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Kitten /Cat interaction behavior problem

lamplight Dec 13, 2004 02:16 PM

Hello,

I have just recently found this website and hopefully someone will be able to help with my Cat/ Kitten issue.

Please oh Please

Here is my scenario:

I have had a single indoor spayed female that has been really close to me. (she has been a companion animal for ~ 4 years.)

In August of this year I rescued a baby male from being thrown in the river by a very hateful man.

This little male was far to young to be away from his mom (his eyes were still blue)I estimate him to have been ~4-5 weeks old.

I named him Lucky, as well you can see why. Hence I know nothing of his background ie: feral, feral mom, or just from a litter that was unwanted.

Here is my problem:

Every since he came into the family he has been agressive toward my female-- to the point of NEVER giving her any rest. This morning was really tumoultuous for all of us.

He is a very hyper kitten (which I cannot fault him for) but he always has to chase the female and clip at her back legs with his paws, target her, and pounce on her, etc-- he has also always licked her ears, head and neck while sometimes laying on top of her (sexual instincts ?)

I feel that my female should have really let him have it but she has never really put him in his place.

Separation, the squirt bottle, or crating him has not proven any relief.

He has gotten to the point that when he knows he can get away with it he gets more agressive (like when he knows i am in the shower) Grrrrr

Bottom line is that he is due to be neutered in 2 days-- and I am wondering if this will be of any avail to me and my female. I am also looking for alternatives that may help us (He will be neutered.)

I have talked with a feline behaviour specialist who says I should call her if he is not calmed down 2 weeks after his surgery. @ $60 a visit.

I really love the little guy, and don't want to get rid of him, he has become part of our little family and he has a very good personality.

The 2 of them will sleep together at times and every so often the female will lick his ears and groom him as well.

Sorry for making this such a long post but I have tried everything I know, playing till his little tounge hangs out -- but he never seems to get tired out-- I even make him work for his food at times by fetching, etc ---

I am at my wits end and my female is no longer close to me and growls all the time.

Please help ---- I certainly hope that I don't have to get rid of him. (Actually he reminds me so much of myself . )

Thank you to everyone for your input .

Lamplight

" A pet is an investment for life"

Replies (1)

PHMadameAlto Dec 13, 2004 08:23 PM

I think your kitten is showing normal kitten agression although it would be at the high end of the scale. Since the female is not fighting back, he is taking advantage of her, but there is not much you can do about that. Sometimes it is best to let cats work out their hierarchy by themselves.

After neutering and after he's aged a bit, things will probably calm down a lot. The animal behavoirist is an excellent idea and if the kitten hasn't shown some change in behavior this may help.

Be sure to have some "rough and tumble" playtime with the kitten using something like a feathered cat tease. This may take some of the starch out of his sails.

Good luck - thank you for rescuing this little guy!
-----
Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

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