What can I do to keep the peace?

[Donnaj4962]

I will be moving in the next month. As most of you know, I have 2 kitties: Tabitha is 19 and Sasha is 4. And again, as most of you know, they "tolerate" one another, and that is about it. I have been bringing boxes into the house, but haven't started packing as yet. I think they know that something is happening, and I have noticed for the past few days that Sasha is being unusually mean to Tabitha. She keeps pouncing on her, and pinning her down! She doesn't bite or claw, just pins her down! Poor Tabby just lays there and screams until I can rescue her. I am wondering if Sasha (who has only known our current home) is scared and acting out? Any suggestions? Would feliway help with this? I have never had to use it, so I don't know if it will help or not. I know that all of you experts out there will be able to help!

Tabitha has moved with me 5 times in our 19 years together, but with her age, I am concerned that it will be more stressful on her. We have lived in our current home for 7 years now, so she has become quite content. I was wondering if maybe the feliway would maybe help to calm her nerves also?

We are moving across town, into a house with lots more room for them to run and play (okay, for Sashie to run and play!) and I know that once we settle in, they will be fine. I am just wondering what I might be able to do in the meantime to help keep them calm. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Medusa]

I've not had much success w/Feliway but I know that many PTers have, so why not give it a whirl? It couldn't hurt. Also, many use Rescue Remedy. If none of those work for you, perhaps your vet can give you a low dose of a kitty chill pill, just until things settle down for you. Good luck in your move.

[kb2yjx]

Try the Bach Flower Remedy WALNUT. It is suppose to help with change. I have used it on my cats when we moved, and it did seem to help. I have "only" nine cats.... GOOD LUCK!

[Donnaj4962]

Thanks for the suggestions! There was chasing and pinning again tonight after I got home. I am trying to keeop Sasha focused and busy.... but it doesn't always work and I worry what happens while I am gone during the day!

I am going to PetSmart this weekend (tomorrow is payday) to look at some options.

Where would I find the Bach Remedt WALNUT?????

[largeheartedgirl]

You can find Bach Flower Essences at a good health food store. The clerk ought to be able to direct you to their stand. Walnut for change is a good idea as is Rescue Remedy for general stress and trauma.

They may have a chart that can guide you to an essence for Sacha's aggression. It's clear that she's exhibiting dominating behavior toward Tabitha. You may want to have Tabitha examined by a vet. Sometimes aggression and dominance is escalated when one cat is sick.

I know that when we get boosters at Neko's annual vet visit, he feels kind of tough. The last visit was the first one since we've had our dog, Lily. They're constantly sparring in an attempt to establish dominance. Anyway, after that vet visit, I could tell Neko wasn't his usual self, and the dog started humping him. I've never seen her do it before or since, but that is a dominance behavior.