Disturbence in the Force...

Hi everyone,

We just brought home a 4th cat, Whitey (Whitey Pics).

Of course we expect our cats to be upset. However I have a couple of question:

1) Since Whitey's arrival, Patches has not only been growling at him, but also at Beauty whom she has known all her life. Why?

2) Luna was previously the only cat that jumped up onto window sills, tables, etc as Patches and Beauty were never brought up with high stuff to jump on. Whitey (as we have found out) LOVES to sit up on the window sill and basically do what Luna does. Luna growls and hisses at him. I'm hoping this will eventually subside. (not a question, I know, but your thoughts?)

3) This is the first house that Whitey is sharing with other cats. He has adjusted wonderfully dispite the grumpiness of our other cats. However one thing we're not quite so sure on: whenever one goes to the bathroom he follows that cat in and watches them (doesn't get in the litter with them, but will watch them). We've been picking him up, moving him out of the room (or when he begins to follow) and firmly say "No" to train him not to do this, but what is the reason or theory behind this behaviour?

THANKS in advance for any feedback!!!

Any new animal shakes up the existing hierarchy- they all have to sort out their place in the territory all over again.
They'll figure it out.

The bathroom business is normal, often cats will play-attack another cat who's just gone, maybe something to do with marking territory (and being jealous of it, or protecting the area, etc.).

Originally Posted by lunasmom

We've been picking him up, moving him out of the room (or when he begins to follow) and firmly say "No" to train him not to do this, but what is the reason or theory behind this behaviour?

Click to expand...

Everything you just said is normal. I agree with Larke and Ceirbhaill. It's better not to interfere unless necessary.

Thanks everyone! I feel a little better now.

Patches has stopped hissing at Beauty and now only hisses and growls at Whitey. Luna is still having problems, but then again Whitey just reached his 24 hour mark of being here. We'll see though. Its gotten a little better, but I think its more baby steps between the two right now.