Actually all cats are territorial by nature, in a multi-cat household where all is well, they have just worked out their spaces, some of which can overlap...



and actually, female cats are even more complex and in addition to the regular territorial issues, they can do something called "get out of the nest" aggression where they will suddenly turn on a younger male cat they either bore or "adopted", once they have decided its time for him to take care of himself. As well as specific "Female-Female" aggression where one cat simply resents the other one in her space. Period. This looks a lot like regular territorial agression and is handled the same way...separate and reintroduce.



I'm not trying to scare you or even say this will ever happen in your home...just be aware this dynamic is occurring and if one day your home is upside down...this is what's happening and it can be resolved...I was completely freaked out when Bentley suddently went "crazy" until I read up on it and realized what what happening (thanks again Carol)



My cats lived in peace for 3 years before our first knock down drag out episode...which was about a dominant Female cat coming into our home who would not submit. (but he was taking it out on the younger two males) Now, that she was re-homed, ours has more to do with the two younger ones coming into maturity and testing Bentley's alpha standing...I'm pretty sure they don't really want it, as they immediately submit to his tantrums...(although he likes to hold the grudge for a few days) but one day if one of them decides it's time, I'm going to have to let them 'figure it out'. I am not looking forward to that day. AS of right now, they are back in a pile again...



My vet told me something very interesting...they (vets) have a saying..."For every additional cat you bring into the home, the problems increase exponentially"...
-----
Lisa, owned by Bentley,Alastair, Finster, & Trysta (greyhound)

[ Show Entire Thread ]