My boyfriend and I introduced our new cat, Marcel, into our home about a year ago. He was a few months old when we got him and our other cat,Christopher, is a year older than him. He's been exhibiting behavior that we chalked up to kittenish exuberance at first, but after reading up online, it sounds like he's having serious jealousy and territorial issues. Here are some highlights of his behavior:
- Marcel bullies our other cat. It doesn't seem like he's out to harm him, but he'll aggressively play with him against his will (i.e. he'll tackle and bite him then Christopher will hiss and run away and Marcel will continue chasing and tackling him.) When Christopher is trying to eat, Marcel will come across the room, slap him, and push his way to the food bowl. He'll kick Christopher off chairs and off my lap, and otherwise just hit him on the face for no reason. He won't let me pet Christopher, butting him out of the way when I try. We've tried punishment for the bullying behavior (water, loud noises) but nothing seems to deter him. We've had to resort to locking him up in a room sometimes just so Christopher can get a break.
- He needs attention constantly and is always amped up. It starts in the morning when he meows at our door and actually sticks his paws underneath and uses it to bang the door back and forth. He follows us around the house and is always under our feet, meowing loudly. The fact that we have accidentally stepped on him dozens of times has done nothing to change this behavior. This behavior does not abate after giving him affection. Playing has no effect either. We play with him daily, usually until he's out of breath, then he's amped up again 5 minutes later. Often he'll get wide-pupiled and attacky, which is no good when he's hanging out under our feet. He'll get in these moods where his claws go out and he'll just dart around the house (and off of us.)
- Lately he's taken to spraying by the litter boxes. I assume that's a territorial action. It started when my boyfriend went out of town. I think he's extra upset because my boyfriend is his favorite person.
Help! We love both of our cats and hate the stress this has put on our older cat. And it's difficult keeping up the energy to meet all his needs. Has anyone dealt with anything similar? I have had many cats, but never one as needy and territorial as this little guy.
- Marcel bullies our other cat. It doesn't seem like he's out to harm him, but he'll aggressively play with him against his will (i.e. he'll tackle and bite him then Christopher will hiss and run away and Marcel will continue chasing and tackling him.) When Christopher is trying to eat, Marcel will come across the room, slap him, and push his way to the food bowl. He'll kick Christopher off chairs and off my lap, and otherwise just hit him on the face for no reason. He won't let me pet Christopher, butting him out of the way when I try. We've tried punishment for the bullying behavior (water, loud noises) but nothing seems to deter him. We've had to resort to locking him up in a room sometimes just so Christopher can get a break.
- He needs attention constantly and is always amped up. It starts in the morning when he meows at our door and actually sticks his paws underneath and uses it to bang the door back and forth. He follows us around the house and is always under our feet, meowing loudly. The fact that we have accidentally stepped on him dozens of times has done nothing to change this behavior. This behavior does not abate after giving him affection. Playing has no effect either. We play with him daily, usually until he's out of breath, then he's amped up again 5 minutes later. Often he'll get wide-pupiled and attacky, which is no good when he's hanging out under our feet. He'll get in these moods where his claws go out and he'll just dart around the house (and off of us.)
- Lately he's taken to spraying by the litter boxes. I assume that's a territorial action. It started when my boyfriend went out of town. I think he's extra upset because my boyfriend is his favorite person.
Help! We love both of our cats and hate the stress this has put on our older cat. And it's difficult keeping up the energy to meet all his needs. Has anyone dealt with anything similar? I have had many cats, but never one as needy and territorial as this little guy.
