Younger cat new to house - bullying older cat

by Lauren
(Scottsdale, AZ)

We recently combined households. The house is home to 2 female cats (age 8 & 9) that have never got along - one cat has always been very dominant. My younger male cat (15 mos) is constantly picking on the less-dominant older cat. If she walks by him he jumps on her and bites at her butt. The other dominant cat ignores my male cat& he doesn't bother her. We tried separating my cat in another room but they do not sniff or play with each other under the door, so they aren't getting used to each other. We aren't sure how to go about stoping the behavior of the young male cat.

RESPONSE:

He needs to be kept busy! Increase play time, use treat balls, puzzle boxes etc so he has other things to do. Make sure there are high up places and cubbies for the timid female to get away from the other cats. Be sure they have seperate eating, sleeping, and litter box facilities. Pull out a toy or toss a ball to distract the younger cat when he starts going after the female. Give him treats when he stops going after the other cat and comes to you when you call or distract him. This behavior is quite normal so there is no reason to seperate them unless the timid female is happier in her own room. It is unlikely they will ever become friends so making adjustment to the environment to provide a safe haven, and giving the more energetic, younger cat more to do will help her to feel safe and tire him out so attacking his new sister becomes less fun that playing other games. Panic Mouse or Undercover Mouse are especially helpful distractions for active cats. Give them a try!

Donna - House Full Cats Mom