Older cat not accepting new cats into the household

Question

Until July last year we had two female cats, both around nine years old and both brought up together from kittens (neither have had kittens and both were "doctored and chipped" many years ago).

In July 2015 we got two "farm" kittens (a boy and girl) and duly seperated the older cats from the new arrivals as per quarantine suggestions. After a few weeks we began to introduce them. One of the older cats hissed a bit and gave out the occasional slap if the kittens got a bit close but is now fully integrated with the youngsters and we are delighted.

The other older female cat is a totally different story. It's impossible to have the "problem" older cat in the same room because blood will be spilled and tonight for instance, the blood spilled was from my hand when the two "warring" parties inadvertently "got together". I had to grab the older cat by the scruff of the neck because she was attacking the younger female. It's been like this for months and we don't know what to do.

In the last couple of months we have bought baby-gates to block off doors and have the older cat in the kitchen while the youngsters (now also doctored) have been in the adjoining room. The older cat howls and fights the "gate" the instant she sees the youngsters. She paces up and down and will try to be vicious through the gate if one of the youngsters walks by. The howl is a little blood curdling - talk about chalk and cheese.

Tonight, the problem older cat forced her way through the baby-gate (god knows how) and attacked the female youngster. In her credit, the female youngster is standing up to her but I had to push my hand in to break up the fight and basically, we are at our wits end and don't know what to do.

Over the last three months the problem older cat has "broken" her way into the vicinity of the youngsters and, quite literally, fur has flown. Tonight my finger was cut and the younger female cats stitches (due to her being spayed) have opened up a bit. On a previous occasion the older cat and the female youngster chased up to the top of a cat scratch post and both fell 4 foot to the floor whilst still locked in combat - it's as if the older cat just does not care.

A bit more about the older cat - she isn't what you would call normal - she is extremely territorial - if another cat steps on the drive she's flying at them like a maniac. I've seen her take on large tom cats who have strayed onto her patch (she is quite slight herself) and really got involved at the sharp-end. It's as if she possesses no fear and she comes back inside with the wounds but, would do it again 5 minutes later. She is both awesome and terrible.

The problem older cat is weird in other ways. Although she lived in the same household from a kitten, at that time a lodger adopted her but he had a tendency to keep her in his room and, when he left (about 4 years ago) she just didn't seem like a normal cat - I'm sorry I can't be specific about this but I'm no psychologist!

Anyway, we don't know what to do about this and would welcome any pertinent advice.

Answer 1

My female cat is not as aggressive as yours but is very territorial too. Since having her we've successfully introduced into the household a male cat and a male dog. She was 6 and 8 years old respectively. She used to attack both of them at the beginning, but since they were not very "brave" they would keep to themselves at the ground floor and she would spend most of her time upstairs, so that helped a lot with the transition. During the first months of both the new cat and the new dog, however, if they crossed paths she would definitely attack them. So here's what worked for us:

• Give the older her favourite place in the house and don't let the new cats get in there.
• Don't let the newcomers provoke the older cat, tell them no when they do it, show them that they have to go away from her. If they get close, pick them and move them away. Maybe even use a water bottle?
• Also, when bad things happen, show the older cat that you are not happy with her behaviour.
• Always feed the older cat first.
• Does the older cat sleep in your room/bed? If so do not let the youngsters in, this is her special time and place.

I know you've been doing some variation of most of it, but keep at it. I don't know if this will make you happy or sad, but only after 2 years in each instance I'm confident that she will not randomly slap them if they get too close. Older cats tend to adapt very slowly to new situations, is just the way it is unfortunately. Good luck!

Answer 2

Are all your cats sterilized? Sometimes hormones that are produced by ovariums, make animals to behave in strange way. I am not a vet, but I have read about such situations. After operations cats (and dogs) usually become calmer and kinder.

Of course, your older cat protects her territory. Maybe some jealousy adds. So try to talk to a vet about sterilization, and ask for advice about some pills that would help her to become a little bit calmer. I usually use catmint when want to introduce 2 cats to each other. Cats like its smell, they even sometimes leak it :) And don't pay attention on something else. I guess, there are some sprays with catmint for comfort use.

And don't forget to "love" your old one. She is in stress, a stranger appeared in her house, maybe she is afraid, that you don't love her anymore. Give her good and tasty food, talk to her, pet her. She must feel your love. She won't get changed shortly, she needs time.

Find videos made by Jackson Galaxy, he is famous "cats whisperer". He gives advices how pets and their owbers can overcome some difficulties. He really knows cats. Maybe you'll find something useful for you.

Answer 3

You could try getting a prescription for kitty valium from a vet. It can take a lot of the starch out of these things.