CATFIGHTS!!

[thelmalu99]

Sigh. Last week, Chuck asked me if Elvis and Danny had been fighting and I said no. I think I spoke too soon because they fought ALL WEEKEND!!
At first, I wasn't sure if they were playing or fighting because they were sort of chasing each other from room to room. All of the sudden, they started really hissing and swatting at each other! They did that all weekend! They fought during the day and night. They woke me up at 5 in the morning with their hissing!!
I have been told that this is normal and they are just trying to figure out a "pecking order" or whatever. Is this true? Should I be concerned? Do cats really hurt each other when they fight like this? Does this mean that they hate each other? Will it ever stop?

[thelmalu99]

Yeah, they're both neutered and I haven't noticed any spraying YET. (I guess I shouldn't speak too soon!)
When I was told that it was better to get two than just one, I guess I assumed that they would be buddies from the start. I expected to see them curled up together napping and running around playing, not hissing at each other.
They can both sleep with me and not fight. One on each side of me or one by my head and the other by my feet. Elvis likes the window sill for lounging, while Danny prefers the couch or my bed, but they do switch off sometimes. They will eat side by side and they don't seem to mind it when I give them both affection at the same time.
I don't know why but one will just get in the other's face and all hell will break loose. Friends have told me that once they establish a pecking order, they will calm down. I'm just afraid they will hurt each other. (And, of course, I would like a full night's sleep sometime soon. If possible. )

[4 feline house]

They probably didn't start fighting immediately because the first order of business was to get used to their surroundings. With that out of the way, they can now decide who's "top dog". It's unlikely they'll actually do damage to each other, but not out of the question, either. The fighting will eventually decrease or even cease altogether. They may never be friends, however. But even if they aren't, I'm still of the opinion that they are still happier with another cat in the house than alone, if they are with working "parents" and have no humans or other animals in the house.

[thelmalu99]

Thanks. I'll keep my fingers crossed that they will get their differences sorted out soon and try getting along for a change.
I get so upset when they fight, you know?
>sigh<

[thelmalu99]

LOL!! The mental picture I'm getting is very funny! I may try it just for the laugh!

Who knows, it may work.

[TheAntiPam]

Originally posted by SpencerTheLion:
<STRONG>...at least they are young. If they were both over five years old, then they could be a pair of old grumpy cats ...</STRONG>

I feel a movie title coming on: "Grumpy Old Cats". Perhaps we can get Walter Matthmeow to star?

[yorkster]

I think it is pretty normal for two cats to fight some. After all, they are a lot like people! My cats totally LOVE each other, but sometimes they really get into it, and then a few minutes later they are snuggling & grooming each other. They have been on each others nerves a bit more lately, but I think it's because of the weather- it's been pretty hot and humid (well, for Seattle anyway). They have not been eating as much either. I would not worry too much yet. I think kittens argue and fight more than adult cats too.

[catwoman]

Thelma.

I've been thinking about you and your boys this morning. I hope you had a (relatively) calm night and got a little sleep!

Dianne

[wolflady]

Thelma, how's everything going with your boys?? I sure hope they work this out soon. To make a loooooong story short, my husband's cat absolutely DID NOT want anything to do with my cat for the longest time when we first tried to introduce them ...but after 6 months of different tactics, he finally came to accept it. Now they are just like brothers. They do fight on occasion, but like human siblings...it happens I think what happens with my boys is they start playing...but then it gets a little rough. A few hisses are thrown out (by my husband's cat) and that's about it. Most of the time they co-habitate pretty well. I do think they are just getting used to who is "top cat" around there since they have finally settled into the new place. Do let us know what happens though! It would be nice for you to get a sound night's sleep I'm sure!! *hugs*
Karen

[thelmalu99]

Hi everyone,
Last night, I heard the boys running around and it sounded like a marching band was parading through my living room, lol! I didn't hear any hissing, though, so I took that to be a good sign. This morning, however, there was some hissing and swatting going on after one cat cornered the other under the bed.
Ah, well...I'm just hoping this is nothing more than a little sibling rivalry and they don't really hate each other. From what you all have told me it's not uncommon for cats to fight like this, so I'm trying to stay calm about it. I was kind of flipping out because I have always had only one cat, so I'm not used to all of this drama.
Thanks for all the help.


**Double the fun, double the love and double the POOP!!!**

[thelmalu99]

Still fighting.
I have noticed that Elvis is the instigator. Danny will just be there, minding his own business, and Elvis will just go up to him and start swatting at him or trying to bite him. I don't understand, because Elvis seems to be the one getting his "butt kicked". He's got a few small scratches on his nose. Nothing major, but I'm assuming that they're from the fights. I don't know why he keeps picking fights.

[thelmalu99]

Nope. No place in particular, just wherever and whenever the mood strikes him.
It doesn't happen when they're eating or if Danny decides to hang out on the window sill (Elvis' favorite spot) or even when I'm giving Danny attention. It almost seems like Elvis is just like, hmmm, nothing better to do, let me go and pick a fight! LOL.

Do you think it's possible that maybe they're just playing rough with each other and I'm completely mistaken in thinking that they're fighting?

[thelmalu99]

Leave it to me to adopt a clueless cat!


[ August 23, 2001: Message edited by: thelmalu99 ]

[catwoman]

I don't know ... my cat Thelma always is the instigator, and Weezie usually wins too. Thelma just has so much energy, she can't resist starting the occasional scuffle!

[4 feline house]

It could be that they're just playing. But the fact that the loser is the instigator reinforces my suspicion that he's trying to be top cat. If he were already on top he would have no need to challenge the status quo. But, they could be just playing, too!