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Cat Aggression - Please help!
Hi everyone!
I've never posted on the boards here before. I'm currently only posting on TK-NEY.
I'm hoping someone has some ideas to help me. Sorry, I have a feeling this post will be a bit long so that I can explain the back-story.
About a year ago, BF and I adopted a kitten (Dexter) from a shelter. He came to the shelter alone and was shoved in this tiny cage. We took him home and I brought him to the vet the next day. The vet estimated that he was only about 4 weeks old at the time - he weighed 8 ounces and fit in a coffee mug. A month later we adopted another kitten, Murphy who was estimated to be the same age as Dexter (so both about 8 weeks at this time). It was through the same shelter, however Murphy had been in a foster home and only spent a few hours at the shelter since we picked him up the night after he was neutered.
Fast forward to today and I'm completely lost about what to do. Dexter is (and has been for several months) showing signs of aggression. He often attacks Murphy even if he's completely unprovoked to the point that I have to intervene because Murphy's fur goes flying. I try not to yell, but it happens so fast that I end up yelling Dexter's name to get him to stop until I can grab the squirt bottle. I really don't believe that Dexter is just playing. He goes right for Murphy's throat, pins him down, and kicks with his back feet. When Murphy is playing, he will do the typical cat stalking and quick pounce, but that's the extent of it.
Murphy doesn't appear to be afraid of Dexter unless it's in the moment of the attack. He won't fight back. He doesn't seem to look for places to hide when things are calm. He roams the house freely. I stayed home to do my work here today, because of my concern. About a half hour ago, Murphy was laying a few feet from Dexter. Murphy was minding his own business and grooming himself. Dexter made these weird meow noises a couple times, almost as if he were annoyed. It should've been my warning, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Sure enough, a moment later he attacked.
Has anyone else experienced a similar situation? I don't know what to do. I have to schedule a routine exam for the cats and will talk to the vet when I go. Until then, we can't live like this. I don't want to re-home Dexter, but this cannot continue. If it came down to re-homing, it would be Dexter that goes as Murphy is the sweetest, loving cat I've ever known.
If you've read all this - THANKS! Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
Btw, they have a cat tower and a few windows to look out of, not to mention tons of toys so I don't think this is stemming from boredom or something.
Edit to add - I don't think I was clear earlier. Re-homing would be an absolute last resort. I'm really hopeful that this can be fixed. I also emailed a cat behaviorist.
Re: Cat Aggression - Please help!
5 cats. 1 baby.
Awesome! Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into that ASAP.
Update - just checked Barnes & Noble and they have some in stock at our local store. I'll be heading there after work tomorrow. Thanks again!
Definitely the book cat vs cat, a vet check and a feliway diffuser. It isn't unusual for cats who grow up together to go through periods of readjusting the hierarchy. I'll also note, my boy cats hate each other but we've worked really hard to get them to a point where they can coexist and I know they're better off here than being schlepped off on someone else. Prescription meds can help as a last resort also.