I need some advice....

Mobileman · 09-07-2006, 09:43 PM

Or maybe just some answers. My always indoor cat, Barney, and my female outdoor cat, whom adopted me about 3 years ago, are not getting along. Let me explain. Ms. Brown Kitty, outdoor cat, who used to share the garage and outside with Mr Orange Kitty, who passed away, has been coming inside with us, each night, and whenever I am home and she wants to come in. I really would like her to become indoors only, but it is not going so well. Barney does not like her. He waits till she is laying down and jumps on her and puts his mouth over the back of her neck like he is going to bite her, but when I see him doing it, I will scoot him away, so he hasnt hurt her yet, but it scares her. He also chases her and swats at her sometimes. He is about 8 years old, fixed, but in very good shape. Ms Brown Kitty is older, I think, and just likes to mellow out and be mostly quiet. I dont know her exact age, and vet couldnt tell if she had been neutered, but she has never been pregnant for 3 years I have had her. Has anyone else had this experience? Any suggestions? They are both very lovable kitties toward me, just not each other, althought I think she would be very nice to Barney if he would be nice to her. Oh, both have been tested and get all their shots and check ups each year.

suzoo · 09-07-2006, 11:15 PM

Is Barney really being aggressive when he bites her neck? My cats (who are brothers) do that to each other all the time. I believe it's a dominance thing.. maybe Barney is just showing her that he's top cat.. showing her that the house is his domain.
I wouldn't worry about it too much (unless he's really causing her injury).. cats will usually work it out between them..

jennawing · 09-08-2006, 12:16 AM

Male cats will bite the female on the neck while mating. Not saying they are mating, but many animals exhibit mating behavior when excerting dominance.

My suggestion- when it comes to cat v. cat and cat v. dog- let them work it out. Don't let anyone get hurt, don't let anyone bully nonstop, and don't let new kitty take over old kittie's favorite sleeping spot, get more of the petting, etc- but they will be able to work it out on their own. Someone is going to be boss- let them both come to terms with it.

Banshee · 09-08-2006, 06:16 AM

I agree. From time to time Bruce will bite the back of Isobel's and Hamish's neck - I think it's usually a prelude to a wrestling match with no aggression or injury. I think as long as he's not hurting her or continually harrassing her it's best to let them work it out. Ms. Brown Kitty may be frightened when he does that because she doesn't know what he has in mind. Once she gets used to him she will prolly be okay and end up saying, 'Yeah, yeah, so you're the boss. Get over it already!'

Also, Barney may see you shooing him away as a reprimand and may come to resent her and give her a hard time.

BTW I think it's fantastic that you're taking Ms. Brown Kitty into your home

sugargliderns · 09-08-2006, 05:44 PM

Hope your kitties work it out! I'm with Banshee, I think it's great that you're trying to care for her. Same with what you've done Banshee!!

Mobileman · 09-11-2006, 10:43 PM

Thank you everyone for your responses. I hope they work things out soon.