We have four indoor cats in a huge apartment with access to a huge (fenced-in balcony). All are spayed/neutered, two are female, two male. There are no problems with the females, but in the last month or so, our youngest cat Jeffrey (18 months, rescued of the streets) has started bullying George (v docile 10-year-old). It used to be the other way round when Jeffrey was smaller. George would jump on him and scare him half to death. Now Jeffrey is bigger and the tables are turning. I guess he is trying to establish his alpha status now (?)
Anyway, a few weeks ago they had a big fight which resulted in George getting a massive abcess on his face, which had to be drained by the vet. SInce then, he has been spending a lot of time hiding away in a box in a cupboard. He does come out sometimes, but quite often Jeffrey will come and start yowling at him if he does this. George growls back, but then usually retreats to his box.
So the question is, how do we persuade George to spend less time in his box? I thought about closing the cupboard door and not letting him in there, but that seems cruel if he feels safe there. Should we try to reintroduce them, or should we just let them sort it out for themselves? The vet said that when they have their altercations to give the attention to Jeffrey, reinforcing his status as the alpha cat, and ignore George, thereby acknowledging him as the weaker one. This makes sense, but seems so sad!!!!
George is eating fine, and comes for a small walk with me every evening (no other cats allowed!) and purrs his head off. He seems okay, but surely he must be depressed? Quite often now he doesn't cover up after he has used the litter tray - I think he is in a hurry to get off in case Jeffrey comes to ambush him.
Does anyone have any ideas how we can boost George's confidence and at least try to get him out of the box, as well as to make him and Jeffrey get along a little better???
Anyway, a few weeks ago they had a big fight which resulted in George getting a massive abcess on his face, which had to be drained by the vet. SInce then, he has been spending a lot of time hiding away in a box in a cupboard. He does come out sometimes, but quite often Jeffrey will come and start yowling at him if he does this. George growls back, but then usually retreats to his box.
So the question is, how do we persuade George to spend less time in his box? I thought about closing the cupboard door and not letting him in there, but that seems cruel if he feels safe there. Should we try to reintroduce them, or should we just let them sort it out for themselves? The vet said that when they have their altercations to give the attention to Jeffrey, reinforcing his status as the alpha cat, and ignore George, thereby acknowledging him as the weaker one. This makes sense, but seems so sad!!!!
George is eating fine, and comes for a small walk with me every evening (no other cats allowed!) and purrs his head off. He seems okay, but surely he must be depressed? Quite often now he doesn't cover up after he has used the litter tray - I think he is in a hurry to get off in case Jeffrey comes to ambush him.
Does anyone have any ideas how we can boost George's confidence and at least try to get him out of the box, as well as to make him and Jeffrey get along a little better???