We have two cats. A 1.5 yr fluffy girl and an 8 month old boy (OSH).
Their relationship has come a long way since we introduced them about 3months ago. There were ups and downs, in the v.early days he drove her nuts but he has calmed down a lot since he was neutered. She can be shy but is very gentle and affectionate and loves to play. She isn't really a lap cat but is a 'sleep next to you' cat (if you know what I mean). He is very high maintenance (as these orientals often are) he is always on my lap or following me around.
In the early days she wanted nothing to do with him and would hiss if he came near her. We did a slow introduction and now they play together (chasing, wrestling etc) occassionally one of them takes it too far, but I guess that is normal (?). He wants to play more often than her but often I will see her trying to encourage him to play with her as well. I have seen her try to groom him but he isn't keen. All in all I think they have a good relationship. She is definately boss and will give him a cuff to the ear sometimes.
HOWEVER...Recently he seems to be bullying her (or trying to). He will charge at her if she is near me, sometimes he seems to try to get her in a head lock (the only way I can describe it), he makes it so she seeks us out for fuss less and less because when she does he goes for her. He doesn't swipe at her or anything - he runs at her like a bull...
My husband says they are not like this when I am not around.
I'm not sure how I'm causing it: I give them both equal attention.
Is this just him growing up and becoming the alpha? It sounds silly but I would rather she be the boss, I guess there's nothing I can do though.
I have thought maybe he is just trying to play and she doesn't want to and that's why it looks like he is being mean...
I just don't know. Cats are so complicated
Their relationship has come a long way since we introduced them about 3months ago. There were ups and downs, in the v.early days he drove her nuts but he has calmed down a lot since he was neutered. She can be shy but is very gentle and affectionate and loves to play. She isn't really a lap cat but is a 'sleep next to you' cat (if you know what I mean). He is very high maintenance (as these orientals often are) he is always on my lap or following me around.
In the early days she wanted nothing to do with him and would hiss if he came near her. We did a slow introduction and now they play together (chasing, wrestling etc) occassionally one of them takes it too far, but I guess that is normal (?). He wants to play more often than her but often I will see her trying to encourage him to play with her as well. I have seen her try to groom him but he isn't keen. All in all I think they have a good relationship. She is definately boss and will give him a cuff to the ear sometimes.
HOWEVER...Recently he seems to be bullying her (or trying to). He will charge at her if she is near me, sometimes he seems to try to get her in a head lock (the only way I can describe it), he makes it so she seeks us out for fuss less and less because when she does he goes for her. He doesn't swipe at her or anything - he runs at her like a bull...
My husband says they are not like this when I am not around.
I'm not sure how I'm causing it: I give them both equal attention.
Is this just him growing up and becoming the alpha? It sounds silly but I would rather she be the boss, I guess there's nothing I can do though.
I have thought maybe he is just trying to play and she doesn't want to and that's why it looks like he is being mean...
I just don't know. Cats are so complicated
