The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [28]
Sometimes an indoor cat becomes upset or angry at the sight of a cat or other critter outside the window. Feeling frustrated, or perhaps threatened, the indoor cat will unleash her hostility on the closest target — usually another cat in the house. Or one cat will return from a veterinary visit and smell peculiar to her feline housemate who then responds by hissing or attacking this suddenly strange intruder.
Inside the home, cats tend to use a “time-sharing” approach for favorite locations. One cat may claim the sofa in the morning while a second cat takes over that spot in the afternoon. Some homes turn into combat zones when there is a change in routine or when one cat or both feel the need to defend their timed turf.
You are taking the correct initial steps by separating Abby and Buster for their own safety and to reduce stress levels. Each cat should have access to all the feline amenities they deserve. That list includes: a window for viewing, litter box, food, water, treats, toys, and bedding. Every day, switch places, but leave their food bowls and litter boxes. These tactics get them used to the idea of living together and sharing places and objects.
When you visit each cat, take a slightly damp washcloth and rub it over Abby’s back, then on Buster, and back on Abby to share their scents. The goal is to swap scents with the hope that they become more accepting of each other. While this is a common technique used to introduce two cats for the first time, it is also effective to get resident cats who are starting to feud to become reacquainted on friendlier, or at least tolerant, terms.
After several days, reintroduce them by cracking open the door to let them see one another but not be able to touch one another. After another few days, put a screen or tall baby gate in the doorway so that they can see one another more fully. If all goes well, confine the cats in a room, but place one of them in a crate and let the other roam freely. Then switch places.
If both continue to behave, you can gradually allow them to be in the house together. After any outbursts, however, go back a step or two to reinforce success. Reuniting Abby and Buster may take some time, so please be patient as you strive to restore peace. In extreme cases, you may need to consult a veterinarian about temporarily using mood-altering medications to decrease the aggression in Abby and the fear in Buster.
My parting advice is that you resist the temptation to coddle Buster or to shout at Abby. You may unintentionally reinforce his fear and her aggression.
The Dreaded Doorbell
Q My two-year-old cat, Sugar, has always been a scaredy-cat. When our doorbell rings, she races out of sight. I’ll find her under my bed or even under my bedspread. When I try to introduce her to visiting friends, Sugar tries desperately to wiggle out of my arms. She has even scratched my arms trying to escape. Why is she so scared and what can I do to calm her down?
A My cat Callie pulled a disappearing act when guests arrived for the first four years of her life. Some of my friends didn’t believe she existed! Like Callie, Sugar is exhibiting avoidance behavior in response to anything new in her environment, especially people. What causes some cats to be fearful while their littermates are outgoing is not known, but animal behaviorists identify several possible reasons.
GENETIC PREDISPOSITION. Some cats seem to be born reacting to new people, places, and objects with sheer fear. Even with gentle handling and positive experiences as kittens, some cats remain shy and a little standoffish with strangers.
EMULATING THE QUEEN’S BEHAVIOR. Kittens form habits by copying their mother between the ages of four and eight weeks. If the mother is fearful of strangers, the