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My crazy cats. (super long, of course)
So... I've mentioned a couple of times in the randoms that Jinx has been acting weird. First, she quit coming into our bedroom. Then, she quit getting on any furniture and she started rebelling when it was time for her medication. Now, she will not walk into our living room. She acts very skittish/nervous when we try to force her into any of this situations. For instance, if we carry her into our living room and set her down, she'll take off out of there like a bat out of hell.
We've come to the realization that this is probably a dominance issue that we're dealing with. It seems that Zoey has somehow claimed these spaces and communicated to Jinx that she's not allowed in/on. Zoey has always been the alpha cat, but it's never really been a problem before. I don't know what or why it changed.
But Jinx is increasingly nervous around Zoey. For instance, I had Jinx's favorite toy/game out this morning, and she wouldn't play. She just sat there and kept looking over her shoulder at Zoey who was down the hall. Then, I shut Zoey in a bedroom and tried to play with Jinx again, and loe and behold, she played like her usual self. In another example, we give them shredded cheese as treats. Yesterday, I gave them each a few pieces of cheese. Jinx would not eat hers. She just kept watching Zoey. Eventually, Zoey walked over and ate Jinx's share. This morning, while Zoey was shut away, I gave Jinx some cheese and she quickly devoured it.
We haven't actually seen Zoey exhibiting any aggressive behavior and there's been no actual spraying/marking, so we're not totally sure that's what's going on here. But we can't figure out anything else. But it seems to be getting worse, as Jinx is gradually staying in a smaller and smaller area of our house. It makes me so sad! I miss my happy, cuddly Jinxy.
Any ideas how to fix this? I posted on the pets board, and they're ignoring me. I asked a friend who is very knowledgeable about cats and she was stumped.
We tried spraying some Feliway in certain parts of the house, but it hasn't made a difference.
We're going on a long vacation soon, and our cats will be home alone (with a cat sitter who will stop by daily). This is by far the longest they've ever been home alone. I'm not sure if this will make the situation better or worse.
Any thoughts? Anyone know a cat psychologist? 
Re: My crazy cats. (super long, of course)
Woah, that's strange. They've been together for a while now, I wonder what triggered this issue.
I know about as much about cat behavior as I do about preparing fish to eat. So, no suggestions.
Good luck.
Oh poor Jinx.
How has she been feeling otherwise? Any signs she isn't doing 100%? When was the last time she was at the vet?
I really hope Zoey is just being a bossy pants.
She was at MSU for a check-up at the end of July. Then in early August, she had her regular check-up and shots with our local vet. She received an all clear at both appointments. Her health seems to be fine, other than this strange behavior.
It was actually right after the August appointment that we began noticing a change. We wondered if Zoey got weird because Jinx came home smelling like a vet's office. But we've never had problems with that before, so I don't know.
I have heard of that happening. But you'd think if that was the case it would have worn off by now. Weird. Sorry I don't have any advice for you.
I don't have any advice, but I'm sorry that the peace is being disturbed
I haven't. But I just put a hold on it at the library. It looks great. Thank you!
How's Gracie doing these days?
Mira, I picked up the book that you recommended.
I learned that cats have life milestones when the reach "social maturity" which is seperate from when they reach "sexual maturity." Social maturity occurs anytime between the ages of 2 and 4 (or 5, depending on who you ask). When a cat reaches social maturity, apparently it can cause major territorial problems with cats who previously lived harmoniously. Interstesting, eh? Jinx is 5, and we always said that she seemed to have a very long kitten period (very playful and happy-go-lucky).
So, we think that our problems are either due to this milestone, or the August vet visit, or possibly a combination.
I also learned from reading the book that a lot of the subtle things that Zoey does (the way she postures, the way she vocalizes, the way she claims us), is much more dominant/aggressive than we ever realized.
I'm still not exactly sure how to fix the problem. The book seems to be good about diagnosing problems, but not as helpful with fixing the problems. I have a lot to read yet though.
Brandon ordered a Feliway plug-in last night. Hopefully that helps diffuse the situation some. I'm also trying to make a point to spend more one-on-one time with Jinx when Zoey's not around.
Ahhh... cat drama.
For real!