I have two cats. They are both males, a little over a year old (both are neutered). They were not litter mates, but were living together in their foster home before I adopted them at around 8 weeks.
Barney (the little one) is a very sweet, friendly little cat (or at least has been). Everyone who visits me loves Barney -- he'll get on anyone's lap as long as they pet him. He's a real charmer. Fred, the bigger one, is a a very goofy but somewhat shy cat. Fred always hides from visitors. Fred is very sweet to me -- never bites, never claws, always a snuggle-bunny and purr-box (but only to me).
Lately, Fred has really been bullying Barney. This has occurred before, but it seems to be intensifying lately. Barney tries to get away from Fred, but Fred keeps jumping on him, biting him, etc. So far, he has never really injured Barney. However, Barney is becoming less friendly and outgoing (I think because of the constant bullying by Fred). Barney no long sleeps in my bed because Fred chases him away if he tries. If the fighting gets to the point where Barney screams or meows loudly, I break it up. Other than that, I've tried not to interfere too much.
I'm wondering if maybe that is wrong. Perhaps I should stop Fred from attacking Barney more. I've always thought interference from me might make it worse, but now I'm not sure. I'm worried about Barney -- I don't want him to be afraid or uncomfortable in his home. I don't want to lose his sweet, outgoing personality.
Sorry this is long. Should I change my approach and try to keep Fred from attacking Barney? Is there something I might be doing (unknowingly) that encourages this behavior in Fred? Do you think its possible that Fred gets jealous of Barney? Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Barney (the little one) is a very sweet, friendly little cat (or at least has been). Everyone who visits me loves Barney -- he'll get on anyone's lap as long as they pet him. He's a real charmer. Fred, the bigger one, is a a very goofy but somewhat shy cat. Fred always hides from visitors. Fred is very sweet to me -- never bites, never claws, always a snuggle-bunny and purr-box (but only to me).
Lately, Fred has really been bullying Barney. This has occurred before, but it seems to be intensifying lately. Barney tries to get away from Fred, but Fred keeps jumping on him, biting him, etc. So far, he has never really injured Barney. However, Barney is becoming less friendly and outgoing (I think because of the constant bullying by Fred). Barney no long sleeps in my bed because Fred chases him away if he tries. If the fighting gets to the point where Barney screams or meows loudly, I break it up. Other than that, I've tried not to interfere too much.
I'm wondering if maybe that is wrong. Perhaps I should stop Fred from attacking Barney more. I've always thought interference from me might make it worse, but now I'm not sure. I'm worried about Barney -- I don't want him to be afraid or uncomfortable in his home. I don't want to lose his sweet, outgoing personality.
Sorry this is long. Should I change my approach and try to keep Fred from attacking Barney? Is there something I might be doing (unknowingly) that encourages this behavior in Fred? Do you think its possible that Fred gets jealous of Barney? Any thoughts?
Thanks!