Tips for Cat Owners
Cat Behavior Problems
Aggression Towards Other Cats
Certain situations may make your kitty more aggressive towards other cats. An unhappy kitty will show the same signs of aggression with another cat as he does towards other people: growling, hissing, biting, scratching or stalking.
This will be likely in a male cat who is not neutered, or when a new cat is introduced in the home. Other causes include if a companion animal has picked up a foreign scent, or when your kitty feels threatened by another animal.
* It's the nature of the beast: Unneutered male cats often fight. The best solution, to protect your kitty and to prevent pet overpopulation, is to neuter your cat. You'll likely find your cat to be much more manageable once this is done!
* If you're considering a companion for your cat, consider a younger, smaller cat of the opposite sex as your pet. A four- to seven-month-old is ideal for all but very old resident cats.
No matter what kind of cat you ultimately choose, it's best to keep the new cat in its own area away from your cat for a week or two. That gives your first kitty time to get used to the smell - and the idea of sharing his space!
Also, it's a good idea to set out an extra litter box or two. Sometimes cats don't like sharing, and this will reduce the chances of accidents in the house. Be patient - it may take several months before the cats stop hissing and growling at each other, and they may never be best friends.
 *Cats have an amazing sense of smell. If you have more than one cat and the other one has been to the vet, the first one may hiss, growl, or even bite at him when he returns home. This is quite common even when cats have lived together a long time.
The experts at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that you open a can of tuna packed in water and pour a little juice in your hands, then rub it on the backs of both fighting cats (you can use the tuna to feed yourself!). This simple step makes the cats start to groom themselves, which will calm them down. They may even start to groom each other!
*If your cat is angry at one animal but takes it out on another pet, or even the human members of the family, isolate him in a quiet, dark room until he's calm. Don't pick up the cat, or you may get bitten. Use a big piece of cardboard to maneuver him into time-out!
Click on the appropriate category below:
Visit the links below for more tips on cat behavior
www.aspca.org
www.about.com/pets/cats
www.metrokc.gov/lars/animal/
www.ddfl.org/behavior/pica.htm
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