The Players:
Hannah-8 years old, spayed female. We've had her since she was 7 mos. old, does not play well with others and would prefer to be the only cat. Has Feline Herpes, is constantly sniffly and sneezy even with medications and treatments.
Tumbles-3 yr old, neutered male. We've had him since he was approx. 10 wks old. Found as a stray, most likely from a feral mom.
Daisy-2.5 yrs. old, spayed female. We've had her since she was 1 yr. old. She's pretty much the peacemaker and stays out of all skirmishes, but plays with Tumbles several times a day.
The Situation:
Hannah has NEVER liked Tumbles and the 2 have barely coexisted peacefully. When we added Daisy to the mix, we finally figured out that Hannah would prefer to be the only kitty in the house. Over the years, Tumbles has pestered Hannah relentlessly, especially after our RB kitty, Callie, who was something of a surrogate mom to Tumbles passed away in 2010 when Tumbles was about 10 mos. old. Over the years, Tumbles has become increasingly terroristic of Hannah. He bothers her in the litter box. If he doesn't want her in a room, he'll chase her out. He will attack her, and she only knows how to hiss, growl, and wail like a banshee when he's near her or attacks her. There has been NO bloodshed, only fur flying. He basically would like for Hannah to not be a member of our house, but that's not going to happen. They also vie for top cat position, which I'm sure is the root of the entire situation. Approximately, every 2-3 days, there is a vicious aggressive outburst with Tumbles attacking Hannah. Tumbles sulks off very repentantly and is very quiet for a day or so. Hannah feels like she has no safe place because Tumbles has invaded every safe spot, against our best efforts to protect them.
What we Do:
1. We run Feliway 24/7 and have for the past 8 years. It helps, but it doesn't curtail Tumbles' aggressive outbursts completely.
2. I give them all Spirit Essences, Peacemaker and Safe Spaces. I've tried Bully Remedy, but it actually makes things worse.
3. Give each undivided attention, play time, and love.
4. Have play time with Tumbles exclusively at least once a day. (I'm usually at work and I'm the one who plays with him.)
5. Try to keep to our routine. Husband is here all day, and we notice that if he's gone outside or out running errands, Tumbles' behavior becomes more aggressive.
I will not put him on any prescription medication at this point in time. What I really want to do is try to understand the situation and the dynamics. There is no bond between our kitties, but they are usually peaceful to each other. Any insights would be appreciated.
Hannah-8 years old, spayed female. We've had her since she was 7 mos. old, does not play well with others and would prefer to be the only cat. Has Feline Herpes, is constantly sniffly and sneezy even with medications and treatments.
Tumbles-3 yr old, neutered male. We've had him since he was approx. 10 wks old. Found as a stray, most likely from a feral mom.
Daisy-2.5 yrs. old, spayed female. We've had her since she was 1 yr. old. She's pretty much the peacemaker and stays out of all skirmishes, but plays with Tumbles several times a day.
The Situation:
Hannah has NEVER liked Tumbles and the 2 have barely coexisted peacefully. When we added Daisy to the mix, we finally figured out that Hannah would prefer to be the only kitty in the house. Over the years, Tumbles has pestered Hannah relentlessly, especially after our RB kitty, Callie, who was something of a surrogate mom to Tumbles passed away in 2010 when Tumbles was about 10 mos. old. Over the years, Tumbles has become increasingly terroristic of Hannah. He bothers her in the litter box. If he doesn't want her in a room, he'll chase her out. He will attack her, and she only knows how to hiss, growl, and wail like a banshee when he's near her or attacks her. There has been NO bloodshed, only fur flying. He basically would like for Hannah to not be a member of our house, but that's not going to happen. They also vie for top cat position, which I'm sure is the root of the entire situation. Approximately, every 2-3 days, there is a vicious aggressive outburst with Tumbles attacking Hannah. Tumbles sulks off very repentantly and is very quiet for a day or so. Hannah feels like she has no safe place because Tumbles has invaded every safe spot, against our best efforts to protect them.
What we Do:
1. We run Feliway 24/7 and have for the past 8 years. It helps, but it doesn't curtail Tumbles' aggressive outbursts completely.
2. I give them all Spirit Essences, Peacemaker and Safe Spaces. I've tried Bully Remedy, but it actually makes things worse.
3. Give each undivided attention, play time, and love.
4. Have play time with Tumbles exclusively at least once a day. (I'm usually at work and I'm the one who plays with him.)
5. Try to keep to our routine. Husband is here all day, and we notice that if he's gone outside or out running errands, Tumbles' behavior becomes more aggressive.
I will not put him on any prescription medication at this point in time. What I really want to do is try to understand the situation and the dynamics. There is no bond between our kitties, but they are usually peaceful to each other. Any insights would be appreciated.
