Halo,

I'm having a problem with one my cats, Daisy. Last year, we had 3 cats when we got kitten number 1, Daisy. She was from a rescue since she was taken from her mum at about 7 weeks. We then introduced 3 other kittens over the following weeks. They all got on fine, the kittens stuck together, played together, ate together etc

The 3 original cats, one passed away and the other two are staying temporarily but still gets on fine with everybody.

So a year on, everything was going ok until the past few weeks when Daisy has started to hiss and attack some of the other kittens. She turns and curses even if they just walk past her. It tends to mainly be at the 3 that are a similar age to her, the older 2 aren't really about.

Has anybody else came across this? She's just changed suddenly. We've had no changes at home, they were all neutered the same time 8 months ago. There is a bully in the neighbourhood, but he hasn't attacked her.

Although it's not all the time, we're still thinking of getting some plug-in feliway. We just want to understand why the sudden change.

Apologies for the waffle x

A few things spring to mind, but first, i would suggest a full health check at the vets. There are a number of illnesses which behavioural issues can be amongst the first symptoms... better be safe than sorry.

Once she given the all clear from the vets this is what struck me first.

1 - she is a young adult living mainly amongst other young adults. One cat will be queen bee in the house and it sounds like she has decided it will be her.

2 - some cats are just not sociable, and prefer to be living alone or in pairs. No matter what you do or what she was used to, she is now an adult and may have decided that this communal way of life is not for her.

3 - the loss of the other adult cat, how long ago was this? not that i think she is pining, but i expect there is some sort of hierachy rearrangement going on within the group at the moment.

First though, as i said at the beginning, please get her checked out at the vets.

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Hi

I was thinking the same as the above post.

The cat is just letting them know who is boss.

I have 7 cats , 2 of them are kittens, and the get swipes from the older ones... nothing to vicious, just letting them know where they are in the gang... the kittens go right down to the ground somtimes partly on there backs , this is to let the olders ones know, that they accept who is boss.

I have had my kittens couple of months now, and its been like this from pretty much day one... it may calm once they are newtered and spayed..

as long as its not serious let her carry on, if you stop her, you are comprimising her autority to the others.. and she may not like it.

My boss male always get the attention first, or food first etc, letting him know that I know he is boss.... which helps sometimes

Michelle

That's fab advice, thanks.

We thought she might be just being bossy because she's the eldest of the four, but we always assumed Alfie would take that role with him being male. But he is a big softie!

Nobody went near the eldest one that died, they were too busy exploring and playing when she was alive! They definatly respected her too.

I will make an appointment with the vet, I'd never forgive myself if there was anything a squidge more sinister!

Thanks again