Why can't we all just get along?

Originally Posted by lilblu

I've had cats all my life but I've never had a problem like this before.


How can I tell if my cat Fuzzy is getting along with the two female cats in the house? He gets along with the male but there seems to be some tension or something between him and the females. There's a 6 year age difference between him and the other three cats with Fuzzy being the oldest, he was also in the house first.

I don't think there's any aggressive behavior between them but something seems to be going on. I think it's bothering Fuzzy and that bothers me, he was here first and he's my favoriteThere have been times when either the females or Fuzzy have started rolling around on the floor in front of each other. Does that signify submission or playfulness? This can be an act of submission or an invitation to war. Cats will roll on their stomach prior to a fight because they have all their weapons close this way- teeth and claws. They are quick enough to jump to their feet even after they latch on to other cats. If they haven't gone to "war" yet, then you have nothing to worry about.
I'm thinking that Fuzzy is annoyed or jealous of the one female (Gizmo) and is unsure of the other one (Pudge). Gizmo is rather attached to me and follows me around and rubs all over me. She's also very playful and a bit highstrung and Fuzzy has never been around another cat that's like that. Pudge is very shy but kinda bossy and definitely uptight. She mostly stays in one room and doesn't really play with the others. Fuzzy is generally easygoing and definitely not aggressive. He avoids altercations but I suspect if another cat angered him enough, he might let them have it.

It sounds like you are projecting problems more than encountering them. Cats usually find their way with each other without much bloodshed. If your cats are neutered and spayed then you are already ahead of the game. If you are tense or nervous, then they will pick it up quick enough and you will have problems. It really doesn't sound to me like you have any problems.
I try to give Fuzzy more attention than the others. He also has special privileges and has access to a room (my bedroom) that is off limits to the others. Sometimes I wonder if not letting the others in my bedroom is making matters worse. Any thoughts? It also doesn't help that Fuzzy is on a blah tasting prescription food while the others get something tasty.

I would let all cats have free roaming of the house. You can always feed Fuzzy in another room and then let him out a few minutes later. Make sure you have one litter pan for each cat and then one extra, to avoid problems. Cat condos are good, or cat ramps so the cats can get off the floor. Your alpha cat will seek the highest ground possible, feed that cat first- by that I mean, make sure his or her bowl hits the ground first, then put the others down immediately. Don't make it so they all feed out of the same dish and have several waterbowls placed around the house.
Any thoughts on the matter?

It was so much easier when I used to have cats that were obvious about their dislike for each other. Everyone knew where they stood and there was no questioning who the boss was (the one doing the bullying). Oh, how I miss those times.

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