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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / November 2007

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Challenging behavior problem !

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Galloping Clippers - 21 Nov 2007 15:07 GMT
Gandhi, my male domestic tan tabby master, 6.5 years old, has started
exhibiting aggressive behavior in general but especially at night time
and even more especially when my fiance, Jim, stays over.

"Aggressive" does not mean anything vicious like biting or attacking
or purposely scratching; he has a very sweet disposition, overall.
What he does is more like pouncing and jumping on the bed and doing
anything to get me to get up and lead him out of the room, which I do
so Jim can get some sleep.

Background: Gandhi was the 2nd cat brought into the household from the
shelter and was, for the last 6 years, the low cat on the totem pole -
submissive and quiet yet playful and cuddly. Buddha, also 6.5 years,
Bombay mix and the first-adopted, is the dominant male; both are
neutered.  Buddha was by far the more active cat until about 6 months
ago, when their roles seem to have reversed.

Now Gandhi seems to be asserting himself more and more, especially
when Jim is around.  Obviously, this seems like jealousy/insecurity.

My question is how to address this behavior.  I have tried relocating
him into another room (he scratches the door to be let out and then
Buddha joins him in the act), shoving him off the bed unceremoniously
(he pounces back a moment later), and ignoring him (he just takes this
as a signal to try harder!). All these techniques seem to work for
about 10 minutes, then he simply repeats whatever behavior got him in
trouble.  It looks to me like he's having fun and sees all of this as
"playtime!"

Any sage advice about what to do?  He is healthy and happy, eats and
drinks and poops normally, and does not need to see a vet ;-)
Matthew - 21 Nov 2007 16:22 GMT
This is territorial .  Jim is the intruder and has to be introduced into the
pack just like another cat

The furball is basically acting to the stress of Jim being around.  Some
cats take quite awhile to adjust.

Have Jim give the furballs treats  maybe even feed them.

It is almost like when the lady has a dog and the guy goes to kiss him the
dog bites and growls at him

> Gandhi, my male domestic tan tabby master, 6.5 years old, has started
> exhibiting aggressive behavior in general but especially at night time and
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
> Any sage advice about what to do?  He is healthy and happy, eats and
> drinks and poops normally, and does not need to see a vet ;-)
Rene S. - 21 Nov 2007 16:40 GMT
> Gandhi, my male domestic tan tabby master, 6.5 years old, has started
> exhibiting aggressive behavior in general but especially at night time
> and even more especially when my fiance, Jim, stays over.

First, get some Feliway diffusers and put them around the house.
Having another person come and go in the household (Jim) can be very
stressful for some cats. You can also buy Rescue Remedy and put it in
their water (I use this and it really helps.)

Second, how often do you play with your cats? Play with them regularly
to release that energy, especially right before bedtime.

Does your fiance interact with the cats? Have him feed them, play with
them, give them treats. Praise them when they are interacting. Make it
a positive experience for them and let them approach him on THEIR
terms. Don't force them in any way. This will only make it worse.

As for the situation during bedtime, you need to set a routine and
stick to it. Either they sleep with you regularly or not at all. If
you are locking them out of the room sometimes and not others, they
will be confused or even resentful when Jim comes over and they are
suddenly locked out. If you choose to sleep with them, play with them
just before bedtime to wear them out. If they start acting up, IGNORE
them. DON'T get up and give them food, toys, whatever. Be tough. If
you give in, they will remember that and keep trying harder.

If they are not to sleep with you, give them toys, a comfy place to
sleep and water/litterbox during the night.

Remember, getting back to a routine will take time and tough love.
Cats are very routine oriented and it will take a while to get things
back to normal.

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