What are some tips on how to stop my cat from bullying my other cat?

Original Question: Last June we found a kitten standing on a rock in our backyard and think she was about 5 months old. We asked around the neighbourhood but no one claimed her. We already have a 10 year old cat and have kept them separated by keeping the kitten out on the inside porch. One day the porch door was accidentally left open and the kitten ran inside towards our other cat and started biting its fur off. Is there a supplement or medication you would recommend to ease the hyperactivity and aggression in my kitten? I remember reading about such a medication for pets that are hyperactive like the kitten we found. Any help is appreciated. Thanks very much for your time—KF. Ps. Have a good day. - Keith

Mar 5, 2018

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your question.

Here are some strategies that may help resolve the problem.

1. Reintroduce them slowly. For the time being I would keep them separated in two different rooms and then have the cats switch rooms for a few days. This way they get a chance to walk around and smell each other’s cat scent. By smelling each other first, we will have a gentler face-to-face introduction. After a few days of living in one another’s area, introduce them by sight but still keep them apart so that they can only see each other visually. After a few days of this, you can then allow them to physically engage each other.

2. Use supplements to control their aggression. There are devices you can buy that aerosolize a feline hormone in the air that has a calming effect. This can be used when they are separated in different areas so that it starts working and keeps them happy when they are confined. There are natural products you can get from a pet supply store that also help. You can continue to use these products after they are physically introduced to keep them calm for a few weeks or months. Once they learn to live peacefully together and you can then start to wean them off this supplementation.

3. Use medication if there is no success. You can speak to your veterinarian about prescription medication that will definitely have a strong calming affect on each cat. Ideally, you won’t have to go this route because it will be more costly and less healthy. Don’t be afraid to use this as an option if initial efforts are failing because it’s more important that you create harmony so that they have a happy life and won’t have to be moved to another home without a caring owner like yourself.