Hi, everyone. I have been volunteering at our local Humane Society for about a year, working in the Cat Rooms. We had gotten a kitty (who had a home and was turned in) named "Tank". He was very shy at first but then, after several months, he was friendly to me and the other volunteers there.
After losing my Buster and Sparky in 2008, I finally decided to "take the plunge" and adopt Tank. My Nikki kitty has a strong, assertive personality and Shadow kitty is very peaceful and "laid back". (Nikki and Shadow are both 10 years old and Tank is 4 years old.) Tank was very timid and meek at the Humane Society and the other kitties would push him aside from the food bowls. So I thought he'd be perfect for our family - very non-aggressive.
The reason I'm posting is because I've searched here and not found any threads about the NEW cat being aggressive - just the resident cats. After several days in my bedroom, I let Tank out. (Our temperatures were in the single digits and the wind chills -25 to -35 degrees and the room was too cold. We heat with a wood stove and not cental heat.) Tank met both cats. To my surprise, Tank has chased both of them. Tank is afraid of my husband.
Now, Nikki and Shadow are hiding and will not come out unless my husband is in the room and Tank is too afraid to come down. My hubby goes to bed early and after that, Tank comes downstairs. Tonight he chased Shadow again. When we're not home and when I go to bed at night, I've been closing Tank back in the bedroom again.
I'm very concerned that by letting Tank out to meet the kitties already, we may have caused some real problems. Have any of you dealt with the situation where the new cat is the aggressor? Our two bedrooms are on the second floor. Neither Nikki nor Shadow will come up here any more. I think Tank may feel this floor of the house is "his" domain.
Tank is a very sweet kitty to me, and I don't think he's mean. But it's upsetting to me to see Nikki and Shadow living in fear. I think it would be very hard for Tank if I returned him to the Humane Society. I would feel bad to do that. But I would hate for Tank to live out his life in my bedroom.
I apologize if this has been covered elsewhere and I'm duplicating. I would sure appreciate any advice. Thanks for any help and wisdom you can share with me.
Sue (And Kids!)
Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
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Sue and Kids
- Posts: 164
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2003 8:39 pm
- Location: Custer, South Dakota
Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
My kitties Shadow and Tank enable me to enjoy my existence and brighten my world. And may my angels, Nikki, Sparky, Buster, Frosty, Snowball, Leo, Foghorn, and Humane Society kitties be playing in the sunshine at the Rainbow Bridge.
Re: Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
It might depend on his prior history, both prior to the HS and having lived at the HS for several months. Having been the recipient of other agressors at the HS didn't help and he might be taking advantage of his new-found "freedom" now.
I'm assuming he's neutered and in excellent health?
Have you been able to determine why Tank is afraid of your husband? Does the HS have any information from his prior owner who may have said something about his not liking men?
Or, is hubby not as attached as you, and therefore possibly not giving him as much attention as you are? It's important that both of you give attention, and that hubby attempts to bond so that Tank can build trust. (I'm not sure what hubby does, but a couple tricks for men - speak in soft tones, don't wear work boots around the house, take time to play, hold, give attention to bond and earn trust).
With my new additions, I keep them in the masterbedroom, and after a few days, I let one of the resident cats inside the room with the new cat (remember, the new cat feels safe in this room, it's all he knows for now and feels it is his safe haven until he is acclimated). I supervise every minute. Hissing and growling are normal, but chasing, biting, fighting are no-no's. If any of the latter occur, the resident cat gets put out of the room so the new cat can recoup. I try again later. And again, for as many times as it takes for both cats to feel comfortable with each other (they don't have to be immediate friends, they just have to tolerate each other for now). The resident cat will want to explore the room and smell the scents the new cat has left, and may occasionally check out the new cat by approaching cautiously, etc. Just supervise each time.
After the resident cat feels more comfortable in the room with the new cat, he goes back out, and I bring in another resident cat, so there are only two cats in the room (the new cat and a resident cat). In other words, individual introductions. I find this is easier on all the cats, since they are not a group and don't have the tendency to gang up on each other, there is less apprehension and stress.
Do the same with the second resident cat and the new cat in the room, and supervise each segment of time. I usually allow 15 minutes at first then extend the time when they show tolerance of each other. Eventually, they spend the entire day in the room together, sometimes, a day and a night (when I know they are comfortable).
At some point, when each resident cat feels safe with the new cat, then both resident cats should be let in the room with the new cat, all at the same time, for short periods of time until you're comfortable they are tolerating each other. Again, supervise. Speak in soft tones, but don't interfere unless there is obvious agression like physical fighting. It would also be a good idea to have a squirt bottle on hand to use on the agressor if necessary. This is also a good time to train the new cat what the squirt bottle is for (for this and other unwanted behaviors, if he displays them).
When both resident cats are eventually comfortable being in the room with the new cat, then the new cat will feel more comfortable going out of the room to socialize in the rest of the house.
That's the way it has worked for me. And it's worked every single time. It takes time, sometimes only a couple days, sometimes a couple weeks. But, make sure the room is comfortable, safe, warm, and that kitty has a comfortable sleeping area, his food/water, litterbox, toys, and that you spend time with him in the room often.
You can also reverse the situation by letting him out, and putting the two resident cats in the room so they can explore and smell all the scents, kind of getting to know him without physicially approaching him. This allows the new cat to explore the rest of the house, get exercise, etc, while the other two are exploring his room and his scents. This is a good way to give them all peace and quiet when they've shown agression or fear or apprehension.
Give it a try, be consistent. Get hubby to attempt to bond with Tank, because if Tank is having trouble trusting him, it's additional stress as he's learning to trust the resident cats too. He's been through a lot, and everything that you and hubby can do to ease the new transition and make him feel part of the family will be good for him.
I'm assuming he's neutered and in excellent health?
Have you been able to determine why Tank is afraid of your husband? Does the HS have any information from his prior owner who may have said something about his not liking men?
Or, is hubby not as attached as you, and therefore possibly not giving him as much attention as you are? It's important that both of you give attention, and that hubby attempts to bond so that Tank can build trust. (I'm not sure what hubby does, but a couple tricks for men - speak in soft tones, don't wear work boots around the house, take time to play, hold, give attention to bond and earn trust).
With my new additions, I keep them in the masterbedroom, and after a few days, I let one of the resident cats inside the room with the new cat (remember, the new cat feels safe in this room, it's all he knows for now and feels it is his safe haven until he is acclimated). I supervise every minute. Hissing and growling are normal, but chasing, biting, fighting are no-no's. If any of the latter occur, the resident cat gets put out of the room so the new cat can recoup. I try again later. And again, for as many times as it takes for both cats to feel comfortable with each other (they don't have to be immediate friends, they just have to tolerate each other for now). The resident cat will want to explore the room and smell the scents the new cat has left, and may occasionally check out the new cat by approaching cautiously, etc. Just supervise each time.
After the resident cat feels more comfortable in the room with the new cat, he goes back out, and I bring in another resident cat, so there are only two cats in the room (the new cat and a resident cat). In other words, individual introductions. I find this is easier on all the cats, since they are not a group and don't have the tendency to gang up on each other, there is less apprehension and stress.
Do the same with the second resident cat and the new cat in the room, and supervise each segment of time. I usually allow 15 minutes at first then extend the time when they show tolerance of each other. Eventually, they spend the entire day in the room together, sometimes, a day and a night (when I know they are comfortable).
At some point, when each resident cat feels safe with the new cat, then both resident cats should be let in the room with the new cat, all at the same time, for short periods of time until you're comfortable they are tolerating each other. Again, supervise. Speak in soft tones, but don't interfere unless there is obvious agression like physical fighting. It would also be a good idea to have a squirt bottle on hand to use on the agressor if necessary. This is also a good time to train the new cat what the squirt bottle is for (for this and other unwanted behaviors, if he displays them).
When both resident cats are eventually comfortable being in the room with the new cat, then the new cat will feel more comfortable going out of the room to socialize in the rest of the house.
That's the way it has worked for me. And it's worked every single time. It takes time, sometimes only a couple days, sometimes a couple weeks. But, make sure the room is comfortable, safe, warm, and that kitty has a comfortable sleeping area, his food/water, litterbox, toys, and that you spend time with him in the room often.
You can also reverse the situation by letting him out, and putting the two resident cats in the room so they can explore and smell all the scents, kind of getting to know him without physicially approaching him. This allows the new cat to explore the rest of the house, get exercise, etc, while the other two are exploring his room and his scents. This is a good way to give them all peace and quiet when they've shown agression or fear or apprehension.
Give it a try, be consistent. Get hubby to attempt to bond with Tank, because if Tank is having trouble trusting him, it's additional stress as he's learning to trust the resident cats too. He's been through a lot, and everything that you and hubby can do to ease the new transition and make him feel part of the family will be good for him.
..........Traci
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Sue and Kids
- Posts: 164
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2003 8:39 pm
- Location: Custer, South Dakota
Re: Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
Traci, thanks for your input. I haven't brought in a new cat for 10 years, so this is almost like a new experience for me.
Tank is neutered, has had all his vacinations and is in good health. My husband has talked kindly and been quiet and patient around Tank. Tank has approached my husband and sniffed his hand, then runs away.
From what I understand, Tank's former owner was a woman. He could have been exposed to men, but I don't think he lived with one. Tank has made friends with a male volunteer at the Humane Society over a period of time. It appears in his nature to be very shy around any new people - men or women.
I was just taken aback at Tank's aggressive behavior with Nikki and Shadow. When I brought him here, I was afraid of Nikki and Shadow being nasty to him - not the other way around. I didn't expect them to become friends right away. I was just hoping that they could cohabitate and each go about their business. Every time Tank sees Nikki and Shadow, he goes after them. Nikki and Shadow are not buddies either and they have not "ganged up" on Tank.
I suppose the Humane Society atmostphere could have affected him. The other cats pushed him out of the way but I never saw any of them attack him. He seemed to stay quiet and live peacefully with them. (Of course I wasn't there 24 hours a day either.) I don't know about putting Nikki and Shadow in with him individually in my bedroom, since the minute Tank sees them, he attacks them.
I have a water bottle. But I have a bad knee and Tank moves too quickly for me to be able to squirt him. He runs away after chasing the kitties, so he knows he's being naughty.
I've only had Tank here for a little over a week. In this day and age, I think people (including me) expect things to happen too quickly. I am concerned that the hostility will escalate to the point that Nikki and Shadow will never accept him. I'll do my best to be patient.
Thank you for your help, Traci. I appreciate it.
Sue (And Kids!)
Tank is neutered, has had all his vacinations and is in good health. My husband has talked kindly and been quiet and patient around Tank. Tank has approached my husband and sniffed his hand, then runs away.
From what I understand, Tank's former owner was a woman. He could have been exposed to men, but I don't think he lived with one. Tank has made friends with a male volunteer at the Humane Society over a period of time. It appears in his nature to be very shy around any new people - men or women.
I was just taken aback at Tank's aggressive behavior with Nikki and Shadow. When I brought him here, I was afraid of Nikki and Shadow being nasty to him - not the other way around. I didn't expect them to become friends right away. I was just hoping that they could cohabitate and each go about their business. Every time Tank sees Nikki and Shadow, he goes after them. Nikki and Shadow are not buddies either and they have not "ganged up" on Tank.
I suppose the Humane Society atmostphere could have affected him. The other cats pushed him out of the way but I never saw any of them attack him. He seemed to stay quiet and live peacefully with them. (Of course I wasn't there 24 hours a day either.) I don't know about putting Nikki and Shadow in with him individually in my bedroom, since the minute Tank sees them, he attacks them.
I have a water bottle. But I have a bad knee and Tank moves too quickly for me to be able to squirt him. He runs away after chasing the kitties, so he knows he's being naughty.I've only had Tank here for a little over a week. In this day and age, I think people (including me) expect things to happen too quickly. I am concerned that the hostility will escalate to the point that Nikki and Shadow will never accept him. I'll do my best to be patient.
Thank you for your help, Traci. I appreciate it.
Sue (And Kids!)
My kitties Shadow and Tank enable me to enjoy my existence and brighten my world. And may my angels, Nikki, Sparky, Buster, Frosty, Snowball, Leo, Foghorn, and Humane Society kitties be playing in the sunshine at the Rainbow Bridge.
Re: Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
Whether you are able to aim the squirt bottle at the moment, doesn't matter, simply squirting it near him is enough, so he can associate the squirt bottle with what is unacceptable. Accompany that with a vocal "NO, Tank" each time so he associates the action, the squirt bottle and hearing NO all at the same time.
In a more confined space such as the bedroom, he may be less inclined to chase simply because there's little room to do so. Give it a try. The moment any chase ensues, immediately put the resident cat out of the bedroom, and try again later. This is what I mean by being consistent, the more they are exposed to each other with your supervision, the sooner they will adapt. Again, it's very important not to intervene in the introductions, save only for talking softly, saying "NO" when necessary and only intervening when physical attacks may occur. Hissing and spitting will be normal, you can still say "NO" or "it's ok", whatever helps them feel more comfortable.
Don't give up on him, he's really stressed with all the changes, just take it slow, be consistent, don't change the routine. It will take time but it's likely they will adapt fairly soon. In the meantime, make sure each cat gets individual attention.
Also, try initiating a playtime session in the main living area of the home, the area you soon expect them to lounge together and socialize in eventually. Drag a string across the floor so all of them are engaged in play. They will focus more on the toy or play rather than each other. Spend at least 10 or 15 minutes with a group playtime sesssion twice every day, this also helps them socialize, adapt, and learn tolerance of each other.
In a more confined space such as the bedroom, he may be less inclined to chase simply because there's little room to do so. Give it a try. The moment any chase ensues, immediately put the resident cat out of the bedroom, and try again later. This is what I mean by being consistent, the more they are exposed to each other with your supervision, the sooner they will adapt. Again, it's very important not to intervene in the introductions, save only for talking softly, saying "NO" when necessary and only intervening when physical attacks may occur. Hissing and spitting will be normal, you can still say "NO" or "it's ok", whatever helps them feel more comfortable.
Don't give up on him, he's really stressed with all the changes, just take it slow, be consistent, don't change the routine. It will take time but it's likely they will adapt fairly soon. In the meantime, make sure each cat gets individual attention.
Also, try initiating a playtime session in the main living area of the home, the area you soon expect them to lounge together and socialize in eventually. Drag a string across the floor so all of them are engaged in play. They will focus more on the toy or play rather than each other. Spend at least 10 or 15 minutes with a group playtime sesssion twice every day, this also helps them socialize, adapt, and learn tolerance of each other.
..........Traci
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Sue and Kids
- Posts: 164
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2003 8:39 pm
- Location: Custer, South Dakota
Thanks for replying so promptly, Traci. I tend to be a "worrier" and sometimes I read more into situations than I should.
I'll take your suggestions. I'm sure, with Tank's personality, it might be a slow process. He took quite awhile to adjust and quit hiding at the Humane Society. I'm sure it will require time and a lot of patience here too. As you say, he is very stressed and perhaps acting out of character. Tank is a very affectionate cat.
I thought I'd include a picture of Tank below (taken at the H.S.), so you can see who we're talking about. I love his little brown nose. My husband and I have started referring to him as "J.D." - as in Jimmy Durante. His former owner gave him the name "Tank". It's not one I would have chosen. But he knows his name, so we'll continue to use it.
Thanks for the support and encouragement, Traci!
Sue (And Kids!)
I'll take your suggestions. I'm sure, with Tank's personality, it might be a slow process. He took quite awhile to adjust and quit hiding at the Humane Society. I'm sure it will require time and a lot of patience here too. As you say, he is very stressed and perhaps acting out of character. Tank is a very affectionate cat.
I thought I'd include a picture of Tank below (taken at the H.S.), so you can see who we're talking about. I love his little brown nose. My husband and I have started referring to him as "J.D." - as in Jimmy Durante. His former owner gave him the name "Tank". It's not one I would have chosen. But he knows his name, so we'll continue to use it.
Thanks for the support and encouragement, Traci!
Sue (And Kids!)
My kitties Shadow and Tank enable me to enjoy my existence and brighten my world. And may my angels, Nikki, Sparky, Buster, Frosty, Snowball, Leo, Foghorn, and Humane Society kitties be playing in the sunshine at the Rainbow Bridge.
Re: Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
Oh what a precious face! And are those copper eyes? He's gorgeous!!
..........Traci
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Tina B and crew
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- Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 9:48 am
- Location: Virginia
Re: Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
Sue, we had a similar situation with Chunk when we first brought him in. He was still a kitten but he played overly aggressive with Willow and she didn't like it one bit. We just made sure to give him plenty of play time and give Willow plenty of attention too. In the 8 months they were together they never were really buddies. Willow learned to tolerate Chunk and we would nip his aggressive play behavior in the bud as soon as we saw it starting. Eventually Willow learned to either get away from him or swat him. Is Tank's chasing behavior a nasty kind of aggressive? Chunk chases, but it is never a nasty kind of aggression like Gizmo use to do with Willow and Frodo. I really felt bad for Willow after we adopted Chunk...but eventually things kind of settled down. I did go through a lot of guilt when Willow passed though..wishing her last 8 months weren't filled with annoyances from Chunk. But on her last day she did make attempts to play with him...I was actually hopeful that maybe they would be buddies at that point 
Chunk now occasionally chases Lucy pretty assertively, but Lucy doesn't take it from him. I've seen this little tiny, petite girl take all 18lbs of chunk down with 1 paw. Willow could do the same. I hope things will work out for Tank and your others. He's a handsome boy!
Chunk now occasionally chases Lucy pretty assertively, but Lucy doesn't take it from him. I've seen this little tiny, petite girl take all 18lbs of chunk down with 1 paw. Willow could do the same. I hope things will work out for Tank and your others. He's a handsome boy!
Tina B and "what a crew!"
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
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Sue and Kids
- Posts: 164
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2003 8:39 pm
- Location: Custer, South Dakota
Re: Does anyone know what I can do about Tank?
Hi everyone. Thanks for commenting. Yes, Traci, Tank has gorgeous copper-colored eyes and the funniest expression of what I call "perpetual surprise". He's a sweetie.
Things are a little calmer now. I've been keeping Tank closed in the bedroom at night, which is fine with him. He settles right down and goes to sleep. Nikki and Shadow have the rest of the house to themselves for a few hours. I've been playing with Tank a lot. Since he's just 4 years old, he has a lot of spunk and energy. I've been trying to give each kitty extra attention.
Tank is still shy around my husband but will stay in the same room with him now. I think it's just going to take awhile. Tank came downstairs last night and did not bother Shadow (Nikki was still hiding). Shadow still growls but isn't running away.
Tina, Tank chased Nikki and Shadow but he never bit them or knocked them down. They both stopped and slapped him. There was a lot of noise - hissing, growling and yelling. But he's not being nasty. The "No, Tank" and water bottle have had their effect. So things are looking up. I'm willing to keep food, water and his litter pan in the bedroom as long as it takes.
Tina, I think your name for your big boy Chunk is so cute! I know you miss your dear little Willow so much. I know it's taken me 2 years to think about getting another kitty. I might not have gotten one even then if Tank hadn't been so unhappy in the Humane Society. After I got Tank, I still felt like I was betraying Buster. Losing my furkids has been as painful as losing my human family. I hope Chunk and your other kitties are bringing you some comfort now.
Take care. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
Sue (And Kids!)
Things are a little calmer now. I've been keeping Tank closed in the bedroom at night, which is fine with him. He settles right down and goes to sleep. Nikki and Shadow have the rest of the house to themselves for a few hours. I've been playing with Tank a lot. Since he's just 4 years old, he has a lot of spunk and energy. I've been trying to give each kitty extra attention.
Tank is still shy around my husband but will stay in the same room with him now. I think it's just going to take awhile. Tank came downstairs last night and did not bother Shadow (Nikki was still hiding). Shadow still growls but isn't running away.
Tina, Tank chased Nikki and Shadow but he never bit them or knocked them down. They both stopped and slapped him. There was a lot of noise - hissing, growling and yelling. But he's not being nasty. The "No, Tank" and water bottle have had their effect. So things are looking up. I'm willing to keep food, water and his litter pan in the bedroom as long as it takes.
Tina, I think your name for your big boy Chunk is so cute! I know you miss your dear little Willow so much. I know it's taken me 2 years to think about getting another kitty. I might not have gotten one even then if Tank hadn't been so unhappy in the Humane Society. After I got Tank, I still felt like I was betraying Buster. Losing my furkids has been as painful as losing my human family. I hope Chunk and your other kitties are bringing you some comfort now.
Take care. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
Sue (And Kids!)
My kitties Shadow and Tank enable me to enjoy my existence and brighten my world. And may my angels, Nikki, Sparky, Buster, Frosty, Snowball, Leo, Foghorn, and Humane Society kitties be playing in the sunshine at the Rainbow Bridge.