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- Jan 16, 2013
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Hello, I am new to the site and have a similar issue with my two kids. I have a resident 13 yr old spayed female calico Trinity (T1) and a new former stray Tristan (T2) who is neutered, almost 2, and an alpha male. I have had Trin for about 8 years and had them as a pair for 7 months. my apartment is literally divided in half with gates. Tristan will run at Trin, she will hiss and run away. He will chase her and park himself right in her path of escape from wherever she has hidden. Paws start to fly, hissing on her part only. She will remain in hiding even after he has been removed. BTW, removing him from her location is met with redirected agression, all teeth and claws. They have progressed to being able to eat in front of each other with a gate between, but as soon as the gate is removed, he runs after her. If she walks by his gate he will reach out at her or stare at her, no hissing ever on his part. I switch them between gated areas to avoid territoriality and mingle scents. I spend equal amounts of time with each kitty. On a 1 to1 basis, Tristan and I have bonded nicely. Initially he could not tolerate petting and bit me almost daily. Now he allows full body brushing, knows his name, comes when called, and will come up in my lap on his own (all done by clicker training). He bites only when I have inadvertantly pushed one of his "buttons". He is a sweet boy with feline PTSD.
I am aware that the age mix is not ideal. I was not aware that Trinity would dig in her heels so much until I got Tristan since Trin had lived with her sister for several years until her death. I have been to a behaviourist and tristan is on the standard feline dose of Prozac which has really helped him and he is tolerating it well. He is healthy and incredibly smart (Maine Coon). Yes, the size mismatch is a concern. All in all not an ideal situation, but I am not willing to consider giving up either one. I have no children and have all the time in the world for these two. Any comments? Suggestions?
I am aware that the age mix is not ideal. I was not aware that Trinity would dig in her heels so much until I got Tristan since Trin had lived with her sister for several years until her death. I have been to a behaviourist and tristan is on the standard feline dose of Prozac which has really helped him and he is tolerating it well. He is healthy and incredibly smart (Maine Coon). Yes, the size mismatch is a concern. All in all not an ideal situation, but I am not willing to consider giving up either one. I have no children and have all the time in the world for these two. Any comments? Suggestions?