Harley VS. Davidson

We brought baby Davidson home yesterday. It was a great introduction between the 2, only 1 spout of hissing from Harley and it was all okay.

Last night and today, I've noticed that Harley has been playing really rough with Davidson, and the little guy will meow like crazy, as if he's hurt or something? Harley will try play bite him, or bat him on the head, but the little guy is so tiny, I worry that Harley will be TOO rough while we're sleeping, or gone to work.

Is there any way to make Harley be more gentle? I tell him no when he gets too rough, but that obviously doesn't work.... I know that cats play, but since this guy is only a few pounds and Harley is well.... 10lbs Thats quite the difference.

Does anyone else's cats play this rough? I'm just a worry wart about this new baby!

Sounds like Harley can't wait until Davidson becomes an adult cat!

Whitey likes to play a little rough with the other cats. When he gets too rough though, I give him a 5 minute timeout by placing him behind a closed door.

Also try to spot his movements before he starts to get too rough with Davidson. Catch him before he goes into the "rough mode". This sets limits to Harley with him being remind that he's "not suppose to go there".

Maybe try getting the feliway stuff to see if that helps a little with the playing. I'm sure in a few month Davidson will be giving it all back to him.

I had this problem when I introduced Jade to Isis. Isis was 1lbs 2 oz and Jade was everybit of at least 7 lbs. When we'd notice Jade getting rough out came the waterbottle and Jade would get quite the shower. We'd then pick up Isis and give her lots of love while Jade sat by in a near corner wet and sulking. She eventually learned her lesson and when she saw the waterbottle she knew it was time to back off. Now Isis is about 3 lbs and able to hold her own. Just establish some sort of "punishment" ritual to let Harley know that playing is ok just play nice Good Luck!

Originally Posted by lunasmom

Sounds like Harley can't wait until Davidson becomes an adult cat!

Whitey likes to play a little rough with the other cats. When he gets too rough though, I give him a 5 minute timeout by placing him behind a closed door.

Also try to spot his movements before he starts to get too rough with Davidson. Catch him before he goes into the "rough mode". This sets limits to Harley with him being remind that he's "not suppose to go there".

Maybe try getting the feliway stuff to see if that helps a little with the playing. I'm sure in a few month Davidson will be giving it all back to him.

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I've definately been trying to catch him before he does it - and he is getting a LITTLE better.... but when Harley is playing, he plays rough - as he usualy does with John. I just don't think he understands that Davidson is just a tiny little guy. He can hold his own, but I'm just afraid of him getting hurt.

I just found them a little bit ago cuddling in my closet, Harley was grooming him and Davidson was sleeping sound At least I know they love eachother!

This is going to happen, theres not too much you can do about it. When I ever tried to stop Nismo and Sleeves going at it I ended up getting bitten on several occasions. Only jump in if it is obvious someone is getting hurt. Do you have to leave them all day tomorrow? It would be best if somebody could watch them for a few days at first to make sure nothing happens.
They will get on fine eventually but you have to be prepared for fights. I did notice with mine a few times Nismo actually started on Sleeves so I think although they look tiny they are tough little monkeys.

You'll be surprised how they work it out. When we started to let our kitten (then 3 lbs) spend more time out with our cats, he would play and wrestle with our male cat (then almost 15 lbs!). When they would get really rough, one of them would cry, and I always assumed it was Tubby, the kitten. Well I watched them closer one day and I saw it was actually Duncan, our big fat kitty that was crying, with Tubby chomped onto his ear with his sharp kitten teeth!
I've found that a sharp NO! and a hand clap work to get them to break it up for a bit. Canned air also works great as the sound from the can is like a cat hissing (and similar to the psssst! sound I make when they're being bad) and the air is surprising and way less messy than a squirt of water. And they don't seem afraid of the can, as Tubby just knocked it over and started batting at it . . .

~Julia

I won't go into it, but you probably already know (being a long-timer here) that spraying water is a no-no.

Originally Posted by Yosemite

I won't go into it, but you probably already know (being a long-timer here) that spraying water is a no-no.

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I totally agree with that - I wouldn't even dream of doing that!


They have gotten MUCH better playing with eachother. Harley has been a lot more gentle - and Davidson is getting rougher

If Harley does get a bit out of line, or wants to play rough, I'll just say 'Harley -play nice' and he'll stop, or go play with John, where he knows he can play a bit rougher. He's so smart!

I was just so afraid at first when Harley was playing so rough with him - its getting better tho, thank goodness!