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