Severe agression with introduction of pregnant cat

peacelover

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We had three cats - two 2 yr old fixed males (Sven & Monito), one 1 yr old fixed female (Luna). There was balance and they got along most of the time - sometimes Monito would chase Luna. We rescued a malnourished 1 year old female cat (Misfit) a month ago. We introduced her slowly and with supervision, keeping my room as a safe place to rest and adapt. She didn't have a problem with the other cats until they started hissing and growling at her. Then she would growl and hide. Monito started attacking her. As did Luna. Now, every time they see Misfit, Monito and Luna chase, pounce, claw, bite. In the open, under furniture, everywhere. Full on fighting. They're relentless. They don't listen to us, no matter how loud we yell, no matter if we pull them apart, they go right back to attack. It's horrible. We just found out that she's pregnant. Seems 6-8 weeks. We've been feeding her well so she's gained enough weight for the babies to grow. We're worried about the health of the babies as Misfit has been very stressed and initially malnourished, and she's being attacked so aggressively. Now I think the aggression has to do with her pregnancy pheromones. Is this it? Will it cease when she has her kittens or will they attack the kittens too? Would a pheromone diffuser help? We are trying to give equal love to everyone to stop jealousy but obviously it's not working. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
 

Columbine

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A month really isn't all that long for introductions...though you can sometimes get lucky.

Misfit's pregnancy really will be throwing everything off. The best thing to do is keep her separate from the others until she's had the kittens and they're at least weaned. She's going to be feeling more vulnerable at the moment, and will naturally be very protective of her babies once they're born.

If it were me, I'd reintroduce them all AFTER the kittens have been found homes. Feliway is a good idea though...anything that helps them all stay relaxed is a good thing.
 
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red top rescue

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They have decided she is an intruder and they are trying to run her out.  They may know she is pregnant, or it could just be because she is timid.  Cats are relentless if they find one who backs down and runs and then they will always bully that cat.  I call those cats "pariah" cats and they don't do well in groups.  If she already had babies, she would probably beat them BOTH up, but that isn't the case yet.  She should be given her own room now, perhaps you have a study that has a closet where she could give birth eventually.  A pheremone diffuser might help, but what is needed most is a place that she can make HER territory, even if it's just one room.  We have this a lot in no-cage rescue situations and we have to choose residents of certain rooms that way.  If you don't separate her, it will just get worse and she may start peeing and pooping on the floor, which is what most of the pariah cats do.
 
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