Help! Strange Aggresive Behavior When New Kitten Brought Home

terri1224

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Adult Cat Attacking Other Adult Cat After New Kitten Introduced:

I hope someone has experienced this -- as I haven't ever been in this situation.  I've been a cat lover and owner all my life and have always had a multiple-cat home.  My husband and I were commenting recently how lucky we've always been to have such a happy cat home.  Well... spoke too soon, it seems. 

We have 2 adult cats, Bandit - 4 and Cochise - 3; they have been together since Cochise was a kitten.  Our boys are all neutered and inside only.  We brought a new rescue kitten home a week and a half ago; his name is Levi.  Levi is about 18 weeks old.  Both Bandit and Cochise welcomed Levi easily, well as easily as a new kitten is ever welcomed.  After a few days of isolation and getting to know one another under the door, etc., Levi "came out" to join the others.  All went well for several days. 

But here is the strange part.  Cochise started attacking Bandit on Sunday -- with "the big tail" and the low menacing meow, the salivating/"smacking" behavior -- and eventually, the high-pitched scream and then jumped on him with fur flying and all.  It's like two tomcats outside at night -- only one is doing all the caterwauling.

The vet recommended Feliway -- and we got 2 diffusers for each end of the house.  This doesn't seem to have any effect on Cochise at all, at least not any calming effect.  The aggression has escalated very rapidly to the point that anytime Bandit and Cochise are in the same room, Cochise goes after Bandit within just a few minutes.  While this behavior began when the kitten was around, it now happens whether or not he is "out."  (I still "put him up" several times a day, so he'll calm down for a nap, etc.)

HELP PLEASE.  Does anyone have experience with this???  Thanks much...  life is stressful for all of us.
 

shadowsrescue

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Introductions between cats can take weeks to months and even longer.  A week and a half is no where near long enough for 3 cats to all get along.  Your two residents cats are fighting with each other because they can't get to the kitten.  Their sense of territory has been disrupted.  Feliway plugs ins usually work very well, but they can take awhile for them to work.  Be sure that having 2 is enough.  If you have a large home or an open floor plan you may need more than 2.  You also can look into Composure feline treats or composure liquid max.  It is a non sedating calming supplement.  I used it when introducing two cats together and it really helped them. 

I would suggest that you go back and start introductions again.  Here are some articles and a video on cat to cat intros.  The key is not to rush things.  You have rushed the process thus the reason your two are acting out.  This is so very common.  As humans we want our cats to get a long and for all to go smoothly.  Yet, cats beat to a different drum.  Start slowly and don't move to the next step until there is a few days of no hissing, growling, chasing, posturing, fighting, etc..  The kitten should be separated from the other 2 at all times except when you are working on the introduction.  Yep, it's a pain, but this process does work given patience and some time.

Welcome to the forums!

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

 
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terri1224

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Thanks, ShadowsRescue.  As I mentioned, we've always been so lucky with these introductions and have been able to assimilate everyone easily within a week or two in the past.  So I wasn't prepared for this.  I will check all the links and appreciate your recommendations.  And starting over does seem like the best option.
 
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terri1224

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Update:  We started over -- and separated all the cats -- switching the two residents back and forth confining each to one room while the other was allowed the run of the house.  I read that the aggressor should be the one confined, but this just seemed to irritate him more -- at least the first couple of days; now, he tolerates his time alone.  We kept them apart completely for several (very tense and trying) days.

And that was our plan for at least a week or two, but they accidentally "ran into one another" while the switch was in process -- and there was no aggression, so we decided to see what would happen.  They stayed together in the same room for close to an hour w/ no mishaps, but stalking and posturing began again.  Separated them immediately.  This has been the process for the last 2 days -- and thankfully, Cochise seems more and more tolerant as time goes by.  I think the Feliway definitely took a while to have an effect on him.  My vet also suggested Zylkene -- similar to Composure, but milk-based.  We ordered some of that and should get it today -- so I'm hoping that will help Cochise chill a bit more.

We certainly don't think that everyone will be singing Kumbaya anytime soon, but I am very heartened that the out-and-out, full-blown tomcat-like aggression has mostly subsided.  We plan to keep them mostly separated w/ some supervised time together until we think they can be together w/out supervision -- and we're willing to give that as long as it takes.

ShadowsRescue, I am grateful for your thoughts -- and I've seen some advice you've given others in similar situations -- it's all been helpful and reassuring.  You're right...  we just want everyone to get along.  I think part of my problem was getting accustomed to our "new normal."  But once I accepted the fact that this was the situation, things have become easier (and less stressful for me) overall.  Fingers crossed for continued peace.
 

shadowsrescue

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Just keep moving slowly.  Rushing the process is when the problems begin.  Also I really found when I was dealing with the same issues that the more calm I remained, the more it helped the cats.  I had days when all I wanted to do was cry.  It was very stressful.  When I realized that I was contributing to the problem and that I needed to calm myself, it really helped.  My DH an DS were much more calm than myself.  I had them exclusively work with the cats for a weekend to give me a break and for me to get myself in order.  I definitely needed a dose of Composure myself


So glad to hear things are progressing.  Keep us updated.
 
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