Intimidation

Donna · 07-02-2006, 11:30 PM

Dont know if this is a problem, and if it is, if anything can be done to stop it, but I have noticed that Chloe seems to be rather intimidated by Misty.

Chloe was my first kitty and then shortly after we got Misty. They are six weeks apart in age. Chloe was so much bigger than Misty at first but now Misty has turned into a big strong girl and Chloe has stayed quite small.

When Misty comes into a room, Chloe leaves, They sometimes play fight each other and run around, but other than than ignore each other.

Tonight Chloe was laying in front of the fire and Misty came in. A fight broke out and they are now both sitting in different rooms of the house.

Should I just leave them to get on with it, or can anything be done to stop Chloe feeling so intimidated.

Donna · 08-02-2006, 09:50 AM

No suggestions?????????????????

smudgley · 08-02-2006, 10:16 AM

I don't think I can offer much advice Donna - but I'll try.
When you say they had a scrap, was it a proper fight? Were they just playing a bit too rough? What caused it? Who started it?

We origionally had a cat called Maisie & then got a kitten called Mitten. Maisie dissapeared so we got another friend for Mitten, (enter Emily) Emily loved Mitten & always wanted to play but Mitten was a "loner" & would walk off & ignore Emily or growl at her. That's when we decided to get Smudge. Best thing we ever did as Smudge & Emily are best mates & Mitten continued to do her own thing, unfortunately Mitten is no longer with us.

I am not suggesting for one minute that you get another cat as I don't think this is a good solution in most cases - however - in our case it WAS the right thing to do.

Maybe Chloe enjoys her own space?

Tell us more about the circumstances surrounding the fight?

Donna · 08-02-2006, 10:38 AM

Most fights start when Misty gets too close to Chloe. Misty licks her and Chloe doesnt mind for a bit, but then it gets a bit heated and then big scrap starts. I never know if they are playing or fighting. Get the occasional miaow and they do seem really rough sometimes. Misty is twice Chloe's size so I get worried Chloe will get hurt. Usually ends in a stare-off with flapping tails. Until one walks away.

yola · 08-02-2006, 10:44 AM

Fifi and Balie used to do that when it was just the 2 of them. Balie was always alpha cat and would groom Fifi when HE wanted to. She'd get ticked off and try to walk away and he would put his paws round her neck and hold her down and groom her. This would usually escalate into a scrap and occasional biting, but nothing too vicious. They would then ignore each other for days after.

Since we introduced a 3rd cat - 1st Ferdy and now Darcy - all 3 cats spend time in separate parts of the house.

However - what I think I'm trying to say is that I think it's usual behaviour with cat pecking order and posturing/jostling for position. I would let them get on with it, but if Chloe is showing signs of stress and upset then maybe intervene if you have to.

Donna · 08-02-2006, 12:52 PM

Sorry if I sound ignorant, but I assumed as Chloe was here first she would be the top cat so to speak. But Misty seems to be the one that is more outgoing and sociable and forthcoming. Has she taken Chloe's spot? Is that why Chloe is keeping her distance? Does Misty licking Chloe mean anything to do with her place in the home? Is Chloe upset I got Misty? Would another cat help diffuse the situation?

Oh dear this is so difficult. I thought they woudl be friends and company for each other whilst I am at work. Sometimes they do play chase nicely so think they do like each other, but not sure what is going on in their little cat world!

EmmaG · 08-02-2006, 01:38 PM

Donna how old are the cats now?? they reach social maturity at about 2 years old, if they are younger than this I would say that they are just trying to work out the pecking order, cat dynamics can be VERY subtle, my two do play quite a bit, at first I thought they were fighted but soon read that if they are not hissing, spitting, growling when they do fight/play then the chances are they are just playing, especially if they do not draw blood on one another.

Donna · 08-02-2006, 02:26 PM

They were one year old in September and October. Chloe being slightly older. When they fight it is just very rough with lots of crashes and banging on the floor. I have heard the occasional hiss and growl mainly from Chloe. Never seen any blood (and hope I never will)!

dinahsmum · 08-02-2006, 02:47 PM

Think it may be normal cat behaviour?
Sometimes we try to put too many human characteristics on our pets.........
Maybe they will never be bosom-buddies - mine aren't, though they tolerate each other perfectly well.
(Oh, I'll agree that we had more harmony in our house when we had 3 cats - Watson used to keep the girls in order, particuarly Madam Siamese)

Mags · 08-02-2006, 02:48 PM

Sorry I can't offer any help or suggestions Donna as have only ever had 1 cat at a time......however I hope you can get it sorted

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