One cat bugs the other all the time!

slipstream

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I have 1 male (Dexter) and 1 female (Pixel), they have been living together for the past 4 years or so, the male is a big boy and SUPER friendly with people and even other cats. He has NEVER hissed at anything once in his life, he just likes to have fun. My female is a bit more skitterish but very friendly to me.

Anyway the male (Dexter) is a little pain in the butt and is always chasing the female everywhere she goes, she wants NO part of this and hisses at him and runs away (usually to a higher place where he can not jump). Anyway when he catches her he jumps on her and is rough, I think he thinks he is playing but it a lot bigger than her and will at times pull her fur out until I break it up.

Ho can I stop him from tormenting her all the time? He is such a good cat and I think he doesnt understand that she doesn't really like him LOL
 
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slipstream

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Well when the female is running away all the time and screetching (sounds like a bad cat fight) and just wants to get away, and he comes up with fur in his mouth all the time..Doesn't seem like she wants to play at all. She also growls at times at him.
 

mamakitties

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I had the same problem with my two cats. I normally don't intervene cause I want Daisy to defend herself. She hisses at my Jumpy and after a while, he just stops. However, I have stopped them a few times and said "NO!" to Jumpy while I carry Daisy away from him. I seriously don't think they mean each other any harm. I guess some cats just don't know their limit and sometimes it requires us to intervene.
 

x-ta-z

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I have a young kitten (Soleil) who always bugs my older cat (Singa), but I am of the opinion if she was really annoyed, she would hiss, spit and go somewehre the little one cannot reach (yet).


As for your cats - I find there is definitely a reason to intervene, if it goes as far as furr being pulled out. Especially since Pixel shows clearly that she is more than bothered about the constant attacks.

Have they always been like this? Since they have been together for 4 years, I wonder if there was a change in their behavior in the meantime?

I believe - just like with children - the parents neet to come into the picture at times and seperate them. Try it with the clear 'NO' and carrying Pixel off. Or dsitracting Dexter with a toy? If all fails maybe Dexter needs a 5 minutes timeout in the bathroom


Good luck!
 

jellybella

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There might be a power play going on there. My cats "play" by wrestling, etc. but rarely is there actual fur flying. Also, I have noticed there is a clear signal to stop (a paw in the air, a swat) that means "I've had enough".

Please make sure your timid girl has some hiding places. It's awfully stressful to live with a bully (even if he's a friendly sort).
 
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slipstream

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Thank you for the feedback,

Well Dexter knows he is being bad, all I have to do is say his name and walk towards him and he runs away and goes to his box (his safe zone). Pixel can get away most of the time, but I feel bad because she is always on the lookout for him. He is such a good cat with us that I can break it up and he will NEVER hiss or anything, he is just a big dumb oaf who I really feel doesn't know any better.
 

persi & alley

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Originally Posted by Slipstream

I have 1 male (Dexter) and 1 female (Pixel), they have been living together for the past 4 years or so, the male is a big boy and SUPER friendly with people and even other cats. He has NEVER hissed at anything once in his life, he just likes to have fun. My female is a bit more skitterish but very friendly to me.

Anyway the male (Dexter) is a little pain in the butt and is always chasing the female everywhere she goes, she wants NO part of this and hisses at him and runs away (usually to a higher place where he can not jump). Anyway when he catches her he jumps on her and is rough, I think he thinks he is playing but it a lot bigger than her and will at times pull her fur out until I break it up.

Ho can I stop him from tormenting her all the time? He is such a good cat and I think he doesnt understand that she doesn't really like him LOL
Sounds like my cats except there is no hissing anymore on Alley's part. When Persi catches her, they have a wrestling match (no claws or teeth involved). But Persi is fascinated by Alley's tail. Whenever she twitches it, which is a lot, it drives him into a frenzy and he attacks her tail. Alley does get a little annoyed over this, however.
 
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