Boy cat is 3.5yrs. We got him and his brother as rescue kittens but his brother died (lost for weeks then found dead by a neighbor). He then cried a lot and seemed lonely, but then seemed ok but we got another younger female rescue kitten about 1.5 years ago.
Girl cat settled well. Boy cat seemed indifferent, tolerated her playful kitten antics. She seemed to like him, as I say, he didn’t seem bothered one way or the other. He is the more affectionate and soppy of the two, she is more choosy. She’s more timid and he’s more vocal and communicative with us. I guess he’d more dominant and a little bit bigger than her. He loves being outside, cries to go out first thing and will happily stay out god knows where all day. She is less bothered and generally stays closer to the house and pops in and out more.
Both castrated / spayed obvs.
The last few months boy cat has little phases of being very aggressive with girl cat. They play chase together occasionally taking it turns, but more recently it doesn’t seem like playing. He kind of comes up behind her and grabs her, and traps her down. She does that awful big meowing, and he is persistent.
No changes at home, kids & DH & me are lovely and gentle with them both abd love them dearly. Boy cat gets most of the attention as he’s happier doing so. They both stay in overnight. Plenty of litter trays (though they seem to prefer going outside) and two food bowls and they seem to share well. He’s a bit pushier if he’s hungry but he’ll accept it if she stands her ground whilst eating.
Tonight he was attacking her and wouldn’t stop even if I clapped loudly close by so I pretty much had yo separate them. I verbally told him off, not shouting but firm voice. She’s scarpered under a bed somewhere. He’s d’effort sheepish and sitting near me but not cuddling, though looking at me expectantly.
So what’s going on with this aggression?? Anything we can do? He’s got a great character, kisses us all every day, makes the kids laugh by getting on their beds/pillows at bedtime every night without fail. But this aggression seems odd for an otherwise pretty soppy cat.
Gosh sorry that was long!