Any tips to reduce cats taking a playful pop at each other?

[CognitiveOverload]

Its causing one of them stress... not full on fighting but playful sparring...

[cozietoesie]

What are the circumstances? (eg how old, what sex, how long have you had them, neutered or not etc.)

[CognitiveOverload]

Both neutered females. One had since a kitten 4 yrs. Other is 3 but was a stray who we have rehomed. Older one not very assertive and quite nervous even though faster and more dominant until lately... the younger one is testing the waters playfully...and older one finding it too much.

[CognitiveOverload]

I think they are trying to establish dominance and the older physically should come out on top, which would work better...as younger one can deal with it. But younger one is pushing. ..

[cozietoesie]

Hmm. You could try extra and very obvious TLC for the older one - but to a degree, I think they're going to have to work it out themselves. Which they should.

Other posters may have more positive suggestions.

[CognitiveOverload]

And older one is shying away... shes really unsure of herself. ..

[CognitiveOverload]

Thanks for responding, will try that but older one sulks with us...shes not the easiest to lavish attention on :)

[cozietoesie]

That's why I suggested lots of very obvious TLC. She's never had to prove herself before if she's been the only cat since maturity and it may be that the new girl is in fact potentially the more dominant female and that's how it will pan out. You're likely being torn by loyalty to the former only resident cat and worry that she's not happy but maybe it will work out OK with her being wingman to the new girl.

Difficult situation.

[Fallenangle]

I have neutered males who are brothers from the same litter, over the years their playful sparring has become what appears to be bullying by what to me seems to be be the softer cat over his harder brother (the one that catches birds, voles etc.) I Have just begun using Feliway to see if that helps. Happy to report back in a month or so.

[CognitiveOverload]

She did have a brother who died a yesr ago and used to bully her... she was less confident around other cats without him...will have to see how it goes... might just have to give the other one shelter but not sharing our life. Doable but sad...

[cozietoesie]

It doesn't always work out however much you try - in the wild they would just force a less 'acceptable' cat to move away whereas we try to keep them together.

Also, it's difficult to tell who is going to be dominant. When The Lodger was here, Seniorboy was apoplectic even though they didn't actually meet face to face daily. The Lodger is twice Seniorboy's size and one-fifth of his age but he hasn't got Seniorboy's attitude. That good old Siamese 'Death or Glory' stuff.

Best of luck

[CognitiveOverload]

Thanks...its definitely an attitude thing...you're right.