I have read and read and read here about what to do about my problem with my cats, but I need to discuss it with you all.
Samuel is my first cat. He is 1 1/2 years old. He and my Dachshund get along great. They have always played rough together, but still have been real buddies. The dog is 3. About 6 months ago, Samuel started biting the dog on the neck, but she was as lively as he was and was able to get away and hold her own. They are evenly matched.
Four months ago, Bob turned up on my back porch. He was almost dead from starvation and parasites and appeared to have been abused and dumped. The vet said that he is about 2 1/2, so he is about a year older than Samuel. I introduced Bob into the household very, very slowly and all seemed to be going well. After he had been here for about a month, Samuel bit Bob on the neck and Bob had to be on antibiotics and then after his recovery Bob and Samuel seemed to be doing fine again. A couple months ago, they even started playing together and rough housing, and seemed happy with their lives.
About a month ago, Samuel started biting Bob again. The only thing I can think of traumatic that happened at the time is that I shut Samuel's tail in a drawer that day. He was not severely hurt but has been a grump with Bob ever since. I have been letting them play and fuss and work things out, but as soon as Samuel bites Bob, I have been putting Samuel in his laundry room for a time out. After he calms down, I let him out again. The laundry room has been Samuel's personal room since I got him, so he owns that room.
I also bought a Feliway plug-in, but it doesn't seem to make much difference. It has been plugged in for a couple weeks.
Both cats are neutered and were both probably neutered since they were kittens. I got Samuel from the Humane Society. Both were also front declawed, which worked for us since neither is ever allowed out. I sort of figure that is part of what is causing the problem with biting, but that is how my cats came.
I really want to work this out without rehoming either cat. Does anyone have any more suggestions?
Here is a picture of what happens when Samuel loses his head.
Samuel is my first cat. He is 1 1/2 years old. He and my Dachshund get along great. They have always played rough together, but still have been real buddies. The dog is 3. About 6 months ago, Samuel started biting the dog on the neck, but she was as lively as he was and was able to get away and hold her own. They are evenly matched.
Four months ago, Bob turned up on my back porch. He was almost dead from starvation and parasites and appeared to have been abused and dumped. The vet said that he is about 2 1/2, so he is about a year older than Samuel. I introduced Bob into the household very, very slowly and all seemed to be going well. After he had been here for about a month, Samuel bit Bob on the neck and Bob had to be on antibiotics and then after his recovery Bob and Samuel seemed to be doing fine again. A couple months ago, they even started playing together and rough housing, and seemed happy with their lives.
About a month ago, Samuel started biting Bob again. The only thing I can think of traumatic that happened at the time is that I shut Samuel's tail in a drawer that day. He was not severely hurt but has been a grump with Bob ever since. I have been letting them play and fuss and work things out, but as soon as Samuel bites Bob, I have been putting Samuel in his laundry room for a time out. After he calms down, I let him out again. The laundry room has been Samuel's personal room since I got him, so he owns that room.
I also bought a Feliway plug-in, but it doesn't seem to make much difference. It has been plugged in for a couple weeks.
Both cats are neutered and were both probably neutered since they were kittens. I got Samuel from the Humane Society. Both were also front declawed, which worked for us since neither is ever allowed out. I sort of figure that is part of what is causing the problem with biting, but that is how my cats came.
I really want to work this out without rehoming either cat. Does anyone have any more suggestions?
Here is a picture of what happens when Samuel loses his head.