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Cats fighting after one cat died.

1 reply

ThisMustBeMyDream · 20/12/2020 17:55

I had 3 cats. Grumpy cat who hated people and all other things, who was aged and died 6 weeks ago. We now have 2 cats. 20 month old female and 8 month old female. Before grumpy cat passed away they were fine. Occasional play fighting, but tolerated each other well. Happy to be in the same room, feed with each other, sleep near each other etc. Grumpy cat would not do the above, they would get a swipe if they got too close. Now she is gone, my other 2 are now fighting all the time. I'm not sure how to deal with it. It feels like the cat dynamic has changed. What should I be doing to calm things down? Feliway and pet remedy have not helped.

It seems that the middle cat has had a change of temperament. She is grumpy and not as affectionate as she was. She was my autistic childs emotional support cat essentially (wasn't planned that way, but it just turned out that she would respond to him in meltdown and get him to stroke her to calm him down - now she doesn't). I think most of the fighting is instigated by the younger cat but I am pretty sure she is wanting to play, the same as she always has. Now my other cat is responding in a much more angry and vicious way. However the younger cat is also terrified of her if I have both of them in my arms, she yowls and shakes.

Does anyone have any good suggestions?

OP posts:
Bargebill19 · 20/12/2020 18:36

I suspect that they are as upset as you are at losing grumpy cat and are now settling into a new status quo. You may just have to wait it out.
In the meantime can you get some interactive toys for the youngster? Treat balls, laser balls or pen, a flipping fish. A feliway plug in or calms spot on treatment may also help.
I have found that stepping in and being firm about not tolerating ‘bad’ behaviour/too rough playing seems to help unite the cats - as I become the alpha cat in the pack. Mind you, you do risk cat revenge.

Sorry for your loss and fingers crossed for harmony to return soon.

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