Is This A New Game Or What?

[krazyaboutkatz]

Hi everyone. As most of you know, I have 4 male cats. Sunny and Sky get along with everyone. Storm and Cirrus still have some issues with each other.

Storm used to chase Cirrus back into my bathroom a few times a week. He'd then sit outside the bathroom door and guard it so that Cirrus was afraid to come out.

Now I've noticed that Storm chases Cirrus under my bed. He'll then sit by the bed and wait. He also sometimes sticks his head under the bed and this makes Cirrus hiss and growl. He's already done this at least five times today. I had to shut my bedroom door a few times so that Cirrus could be by himself for a while. Storm seemed so proud of himself for being able to do this.

The strange thing is that Cirrus will come out and act like nothing has happened. He's still very cautious around Storm but he's not afraid to be in the same room as him.

A little while ago, Sunny starting chasing Cirrus down to hall and Cirrus ran under the bed again. I don't know why because he's not afraid of Sunny.

I groomed all 4 cats earlier today and then I gave them some treats. Sky was no where to be found. Guess what, now he's under my bed. He's not scared but actually relaxing and sleeping.

Is this the new hide out for my cats? Do you think that Storm and Cirrus are playing a strange bully game? Should I be concerned about Cirrus being bullied all the time by Storm?

I'm sorry that this is so long but I'm not sure what to do. I've been trying to let them work it out on their own but it seems to be happening much more often now. Thanks for your advice in advance.

[IttyBittyKitty]

I didn't realise all of your furrbabies are MALE! Four boys! That really would be a handful ...

I have little experience with male cats, I've only had two male cats in my entire life, and I certainly have never had more than one male cat at one time. Not that that's a bad thing per se, but Mum preferred girls so I got used to girls myself. I'd rather Pixel have a little brother as I know that a bunch of girls can be pretty hissy and spitty too ...

As far as this situation is concerned, you can make the choice ... let them work it out or step in and take action.

So, the only advice that I can really offer in terms of "taking action" is to use "time out" time for nawtee bullying behaviour. If you catch any of your boys bullying the others, remove him from the situation and isolate him for ten minutes. Or, punish him as you normally would for naughty behaviour if you prefer. Perhaps Storm needs to learn that his behaviour is Not Acceptable.

Good luck, and I hope that someone with more boy kitty experience can offer better advice!

[jenluckenbach]

It does not sound like anything serious (from what I read, anyway). If they do not fear each other then it is no doubt a game. Amber (female) likes to stand outside the bathroom door, when I am in there, and swat at all the cats as they go in and out to greet me. And the cats often hightail it through the house after each other but then they turn around, switch the order of chace and come running back. (and some, especially Little Kim, are vocal about it). But they must like it because they always come back for more.

[Siva's mom]

I just went through that with my 1 year old rescue female cat and my 3 year old male cat who was there first. I thought they'd never resolve their issues! But they mostly have. I couldn't punish my bully male cat because I work during the day and no one is home with them. I was closing off 2 of the cats in the back of the house and 2 in the front while I was at work but then decided after 2 weeks that it wasn't accomplishing anything so I leave all the doors open now when I'm gone and they're doing a lot better. They seem to have worked it out pretty much. Still a problem now and then but not nearly as bad as it was. Now the female rescue cat seems to be annoying the 4 year old tortie who hisses and spits when she's around. But then she seems to do that now and then anyway to whoever is near her just because she can!

If you can stand the tension, give it a while. Sometimes it takes a few months for them to work it out. It took mine 2-1/2 months to get this far. I just couldn't get into punishing them for their behavior although I know some people can do that successfully. I wish you lots of luck!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks for all of your replys. Cirrus has been here for 5 months now and it seemed like he and Storm were okay in the beginning. I don't know if Storm chases him when I'm gone but I know he's still doing it when I'm here because he did it 2 more times today. This evening I decided to spray his face with some water and it seemed to help. Last night Cirrus hid under the bed and slept there most of the night. I don't ever recall him doing this before.

I'm trying to let them work it out on their own terms. At least there's no bloodshed. I've always been very lucky in the past with all of my cats accepting the new additions very quickly and easily. I guess I got spoiled. I'm sure that eventually they'll work it out or learn to tolerate each other better. I'm trying not to worry too much. BTW welcome to Pet Talk Siva's Mom. I'm sure you'll love it here.

[NoahsMommy]

Tracey,

Noah and Olivia do that chasing/blocking into a spot thing too!! Olivia stays in our room most the day (as you found out ) on our bed. Noah will lay between the bathroom and our bedroom and Olivia wont come out until he gets bored and leaves, or if notice it and move him.

Aren't they little buggers???

I guess if Cirrus seems OK with Storm (healthwise), it should be OK. Is Cirrus normally dominant? Maybe they are "fighting" to be the king of the house? I know that's what's going on between Noah and Livvy...although I think Livvy doesn't care any longer.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Originally posted by NoahsMommy


I guess if Cirrus seems OK with Storm (healthwise), it should be OK. Is Cirrus normally dominant? Maybe they are "fighting" to be the king of the house? I know that's what's going on between Noah and Livvy...although I think Livvy doesn't care any longer.

No, Cirrus isn't dominant at all. This is why this is so confusing to me. I'm very glad that Cirrus isn't dominant because he could easily beat up Storm and shred him to pieces. Just today, Storm has chased him 2 times under the bed. Another time Storm got very close to Cirrus and Cirrus became very scared and ran under my bed. I sure hope that they're able to work this out soon. If there was bloodshed, I'd have to consider rehoming Cirrus but it hasn't come to that yet and hopefully never will.

Thanks for your reply.