Bullying Behaviour

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Michelle Owen
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Bullying Behaviour

Post by Michelle Owen »

Hi everyone,

My first time posting on this site. I'm worried about one of my cats and hope some of you can suggest something for me to do to help her.

We have 2 cats, both approx. 16 years old. Both female and spayed. The black cat I have had since she was 6 months old, the white cat I've had since she was about 9 years old.

We live in a 1 bedroom flat and the cats are indoor cats as we have no outside space for them. We have lived in this flat for the last 4 years with no issue. Before that, we were in a house with a garden which the cats used to explore however, moving hasn't caused an issue.

We have 2 litter trays. 1 in the kitchen for the white cat and one in the bathroom for the black cat. Each used their own tray fine until just recently.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed that white cats litter tray is virtually empty when I change it and black cats is very full. Neither have any toilet problems or go more than each other. Then this morning I caught white cat using black cats tray. So clearly this has been happening for a few weeks now.

My concern is that black cat is being bullied.

The two have never really liked each other but usually tolerate each other with the odd screech, hiss or swipe at each other. But this was always fairly equal behaviour.

White cat prefers to spend her time in the kitchen and living room while black cat owns the bathroom and bedroom. Recently though, white cat has been encroaching on black cats space by coming into the bedroom often and also sleeping in there at night.

Usually white cat sleeps on the sofa in the living room and black cat sleeps on the bed with us. Now white cat sleeps on my husbands feet in bed and black cat gets off of the bed and goes into the living room for the night.

Black cat does seem a little sad and I'm worried that white cat is trying to push black cat out. What can I do to help things?

It's also helpful to note that white cat is deaf so shouting or trying to tell her off won't work and most of the behaviour is quite subtle so things like shooting water as I've read on other forums wouldn't work really either because it's something that's gradual rather than an attack of some sort.

Both cats get equal amounts of fuss from us too so one shouldn't feel left out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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lilynmitz
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Re: Bullying Behaviour

Post by lilynmitz »

To be honest if they're not fighting or acting stressed, I'd just let them get on with it. From what you say you're more worried about it than they are. Cats do go through phases, even after such a long time. Keep an eye on toilet habits though, as that can be an indicator of health issues, but if they're eating fine and just renegotiating territory, but withn no fighting etc, I'd relax and let the, get on with it.
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meriad
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Re: Bullying Behaviour

Post by meriad »

I agree with Lilynmitz - if there's no fighting etc then I'd leave them to sort it out. Also, chances are that either one or both are in the beginning stages of feline dementia (quite normal at that age) which would also cause a change in behaviour.

As a matter of interest, when were they last seen by a vet? If it's been a while then it may be an idea to take them for a check up just in case it's a medical issue that is causing the difference in behaviour

Fusses to your two
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greenkitty
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Re: Bullying Behaviour

Post by greenkitty »

I agree, I've always find things move around with my guys, territories, sleeping spots etc. As long as black cat is still getting all the affection she needs from you I'd just leave them to it.
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