Our 4 year old cat is going to KILL our 17 year old cat!

[heppkatt]

Our family has had Spunky for 17 years, he is still in excellent health. He has been showing signs of arthritis and the vet says he now has slight cataracts. We got Mr.Bungle 4 years ago, we believe due to an o.d. of anesthesia while he was being neutered at a young age, he is deaf. For a few years Bungle has always played roughly with Spunky, but now Spunky is slower and unable to jump to high places to escape the abuse. Everyone in the house works full time and we know that during the day Bungle is beating the hell out of Spunky, evident by the tufts of black fur scattered around our living room. I know that Spunky is not yet in any kind of pain for me to feel justified in putting him to sleep, and I know that if we found a new home for Bungle he would attack an animal or child and probably be put down. (He's done a number on me.) It is impossible to keep them separated because we live in such a small place, Spunky can open doors and Bungle will rip everything apart in a room if he is kept there. I would like to find someone who has a calm, peaceful environment were Spunky can relax and be a great cat to someone before he passes. I just don't know where to find somone, or how I know I can trust them. Im lost and I do not like having to hit Bungle until he lets go of Spunky. Today I thought Spunky was dead.. I had to chase Bungle around with a wooden spoon. :( It's breaking my heart and killing poor Spunky. Also! I am 3 months pregnant, we keep Bungle out of my room to keep my allergies under control and to avoid any risk toxoplasmosis, but Im beginning to fear Mr.Bungles attitude about my new baby when he or she comes. I know he will be jealous.

[skepticalpeach]

Our younger cat was very wild when he was little. We had to break his spirit a little to get him to calm down. He also chewed on his tail and tried to chew out his stitches. We put an E-collar on him and that tamed him. Bungle wouldn't be able to abuse Spunky if he was wearing an E-collar. That way neither one of them would be locked up but Bungle would be getting an appropriate punishment that will most likely break his bad behavior.

[nancyjac]

No, no, not at all.  I was just trying to clarify my original comment about crating.  Some people see crating as only a negative thing, I was just trying to offer up some ways in which it can be beneficial.  There is no single right or wrong answer when it come to cat behavior. The original poster could crate either cat or both when they are home alone and then go with whatever works best.

I suggested the older cat since he is older and arthritic and has vision problems.  Having a crate as a sanctuary might be enjoyable for him to relax in without fear of being beat up.  They younger, wild child is more likely to see it as punishment and behave even more obnoxiously when he is out of the crate as a reaction to being punished.  The younger cat also has a greater need for physical exercise.

[zodiacqueen]

Hi Nancy, so sorry if I came across as "attacking".  That was soooo not intended at all.  I did agree w/ both you and Opus, but I do honestly think that the obnoxious younger kitty should be the one kept in a crate, and not the older one.

I feel bad that my post came across wrong!!  = (

No hard feelings?......I hope!

ZQ

[nancyjac]

Crating either cat obviously would solve the immediate problem.  However, I wasn't suggesting a crate for either cat as a form of punishment, but rather security.  Many cats, especially older ones, feel more secure and comfortable in an area of their own that they quickly come to understand is a safe haven from the stress they may feel being exposed to other animals and even humans.  

In this particular case, and assuming both cats remain in the household, the older cat is the one that would benefit more, both physically and behaviorally, from having a crate available for those times when his protectors are not available to protect him.    

[zodiacqueen]

I totally agree w/ both posters!!!  I think it would be terrible to rehome Spunky.  That stress alone could possibly kill him!  And, he's been your cat for 17 yrs.....doesn't he deserve some loyalty?

I wouldn't put poor Spunky in a crate, I would put Bungle in a crate.  It's more Spunky's house, than it is Bungles!

[opus88]

I agree poor old spunky its been
her home' all these years and NOT FAIR to turn her out to any new home now when shes old and ill!!
since its bungle causing all the stress and even difficulties d/t your pregnancy its only right that you find some arrangements for him!!
please don't continue to subject poor spunky to this abuse it will severely injure or kill her soon.

[nancyjac]

Get a crate for Spunky to stay in while you are not at home.  Rehoming a 17 year old cat is going to be difficult.

I think the jury may still be out on Bungle.  His behavior sound pretty typical for a young cat and that he doesn't realize that Spunky can no longer keep up with his rough play is not necessaily and indicated that he would attack another cat or child.  He is in part mimicking what he understands as rough play coming from you (hitting him, chasing after him with a wooden spoon, etc.). and may simply not realize that his behavior is unacceptable.  

However, given your concerns, now and in the future, I think rehoming Bungle makes more sense than rehoming Spunky.