Question:
I am at my wits' end. I have two cats that fight all the time.My female, Molly, is 3 years old, and my neutered male, Maxie, is about 11 months old. I have had Molly since she was a kitten, and I acquired Maxie about five months ago. Molly spends her time running and hiding from Maxie. I have to separate the two of them when we go to bed at night. The next morning, it starts all over again.We got Maxie as a playmate for Molly, and Maxie is very active. Molly doesn't want to be bothered. Why does Maxie keep attacking her?Please advise. Any help will be appreciated.
S.D., Springfield, Va Jan 29, 2006
Answer:
It can be difficult to make cats that don't get along socialize together and make peace. Generally, cats from the same litter, or mother and kitten, get on well together.As often as possible, keep the two cats in the same room with you. Play with each of them. Groom one, then the other. Don't let Molly hide, and if and when Maxie goes after her, shout "No, Maxie!" and put a towel over him. Or squirt him with a plant sprayer or water pistol. Do this if you are certain Maxie is really out to fight and not just trying to play with flighty Molly. Many cats respond to such discipline and behavioral correction.If these solutions fail, try pheromone therapy. Ask your veterinarian for a room diffuser and Feliway, a new product that purportedly can work wonders in helping cats get along better. Alternatively, adopt a young and healthy playmate for Maxie. Often a three-cat home is more peaceful than a two-cat home when the first two are not that compatible, as seems to be the situation with Maxie and Molly.
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