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Pet Behavior Problems (Expert Forum)
younger cat attacks older cat
Answered by
Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M. - dogs, cats, behavior therapy, horse care
PetDocsOnCall
Colorado Springs - CO
This forum is for pet health questions regarding Behavior Problems & Therapy. Questions will be answers by a veterinarian from PetDocsOnCall
younger cat attacks older cat
by CosieandSparkle, Oct 14, 2009 08:07PM
I recently rescued a pregnant, stray cat I had her spayed right away, at which time the vet estimated her to be 1-3 years old. I already had a beautiful but old Siamese cat, who, at 17 years old, is very set in her ways. Although I have only owned the Siamese for 6 years, she is accustomed to being an only cat. Prior to living with me, she had many different homes, at least one of which was with another cat. Knowing that I could run into trouble with two cats in the household, I introduced them to one another slowly...though probably not at slowly as I should have. Initially the younger cat would hiss and attack the older cat. Now, although she no longer hisses, she will periodically attack the older cat for no apparent reason. I'll notice that the younger cat is giving the other "the eyeball treatment" and, as fast as lightning, she's sprung into action and is attacking the older cat. Her attacks take the form of swatting with her paws; I've not seen any biting. I've taken to separating them while I'm at work during the day and even occasionally during the night to avoid any nighttime attacks. What can I do to keep the younger cat from attacking the older cat? I love them both and don't want to lose the younger cat, but I cannot allow my older cat to live in fear. Help!
Type of Animal
:
cat
Age of Animal
:
17
Sex of Animal
:
Female
Breed of Animal
:
Siamese
Last date your pet was examined by a vet?
:
September 01, 2009
Doctor's Answer
by Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M., Oct 24, 2009 11:29PM
, Oct 24, 2009 11:29PM
Unfortunately this is a normal process of cat politics. USUALLY this resolves itself in a matter of days to weeks. To prevent injury, keep the young ones claws trimmed very short. If the older cat get fed up, they will most likely "teach the young whipper snapper a lesson" in who is boss.
In the majority of cases, this will resolve and they will actually become best friends. RARELY do we see this unresolvable.
I know it is very hard to watch and especially hard to let it play out in a normal process, but it does need to happen.
if you wish to separate them while you are not there to supervise in case it gets out of hand, I agree with that. However remember you will have to let this happen in order for it to stop.
In the majority of cases, this will resolve and they will actually become best friends. RARELY do we see this unresolvable.
I know it is very hard to watch and especially hard to let it play out in a normal process, but it does need to happen.
if you wish to separate them while you are not there to supervise in case it gets out of hand, I agree with that. However remember you will have to let this happen in order for it to stop.
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