Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a pair of kittens I adopted from a shelter...they are not siblings but were cage mates. Both are female and they are currently 17 and 18 weeks old. We got them when they were 9 and 10 weeks.

My vet advised trying to wait till they were 6 months to have them spayed because of the safety issue with anesthesia and the shelter agreed to allow that.

The younger kitten is a bit smaller then the older one....maybe a pound to a pound and a half difference. The younger (smaller) kitten has always been more aggressive and the bigger one more timid and shy.

Last night while they were playing the younger kitten began showing very aggressive behavior twords the older. She kept arching her back, puffing her fur, and advancing on the other kitten backing her off. My Husband who had witnessed this begin said before that they were playing normally with a box I had left in the middle of the floor for them.
At one point the aggressor defecated on the floor (I assume marking territory) but my Husband said it was odd...she did not squat...it just kinda came out???

Then they came up to the main floor of the house and I was woken up by the growling. When I went to the hallway where they were I found the behavior he had described to me later. I got between the kittens and made the aggressor back off but my Husband warned me not to try to handle the aggressor because he had already tried that and she had gone for him.
So after about 10 mins of talking/yelling for her to stop I did finally manage to pick her up and calm her down. After that all was fine, we all went to bed and the kittens slept all night peacefully cuddling in bed together.

This morning the behavior began again only it was even more strange...we were going between playing one min, and this aggression the next. At one point I locked the aggressor in the powder room for a "time out " (yes! I do feel like I'm dealing with an unruly 2 y/o ). That calmed her for a bit but then it began again...so this time I kinda went at her yelling to back her off....trying to appear to be the bigger, badder kitten of the bunch thinking maybe she would back down to me.

Right now they are cuddled on the sofa together like nothing ever happened taking their afternoon nap.

I did call the shelter and made the appointment to have them spayed on Jan 5th...it will be a month early. The shelter worker said her kittens displayed the same behavior before being spayed but when they were 6 months old...she went on to say spaying sopped the behavior.

I am used to a single cat household so I'm kinda lost here.
My questions are....could this be aggression spurred on by upcoming sexual maturity even at such a young age and....
did I do the right thing yelling to break it up and if not how do I handle it? Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
thanks!
Deb

I would definately get them spayed. Early spaying, as long as they are healthy, is recommended by most vets to head off this type of behavior. In the meantime, use a spray bottle, not yelling. Yelling gives them attention, which they like even if negative. Water being sprayed on the aggressor should stop the aggression as most cats can't tolerate being sprayed. Eventually the aggressor will just need to see the bottle to stop the behavior. Definately separate them once the aggression excalates and you've given the aggressor a good soaking. Also try Bach's Rescue Remedy to rub on them both. It's an herbal calming lotion and can be used for any aggressive/stressful behavior.

Good Luck!

AstiLover gave you good advice. Yelling isn't going to help. The water bottle will scare the younger kitten away. They are still working out the roles they are going to play. But letting them know you are the boss will help. Spaying is a good idea.
Good luck! Post pictures if you have any.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

Definitely spaying is in order here. For some reason, however something has caused a disruption of the relationship. I would suggest isolating the kittens and trying a gradual re-introduction to see if that would help.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

First I wanted to say thank you to one and all for your input. This group is VERY helpful and I am really glad to have found it since being the new mom to twins is TOTALLY different then being the mom to a sedate, elderly (17 y/o) kitty who we lost back in October to a stroke.
Life has changed DRASTICALLY since the little ones have come into my life and I am really finding out how different it is to have two vs. on cat in the house.

Anyhow....about the behavior...they are scheduled for spaying on the 5th....but things have also calmed down (thank goodness) and all seems to be going okay. I even seen the timid kitten (Booger) defend her favorite toy....this was new for her....up till now she let the aggressive one (Tiny Dancer aka Tiny) steal her toys...well last night Booger asserted herself twice...so maybe she's learning to fight back a bit....I hope so. I hate to see her picked on but I do try to stay out of it as much as possible in hopes they will work it out on their own.

I attached a pic...Booger (timid one) is on top...Tiny Dancer (miniature terrorist) on bottom.

thank you all again!

Deb