we have given them a variety of toys, but they are bored with all of it. Any time they see the girl they start chasing her like she is prey.

They are lovely pets with us (and the best of buddies with one another), but they bully the other cat. We truly love the boys and hate to part with them, but we don't currently have the space to house three cats that cannot live together. Is there any hope of change here? Any chance they may grow out of it....very soon?

Thanks,

JR in Colorado

RESPONSE:

WOW - I don't like your HOA! Screening in the porch would be a great idea! Toys do not have to be expensive. Balled up paper and socks filled with catnip are 2 very cheap play toy ideas. Try putting up some shelves so the cats can climb up and view their kingdom from an elevated position. Cut holes in boxes to provide little forts for them to hide and play in as well as give your other cat a place to get away from the boys. Keep toys stached around the house so when the boys start to look interested in the female, pull out a toy and distract them with it. Offer them all treats when they are together and behaving. Feed the female in a different area where the boys can't see her during meal times. Be sure you have enough litter boxes for all of them (4 is the suggested amount). And since you have already been working with a behaviorist, contact her again and see what other ideas whe can suggest. Your boys are at an age where they have energy to burn so lots of play is vital. Try training them to walk with a harness and leash and take them outside for more diversified play. Hope these suggestions help.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom