Cat Issues

[Tom8]

We have 5 rescue cats, all adopted by us at the same time.

We think we have a grandmother, daughter and three grandchildren, basically all related in some way. We have a big farmhouse, no neighbours, lots of land and vermin for them to chase etc. including free access from cat flaps.

To begin with they settled in well and were a joy, but now they all pick on and drive out the youngest one. They often fight each other and also three of them have taken to peeing around the house.

Unfortunately we've had them long enough to love them and so rehoming any of them is not an option so want to see if there is a cat whisperer who could give some ideas on how we can manage this and improve the behaviour?

Thanks in advance.

[Tyre Smoke]

I'm no expert, but I would imagine the weeing is a sign of territory marking. Have they all been spayed? I would imagine they have, being rescue.

Has there been a change in behaviour of the little one? Trying to assert herself? Or in the others? A change of dynamic in the group?

[Tom8]

Tyre Smoke said:

I'm no expert, but I would imagine the weeing is a sign of territory marking. Have they all been spayed? I would imagine they have, being rescue.

Has there been a change in behaviour of the little one? Trying to assert herself? Or in the others? A change of dynamic in the group?

Hi, yes they are all speyed, there are four girls and one boy. The one being picked on has been probably best behaved which is what makes it very sad, she is very sweet and keeps herself to herself. She hasn't changed in any noticeable way since we had her. She has a (we think) twin sister and none of them bother her.

[TroubledSoul]

I feel your pain.

I have four cats, one being a kitten. The adults are all neutered but one of them sprays still. He's a nervous bugger, he's ruined so much of my stuff over the last ten years, but he's my boy. I'm stuck with him and his annoying habit. Tried Feliway etc. to no avail.

What's really awesome is that I've literally just moved house and they've pissed on the hob three times now ffs.

[Krupp88]

Not sure if it would solve the problem but have you considered Feliway diffusers to try and calm them down?

We have a multi cat (5) household, sometimes you just need to let the puss politics work themselves out. Obviously that doesn't mean a free for all and not taking measures to protect the one being picked on.

[Tom8]

We did try Feliway but not convinced by them and with the house being so big and drafty not sure it really offers anything. Our latest approach is cat nip (like calming football thugs in Amsterdam!) and more play time with them. Not working yet but early days. This has been going on a good while now, it isn't just a recent thing, but now getting more desperate to try and resolve.

Really hard when all the cats really love us, but they don't all love each other.

[LordHaveMurci]

Try Pet Remedy, meant to be better than Feliway.

Thats a lot of cats to take on, especially all at once!

Have you spoken to the place you rescued them from for advice or wasn’t it an animal rescue place?

[Tom8]

LordHaveMurci said:

Try Pet Remedy, meant to be better than Feliway.

Thats a lot of cats to take on, especially all at once!

Have you spoken to the place you rescued them from for advice or wasn’t it an animal rescue place?

Thanks will take a look. No it was a small charity for rescues. I've had cats all my life and never had issues but most we have had was two at a time. We will never have more than two again, but we are softies where animals are concerned and thought keeping them together as a "pride" would be better for them. Clearly not!

[Krupp88]

The only other thing I can think to suggest is to try re-introducing them, i.e. keeping the bullied one separate and gradually re-introducing her to the others.