shermans behavior

I will try to make this short for ya I have had Sherman and Gracie for about 4 yrs, they werent liter mates or anything, just got Gracie dumped on me, and decided I wanted another cat. Anyhoo~he always acted fine around her, and they normally got along. We ended up moving into a different house, and he was still ok with her. But when we moved here(this house we are buying) its like his attitude totally changed! He chases her around and picks fights with her, constantly! Now I have noticed that he does it to 2 of my other females as well! Yes, btw, they are all spayed/neutered What in the world is going on?? TIA for anyone who replies!

I haven't experienced it yet but I have heard that cats will go through cycles of establishing the alpha cat again. Maybe a combination of the stage they are at and the new house has triggered this again. I think they just have to work it out. Of course you can't let it get too out of hand. Keep a blanket handy to stop any real fights. I also keep a water bottle handy for that too but a lot of people don't believe in using that but I think it's preferable to an injured cat. I also keep them isolated from each other when no one is home.

Originally Posted by Denice

I haven't experienced it yet but I have heard that cats will go through cycles of establishing the alpha cat again. Maybe a combination of the stage they are at and the new house has triggered this again. I think they just have to work it out. Of course you can't let it get too out of hand. Keep a blanket handy to stop any real fights. I also keep a water bottle handy for that too but a lot of people don't believe in using that but I think it's preferable to an injured cat. I also keep them isolated from each other when no one is home.

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I mostly agree with this. The only thing I would like to ask: Is he causing all-out fights, or is he simply trying to let them know he's Top Cat? If it's all-out fights that are occurring, instead of batting-of-paws, hissing, growling and the likes, I would certainly separate them when you're not home. If it's simply the second thing I mention (with batting and such), don't worry about it...it's him asserting his dominance, and re-establishing his place. The difference is...is it a complete body-on-body fight, or just threats that are occurring?

Denice is right about the fact that it's probably the recent move that's triggered him feeling a need to reestablish dominance. He probably just feels a lack of confidence in his new unfamiliar surroundings.

I would just be sure to give your other kitties somewhere they can go to hide/get away if they feel too pestered, and let the situation play out. Your babies will most likely be just fine.

Let us know how things progress, ok?

Another thing...how long ago did you move?