Question:
I have a cat that has a behavioral problem. I've had this cat since he was a kitten, and then be became friends with a stray cat through the window screen. They seemed to like each other. I took the stray to the vet and then brought him into my home to keep the first cat company. They are both around 3 years old now. My cat's name is Baby Boy and the stray is Mr. Gray Man, both males.For seemingly no reason, Baby Boy will attack Mr. Gray Man by straddling him and biting his neck and back -- Mr. Gray Man seems to be paralyzed when this happens and stays still and squeals for help.I have taken Baby Boy to a vet for help and they gave him antidepressants, but as soon as the medication wore off, he'd attack again. Then he was prescribed narcotics, but as soon as he was fully awake he'd attack again.At other times, Baby Boy will initiate grooming with Mr. Gray Man. This is a beautiful thing -- they must have a special bond to be doing this. But mainly I have to keep the cats separated when I'm not home.
J.W., Pasadena, Md May 29, 2005
Answer:
I am in shock that your veterinarian prescribed antidepressants and narcotics for poor Baby Boy, who was simply behaving normally and doing what cats do -- not attacking and injuring Mr. Gray Man, but simply asserting his dominance and possibly engaging in a little sex play. Like all cats in these situations, Mr. Gray Man simply submits.So let them be together at all times. The fact that Baby Boy initiates affectionate grooming means they have their relationship worked out and Mr. Gray Man is the one on the bottom. His apparent "paralysis" and his "squeals for help" are normal responses for a cat being dominated by another seizing the back of his neck. Do not interfere. Let cats be cats and allow them to engage in normal (and usually non-injurious) social behavior. And let more veterinarians take refresher courses in animal behavior, which should be a prerequisite for graduation in all veterinary colleges.
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