I have 2 lovely male neutered Birmans of the same age and from the same breeder, and they've been living together with us for 3 years. But every now and then (rarely - I'd say it's happened 3 or 4 times this year) the more dominant one has been going for the other ones throat - he clenches his teeth round and grips on, whilst the other one simply squeals and stays still - this morning he was doing it, and when I managed to get him off, the weaker one was gasping for breath and seemed quite withdrawn.
I shouted at the evil one loudly and picked him up and shouted at him again - he cowered away from me but I don't think it's going to do the trick?
Any advice on how to teach this evil one to stop doing it? Would he actually go as far as to kill him by doing this? Should they be separated?
Any ideas/advice welcomed!
2006-06-26 01:52:54 · 15 answers · asked by Zobob 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
What you done there was a mistake, sorry!
You interfered and you should NOT do that.
The dominant one had to prove itself and by interfering you weakened its status which will result in another fight.
Usually the ranking system works quite well.
The superior one has places and free times where the other one wont show up and leave the superior one alone.
Offer the superior one a wooden scratching post located at a central corner, so it can go there and mark the post with its claws and its bodies scent (not urine, but rubbing the neck there etc), the other one wont touch the post.
In the wild there are trees where the cats mark a territory like that.
A post like that should give the cat the self confidence it needs.
Also offer the superior one a place it can have to its own, pref. on top of a cupboard or closet.
The other one in return should have places it can withdraw to.
Maybe you changed things, rearranged furniture or got new furniture?
That could also have triggered the attack.
2006-06-26 02:59:50 · answer #1 · answered by ganja_claus 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You could try giving him a smack! I don't mean this in a really violent sort of way, but a gentle-ish smack on his back - enough to know that he doesn't like it! Also, splashing him with cold water when he does something bad, that will always get their attention.
In theory if you do something they don't like, every time they do something they're not supposed to, they will eventually get the message.
You also NEED to be consistent with your "punishment". EVERYTIME the cat does something wrong, you need to react in the same way. That way they will learn.
Also, cats don't have a great memory, so there is also no point in a "long term" punishment, like locking them in a room away from everyone, as they will just not know what is going on.
Personally I would separate them for a while, if you can. Let the weaker one get back to good health. Plus, if the dominant one really hurt the weaker one that much, then I would get it to the vets, just to check it over.
2006-06-26 09:00:32 · answer #2 · answered by Alex 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yelling at the dominant one wont make any difference- all he understands is that somebody he loves has turned on him, and he may transfer blame for this to the other cat. He is NOT an evil cat- he is a dominant one. Have they both been neutered?? If not, this will make some difference, but I would ask a vet for advice as they are the people who know. Good luck.
2006-06-26 11:42:07 · answer #3 · answered by k0005kat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shouting at cats will not do any good. If anything, it will make them fear you and and that is not the type of relationship you want with a cat. Cats will take their frustration out on something or someone when they feel threatened. I have many cats and occasionally two of them will go after each other but neither is the worse for wear. Out of breath maybe but not hurt. The really aggressive fights are reserved for cats that invade their territory.
If I were you, I'd just leave them alone. One might be a little weaker but he knows how to take care of himself.
One more thing. Please don't spray his face with water. In the long run, cats don't respond well when humans assert their superiority. I prefer to establish a relationship of trust..
2006-06-26 09:27:12 · answer #4 · answered by pepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think that if the dominant cat really wanted to kill the other , it would have happened by now. Try not to get too worked up when this happens. They can sense your mood and may rile the aggressive one up more.
I have heard to put a dab of cologne on top of their heads between their ears, where they can't reach it too well to wash it off, so they smell the same works with introducing new cats to each other and you may want to try this for a while to see if it helps with the "attitude" problem.
Also, NEVER, NEVER, strike a cat!! It does NOT help!!
Good Luck!!
2006-06-26 13:59:01 · answer #5 · answered by iriegirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be on the safe side separate them when you are not around.
Ask your vet what can be done with this behaviour. Never heard that much aggression happening between friends before. Hope it turns out ok.
And about the shouting I don't think that does any good. Try a very low "NO" instead.
2006-06-26 10:28:39 · answer #6 · answered by buzybee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to separate fighting cats is through distraction. Making a loud noise or drop something heavy on the floor. That will usually startle the cats and send them running in opposite directions. Shaking a can of food treats (if they are used to that sound) is another great distraction that will stop the fighting.
Remember cat play like any type of animal play is normal and you shouldn't get involved. Cat fighting is also fairly common but due to the potential that your cat may get harmed or injured, you should try to stop it through distraction. Do not actually try to physically remove one cat from another or you too may get harmed.
2006-06-26 09:16:08 · answer #7 · answered by Chesh » 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats need to smell the same. Some tricks are using baby powder or putting vanilla under their chin. If they continue, bring the less dominate one to the vet to make sure he is not sick. A sick cat can smell differently.
When you punish the one, punish them like the mother would have. Hold their head down on the floor. Sometimes a good flick on the nose with a stern "No" helps.
Good Luck!
2006-06-26 09:03:30 · answer #8 · answered by thematrixhazu36 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Through water over them when you catch them fighting. Keep an old washing up bowl full of water by the door. If will be a nasty shock for them, but if you have to do this about a half dozen times, eventually the message will get through to them.
2006-06-26 09:33:26 · answer #9 · answered by k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was gonna suggest Neutering but they have had that ,
I actually am going to look for a cat behaviour professional to see about my cat he's gets all friendly and rubs against you then after a while of stroking he claws the hands of you .
I'd Keep them separate for a while maybe feed them separate times maybe other one is eating all the food .
I was going to look at web sites this afternoon if I find anything of interest to you i'll post it later.
2006-06-26 09:01:34 · answer #10 · answered by Nutty Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋