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My Old Kitty & New Kitty Fight

Sent to Cat Experts July 19, 2005 7:23 a.m.

3 months ago we brought a new kitty into our home. Now we have 2 females, 3 yrs old. We have baby gates up to keep them separated until they are comfortable. They play all the time through the gate--but when we take it down they fight. Any insight you can give would be greatly appreciated!!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Answer
July 19, 2005 9:53 a.m. (2 hours and 30 minutes later)

REPLIED

You should try swapping which cat is on which side of the gate so they get used to each other's smell being all over the house.
You can also try Feliway the cat appeasing pheromone to drop the tension between them. Its available at pet supply stores and online. It works to reduce anxiety using a cat's normal 'friendly' pheromone from the chin area.
Make sure they are not just play fighting - my cats do that all the time and then sleep together after a round of boxing.
Hope this helps you!

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Reply to Nancy Holmes
Sent July 19, 2005 10:08 a.m. (14 minutes and 45 seconds later)

They are DEFINITELY not just play fighting. It is HORRIBLE--lol

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
July 19, 2005 10:16 a.m. (7 minutes and 52 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

In real fights serious damage is done real bites and claw marks - in mock fights the noise and thundering of feet and bodies is awful with hissing and ears back and lots of paw whacking rear paw digging and biting but the damage is minimal and if any damage is done such as a claw sticking into skin the cats stop the 'game'.
Try swapping them back and forth area to area and then use the Feliway too to see if that helps.
You may find this article on cat communication useful to interpret what you see when they are on either side of the gates
http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/Care/Cats/004/27.htm scroll down and follow the links for the full article.
If all else fails you may find you need a cat behaviorist to help you manage this situation - or maybe even some drugs to help calm things down long enough for the cats to realize they can get along. Your vet should be able to refer you to someone.

__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!

NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2031 Cat Accepts
30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care

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