Tiger, Tabby and kids in the middle
Dear Fisher,
My name is Tabby and I am a recently rescued kitty. That’s exactly why I have a problem. I live with a family of 2 adult humans, 2 young kids and 1 cat. The cat Tiger was also a rescue kitty, but he seems to have forgotten what that was like. Talk about Lord of the Manor!
I am a male cat, about 2 years younger than Tiger. They suspect he is 5 years old now and has lived with them for 1 year. Tiger acts like he doesn’t want me around at all. He likes to attack me and he doesn’t care if the children are around or not. The adults worry the kids will get caught in the crossfire, and I guess I would be the one to go if anything bad happened to them. I also worry about the kids and about being ousted from a home I could really learn to love. What should I do to help solve this situation?
Tabby
Dear Tabby,
Congratulations on your recent rescue! I would caution you to not try too hard to make everything perfect right from the get go. That is more than your new family should expect and causes a lot of undo stress for you. They must give extra and equal attention to you both. Know that they would not have taken you in if they did not want you. Truth be known, Tiger probably wanted a little brother, too, before he actually got one.
The socialization factor plays a large role depending on the extent of Tiger’s homelessness (and yours). Cats can be pretty territorial and if either of you were kittens when separated from your potential societies, it is tough for you to start sharing time and space with another cat. All involved must accept the fact that you may never be close pals, but if you can reach a “tolerable” relationship, it will benefit your whole household.
If the unexpected attacks continue, one of you should be put in time out for awhile. Then, your humans can gradually re-introduce you to one another very slowly. If you are chosen for the separation, do not despair. Do not feel picked on. Remember the safety of the children is involved and so is the future of your happiness. Think of it as an honor to be chosen the most valuable player in the solution.
Perhaps Tiger will have to take his turn at separation, too. That would be the best way to handle things. Neither of you are really at fault, so you should each take a turn. Only when each of you gives up the need to rule the roost will you be able to co-exist. This can take awhile. It is best for you to remain calm and not display any fear of either Tiger and his attacks, or having to leave the house. Fear makes you look weak, and for now, Tiger is probably playing off that attitude.
Your adult humans must be very careful not to get in the way if you two are involved in a cat fight. Since the little kids are around this display, they must also be instructed to slowly walk away from the melee. There are some other ways to stop your battle, according to information found at the Humane Society your humans might find interesting.
First they could use a small water gun and squirt water at the two of you. Think of this as a way to cool off your tempers. A second try could involve tossing small soft toys at you. If you are very lucky, the toys may also contain some catnip, which can be a great “equalizer” as you may both get very limber and sleepy. Not a bad idea for either of you!
Your friend,
published in tbt* Tampa Bay
