Behavioral Problem Need Help...

[twilight]

Hello,
I have been looking all over the place to try and find some help with a situation that has risen in my home.

First a little background. A few months ago we brought a new female cat into our home. She was a stray kitten and needed some care. We already have 2 other female cats. Both had been strays when we got them. We've had one for 7 years and one for 6 years now. All 3 are now strictly house cats.

The problem that has risen is the middle cat seems to want to seriously hurt the new cat. And this is completely out of character for her because she is normally a very tame, laid back, just extremely loving soul. I think it stems from jelousy, but could be wrong. I try to give them all equal attention and let them work the little spats out on their own, but this is getting dangerous because the young one will leap into our front window to hide and the middle will take a flying leap and slam her into the glass. The youngest one is terrified of her. This only started a few weeks ago. I thought it might just be a passing thing, but it seems to be getting worse.

I like to think that I pay close attention and know my cats well. They are like my children. I hope that I am wrong, but it really seems like the middle one wants the newest to be terrified of her. And it's working.

I would appreciate any suggestions in helping them all get along. Thank you.

[Traci]

Please review other posts in this forum (particularly posted by Susan and the Girls,...you might have to go to page two to see the original thread)......for tips on intervention vs non-intervention. Those posts should help you with seperation/time-out tactics....It sounds like time-out tactics could be beneficial in your case.