When All Else Fails.....what Do I Do?

[patti511]

Hi all...I’m at the end of my rope here. I’ve posted before about this, but I’ll briefly refresh. I have 5 cats, all neutered, all under 5 years. One male, four females. Three are attacking two since July. I’ve tried: CBD oil, calming collars, Feliway, Rescue Remedy, Prozac, re-introduction, advice from several cat behaviorists. My house is divided in half right now and my nerves are shot. I have the correct amount of litter boxes and cat trees. And window shelves.
They just hate each other. It appears that the first three have formed a “pack,” and will not accept the latter two whom are younger.
Did anyone ever hear of vibration collars? (Not shock, NEVER!) I’m wondering if they make a mild vibration collar activated by a remote. I’m thinking it may work with one bully at a time. The fights are nasty. Fur flying, skin broken.
Not a happy household. The stress is unbearable. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi!
Someone (I apologise I don't recall who) mentioned in another thread for the owner to take all the cats to the vet, because then the territorial "heirarchy" is upended. If your vet boards, leave them all there overnight or if not at the vet, somewhere.

Spray calming products other than what you've already used everywhere. Move furniture around, and change things up in the house.

Then everyone should be on an even playing field when they come back.

 

[JamesCalifornia]

take all the cats to the vet, because then the territorial "heirarchy" is upended. If your vet boards, leave them all there overnight or if not at the vet, somewhere.

~ Good idea ! Somebody around here is a very good cat psychologist !

 

[patti511]

Hmmm....I’ve actually thought about boarding the bullies for a week. That MAY be the answer! I don’t think the victim cats should have to pay the price when they’ve done nothing to deserve it. Do you think all 5 should be boarded? Maybe in the same big cage? I think too traumatizing for my poor timid babies. Just the meanies. I’m really going to look into this. I’m going to visit my dad in Florida from 2/7 thru 2/12. I can board them from 2/6 through 2/13. Whip their furry butts back to submission! Hmmmmm.....

 

[Furballsmom]

The one thing about boarding all of them, (whether together in one big area or separate), is that everybody will smell differently to each other on an equal basis, if that makes sense. If you leave your more timid babies at home, they'll still smell like they did.

 

[patti511]

Not the victims, just the bullies. Right?

 

[Furballsmom]

Oops I changed my post above...

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[patti511]

So you’re saying I should board all 5? I feel so bad for the nice ones, but you’re probably right. The vet charges $15 a day per cat. So it will be $480 from
2/6 thru 2/13. If it works, it will be a prayer answered.

 

[patti511]

I’ve just emailed my vet to get her input. Omg I hope this is the answer. This is going on so long.

 

[Furballsmom]

To cut costs, maybe like you're thinking, leave your timid ones at home, and do change some furniture, throw rugs and the like. It might not take a lot to change a cats territorial ego (the meanies).

 

[patti511]

But it does make sense what you’re saying. Keep them smelling the same. I’ll see what she thinks. Thank you!

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[patti511]

:-)

 

[JamesCalifornia]

Send them to Kitty Boot Camp

 

[patti511]

I’m going to do it!!

 

[patti511]

So you’re saying I should board all 5? I feel so bad for the nice ones, but you’re probably right. The vet charges $15 a day per cat. So it will be $480 from
2/6 thru 2/13. If it works, it will be a prayer answered.

Made a mathematical error...it was 1:00 a.m. here :-). It will be $600 for all 5 for 8 days. I hope it works.

 

[Furballsmom]

I'm sending every good, calming and relaxing thought that I own to you for success!!

 

[patti511]

Thank you so much, Fur.
Much appreciated always <3

 

[momof3b1g]

Good Luck. I wish we didnt need wait that long to see if it works. Im frustrated with my cats. We can have good days and even good moments. Then all of sudden one goes after the other. Levi is in time out right now for going after mittens. Im just wondering when you bring them back. Will they fight more? will it be like they are all new to each other? do they kennel them in separate areas?