Multiple cats, how do you do it?

[Medusa]

Things are much calmer in my house since I began using Clomicalm a few years ago. Medicating my cats was a last resort but things got so bad; Specs and Boo were fighting every day, then the peeing wars began and I'd had enough. Sometimes, though, no matter what you try, there will be cats who just do not get along. I think it's just like people; some of us just don't hit it off w/others and there's always tension there. But I do think that if Pollux gets more attention, things may calm down for you a bit. My Specs needs more attention and sometimes I'm lax in that department because I may be focused on Puddy, who's a CRF cat, or Creamsicle, who's a CH cat, and I'll notice the difference in his behavior. He becomes very whiney. I had 8 cats until my Peeka passed over and now 7 is all I can comfortably handle. Sometimes I think it isn't the number of cats you have but their personalities. I had a lot of chaos when I only had 4. Good luck and let us know how things are progressing.

[GILL]

There are always some disagreements. Every now and then some one gets picked on. Last night Bailey was the target of Chessie & Princess. The night before it was Boots by Lenny & Bailey.
So it becomes a never-ending cycle. I can take a little yelling but if it gets to bad they all know that I'm the alpha and I will chase the offenders with my swart bottle. After one of the chasses things quite down for a few days and everyone is on their best behavior.

[Freedom]

I was interested in reading the other multi cat replies, as I don't have those issues!

I never expect my cats to be all lovey dovey with each other; but I DO expect them to live in harmony. I tell them that (who knows if they really understand or not?) and the squirt bottle is my friend when a newbie arrives. Things are sorted out within 4 weeks or sooner.

Each of mine needs / wants a different level of interaction with me. Having multiples means, for me, when I want to cuddle a kitty, SOMEONE is available! I remember having just my first cat Amber (Mr. Amber Cat), and wanting to sit with a cat in my lap and stroke, but after 3 or 4 off he went. So for me, having multiples is heaven!

I don't believe I have ever had an all out fight; I just do not permit it! Now and then someone will hiss at another one, not always clear to me why it happens. And Vita, my Queen, does an excellent job of keeping everyone in line and dutiful to her regalness. I've often thought I am lucky to only have ONE Queen, as I never turned a cat away, so it just happened that way.

I keep nails trimmed regularly so no one can hurt anyone else (or the dogs). I did once have Vita scratch the cornea on Sparkle, ER vet visit. But they were playing at the time!

I am guessing that Pollux thought this is just the way life is, until you and your tribe arrived and he saw that he COULD get petting. So now he is trying to figure out how to fit in, how much petting does he like, OOHHH it is NICE!, and so he is sorting it all out.

Many people do not realize that cats ARE social creatures. They are not pack animals like dogs; but people mix that up and think they aren't social. they most definitely ARE! Pollux has been missing out and now he has to catch up and discover something about himself: just how much petting does he really like? Giving him petting time will help sort it all out.

Best wishes!
Sandie

[DJFyrewolf36]

Thanks for the replies! Ive been petting Pollux a lot more as of late and Ive noticed a bit of a drop in the incedents (except for last night when for some reason ALL of them wanted to sit in the bathtub but were convinced only one could fit at a time )
Im lucky enough to catch most of the scraps between them before they hurt each other but Hoodini did get a small scratch on his ear a few weeks ago . A lot of the time they hiss or yowl at each other before they ever get into a physical fight (cat bad language?)
My roomate keeps talking about sending Pollux back to his mom in Nevada but I don't know when or if thats ever going to happen. The last thing I want is for him to go through more bouncing around, which I doubt will help him any. What stinks is it isn't my decision unless my roomates mom doesn't take him and when me and John get our own place we end up with him. Realistically I know he functions well in a home where he is the only cat but I feel like if I try to find him a better home Id be giving up on him. . My three are good buddies and I think they have a good dynamic with each other and the best thing for them is to keep them as a trio. I also don't want them ganging up on the odd cat out and they've been doing that a lot with Pollux. They did that when I was fostering Onyx too .
Sigh...Pollux needs love and to know that he is wanted. I think he has spent way too long feeling like no one wants him around.

[catmandu]

I AM NOT SURE IF ITS SOMETHING THAT I DO, I WOULD HAVE TO CREDIT THE OLDER CATS MORE AS THEY ARE SO WARM AND FRIENDLY THAT THE YOUNGER CATS ARE RELAXED , AND ASIDE FROM MIQUELITO STARTING LITTLE FIGHTS, THERES GENERALLY HARMONY AT THE FOUND PARADISE CAT HOTEL.
MY PRINCESS WHO AT 17 IS STILL SKITTISH AROUND OTHER CATS AVOIDS THEM AND THEY GIVE HER HER SPACE OR ELSE!!!!
ALL IN ALL THINGS ARE COPASETIC HERE.

[Sevaede]

Aww. Hopefully things get better with the roomie and they start taking good care of Pollux. He's a good boy. Give him some fluffy cat love for me.