Bullyinging cat!

[H.Wilkinson]

I have three cats, two toms and a female. The biggest Tom (Socks) is an absolute bully who is constantly picking on my other Tom cat (Spider). Spider is going very thin and has become increasing weird. He moves very slowly round the house and is always on guard. Sometimes Socks and Spider appear to be friends and will sleep curled up together. Socks doesn't really bother the female but she alwasy sticks up for herself. Spider is constantly round my feet and tripping me up and I just wish he would toughen up. Socks is a real character so I don't really want to get rid of him as he is affectionate and good with our baby. Socks is the youngest cat which I also find strange as from the minute I got him he terrorised Spider and he just seemed to accept this. Spider has totally changed personality and is actually hard work as he is constantly wanting attention. Any ideas? I really love all my cats but sometimes I wish I dodn't have them as Socks is alwasy chasing the other two, knocking things over and picking on them. Thanks.

[andy-hughes]

Cats are pack animals, and if two or more live together, a hierarcy is established. The dominant cat will establish and maintain his position by 'bullying' others in the pack. You must avoid anthropomorphisising your cats' behaviour - what you see as 'bullying' is perfectly normal in cat life.

If you are worried that Spider is not getting enough to eat - natrual selection in the wild - the submissive cat would either leave the pack or starve, then change feeding situations.

When Socks has fed and gone, put a separate dish of food down for Spider, which he can then eat in peace. Use separate bowls for each, and don't mix them, Spider may not eat from a bwol with Socks' scent on it.

As you confirm, the animosity is not constant between your cats, it's the way they live, so don't worry too much about them.

[Morrisonker]

you didn't say, but have you had the toms fixed? Like Andy says, tehre's probably an Alpha Male situation going on and maybe it would be sorted it all those crazy hormones were taken out the equation.

[drgnrdr]

This type of aggression is commonly referred to as "territorial" aggression; however, it is not always territorial concerns that motivate the attacks. The aggressor may attack only one cat in a multi-cat household and, while the victim is usually a newcomer, it may occasionally be a cat with which the aggressor has previously had a good relationship. These disputes generally arise when either cat reaches maturity at about 8 - 24 months of age. The aggressor is not necessarily the first cat that was introduced into the household, nor the eldest.

Cats adapt to living with one another to varying degrees. In some cases intercat aggression can escalate to the point where certain cats become social outcasts, or "pariahs". These frightened felines may be so intimidated that they won't leave their hiding places to eat or use the litterbox.

Please check out the articles on this website: http://www.catsinternational.org/

[drgnrdr]

And like what was previously written fix them both if you haven't done so yet. Read the articles there is loads of info on this website from professionals, experts that know alot about cats. Spider needs some help...~/:\~