My cat family includes a 12yo neutered male, a very overweight 4 yo neutered male and 4 yo spayed female cat.
About 2 months ago I noticed the 4yo male chasing and stalking the 12 yo. This was new behavior. I didnt think much of it, however the 12 yo has been increasing less active. I now know this was age precipitated rank dissention. I had interfered originally during the introduction of the 4 year olds and didnt let the 12yo scold them for bad behavior (my bad).
To top all this off the 4 year old male has an eating disorder. When he is anxious he binges (we have his weight down 9 pounds). We spend a lot of time working with him, so he doesnt keep eating. Unfortunately, he was caged alone from 6-12 wks of age and didn't adapt well to it.
3 weeks ago, I went to petsmart to buy some cat food and soft paw refills and ended up leaving with a 12 wk old neutered male as well. He has made himself at home. However unfortunately he is an extreme alpha male (now we see) and he is dominating all the other cats! The ladies at Petsmart told us he was totally laid back and loving (he's totally self assured and dominant).
His introduction has precipitated a cascade of aggression. The 4 yo is attacking and cornering both the 12 yo and the 4 yo girl, but allowing the kitten to jump all over him. And, the 12 yo is also being horribly attacked by the girl and the kitten. I just found the kitten biting the back of the 12 yo neck while he whimpered. I am pulling my hair out! I tried to do a good deed and it is turning out horribly.
I did not want my seniors final years to be like this, I have had him since he was 4wks old (a good part of my adult life) and he is my baby. I have a huge house and I dont want to return the new kitten to Petsmart. Now I see the behavior problem was there before he came into our lives...
How do I stop the aggression towards the older cat without isolating him? I cant lock him in my bedroom since my husband doesnt want litter upstairs. How do I stop the 4yo male from being so aggressive?
How do I stop the kitten from pushing everyone around?
Do I give the kitten back to Petsmart and adopt out my 4 yo male as well?
Please help!
About 2 months ago I noticed the 4yo male chasing and stalking the 12 yo. This was new behavior. I didnt think much of it, however the 12 yo has been increasing less active. I now know this was age precipitated rank dissention. I had interfered originally during the introduction of the 4 year olds and didnt let the 12yo scold them for bad behavior (my bad).
To top all this off the 4 year old male has an eating disorder. When he is anxious he binges (we have his weight down 9 pounds). We spend a lot of time working with him, so he doesnt keep eating. Unfortunately, he was caged alone from 6-12 wks of age and didn't adapt well to it.
3 weeks ago, I went to petsmart to buy some cat food and soft paw refills and ended up leaving with a 12 wk old neutered male as well. He has made himself at home. However unfortunately he is an extreme alpha male (now we see) and he is dominating all the other cats! The ladies at Petsmart told us he was totally laid back and loving (he's totally self assured and dominant).
His introduction has precipitated a cascade of aggression. The 4 yo is attacking and cornering both the 12 yo and the 4 yo girl, but allowing the kitten to jump all over him. And, the 12 yo is also being horribly attacked by the girl and the kitten. I just found the kitten biting the back of the 12 yo neck while he whimpered. I am pulling my hair out! I tried to do a good deed and it is turning out horribly.
I did not want my seniors final years to be like this, I have had him since he was 4wks old (a good part of my adult life) and he is my baby. I have a huge house and I dont want to return the new kitten to Petsmart. Now I see the behavior problem was there before he came into our lives...
How do I stop the aggression towards the older cat without isolating him? I cant lock him in my bedroom since my husband doesnt want litter upstairs. How do I stop the 4yo male from being so aggressive?
How do I stop the kitten from pushing everyone around?
Do I give the kitten back to Petsmart and adopt out my 4 yo male as well?
Please help!