Destructive behavior... jealousy maybe?

Samuel loves the new kitty as far as I can tell. He has even introduced her to his favorite hiding place/ sleeping spot in the closet. They are together all the time, and have never had any kind of fight or hissing match. I make sure Samuel gets a little more attention so he doesn't feel rejected.


Today he ripped up my shower curtain which is something he has not done before. I think it might be because of the new addition. She likes to hang out in the tub.


I'm confused about what he might be feeling or how I can help. I try to give him extra attention and the best spot on the bed, but for some reason he gives the new cat his toys and doesn't protest when she kicks him off my lap.
The only thing he WON'T let her get his Laxatone, and he'll steal hers if he can! I don't think she is dominating him but I don't know.

Has anyone else been in this situation or have any advice for me? This is very weird. Sam never tears things up unless I have done something that upsets him.

Mine usually do not tear up things, either, but they seem to like the way the shower curtain tears. When Pepper discovered the thin liner, she seemed to be fascinated by being able to catch one claw and strip it down. Then she taught Scooter to play along. They leave the cloth one alone and just tear up the cheap vinyl liner. Maybe Samuel has just discovered it and likes it. They have done it since they were both tiny kits. They enjoy it so much, I just replace the liner when it gets too full of holes.

Youre sure its him that tore it up? You didn't say if you caught him red-handed or not.

Maybe he was showing off for her, like, look how strong IIII am! My cats have always had the tendency to scratch their posts as soon as we came in the door to show off, maybe they do this with each other?

Yep, I caught him. I scolded him and he looked sad, but got out of the tub right away. He hasn't done it again.

I hope it's just something he recently discovered and likes. I could definitely handle that.

Originally Posted by eupnea

Yep, I caught him. I scolded him and he looked sad, but got out of the tub right away. He hasn't done it again.

I hope it's just something he recently discovered and likes. I could definitely handle that.

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Actually, I would guess that he may have been trying to play with her and if his claws got stuck on the shower curtain...it would become an instant toy.

At least, that is what my cats would have done.

Our cats have always played in the tub, hiding behind the curtain and then pouncing at each other. It's their new game (your cats I mean), so you'll have to decide whether to keep the door closed or not.

Originally Posted by Larke

Our cats have always played in the tub, hiding behind the curtain and then pouncing at each other. It's their new game (your cats I mean), so you'll have to decide whether to keep the door closed or not.

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I'll definitely have to keep it open! That's where the litter box is!


I'll see if he's done it again. Generally if I tell him not to do something and its clear what he's done wrong, he won't do it again. ....at least not while I'm home