Aggressove Behavior Toward Other Cat

[Sue and Kids]

I'm starting to see a problem, and I hope maybe some of you might have a suggestion on how I should deal with it before it gets out of hand.

My Buster Kitty went to the Rainbow Bridge on July 22nd. My other two kitties, Nikki and Shadow, are little girls. Nikki is much more lively and playful and misses the interaction she had with Buster. Shadow is a quiet, peaceful little girl and doesn't want to "rough house". About a week ago, my hubby, dog (Sparky) and I went out of town to visit my Dad. I had a friend come in to feed and visit with the kitties. Nikki is shy with strangers and never came out. When we got back, my hubby wanted a "camping weekend" and we were gone about 1 1/2 more days.

Since we've been back, twice Nikki has ambushed and attacked Shadow! It isn't friendly or playful. I heard hissing and snarling from the back of the house. I went back and broke up the brawl and scolded Nikki. Shadow now seems to "creep around" the house, always looking out for Nikki. I hate to see Shadow living in fear.

Do you think that this was due to us being away from home - that somehow Nikki "blames" Shadow for that? I think it's been too long ago to be a "grief reaction" to losing Buster. I think they are both pretty much past that. BTW, Nikki never bothers the dog.

Any thoughts, anyone? I'd appreciate it.

Sue (And Kids!)

[Traci]

Hi Sue,

If you haven't already, here's the link to the Feline Introduction page, there are about 5 links with forum post examples, the last three seem very similar to your situation....give them a read and see if it helps.

It is very likely this stemmed from your vacation, and having someone new and strange in the home when you were gone. Remember that even though there is a caretaker whom we assume loves and cares for our babies, they are NOT mom and dad, and the environment changes considerably for the cats, meaning stress ensues.

It sounds like Nikki is directing her stress onto Shadow...I would suggest either spending more time with Nikki in things she likes, like an extra playtime session, favorite toys, a grooming or cuddling or naptime session together, anything to help her feel more secure. Once you see signs of improvement, then involve them both in a playtime session with toys, together in the same room, so they are more likely to focus on the activity than on each other. Keep this a routine and consistent, they will learn to look forward to the play and extra attention from you, and it will also help Shadow feel more secure.

In the meantime, if she continues to harrass Shadow, then of course attempt to give her a temporary time-out in another room for a few minutes, then let her out but do not give her extra attention at that time because she will associate bad behavior with a reward afterward. Instead, let her out and don't focus attention on her, act like you normally do, then at a more peaceful quiet time, spend time with play and/or with the two of them playing in the same space. DO reward her with good behavior though, so she associates that.

[Sue and Kids]

Traci, your advice and the info on the link you gave seem to be helping.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it!

Sue (And Kids!)