Loose Lips: Aggressive Civie Grieving?

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Hi All;

Our 4 year old male civie, Hobson, has become increasingly aggressive toward our other two civies, 5 year old sister Magpie and especially, 1 year old sister Amma since the passing of my beloved Pirate Fitz. Hobson was neutered at 6 months but we've always felt the vet did a lousy job. We feel this way because Hobson began trying to impregnate not only his spayed big sister Maggers, but also some of our furniture. :shock: We took him back to the vet but were told nothing was wrong with his neuter job and this was just a quirk of this kitty.

But now, ever since our Fitzel has passed, Hobson has become increasingly aggressive toward both sisters. Not only continuing to mount Amma (but not Magpie) and fighting (not playing) with both sisters. This is new. We're giving Hobson Rescue Remedy several times a day and have the Feliway plug in and the spray in use where he likes to hang out. The last few days we've had to resort to time out for him; locking him in a room by himself with food, water and a litter box. Though he's by himself, he's not alone all day, as I spend special time with him for a couple hours, wondering if he feels somehow abandoned now that Fitz is gone. Now, Hobson and Fitzel HATED each other. Pirate Fitz ruled this house in no uncertain terms and all civies knew this and obeyed. Hobson and Fitzel kept their distance from each other including Hobson waiting to eat until Fitz was fed and gone from the food area. Oh, one other interesting note - Hobson now insists on eating on the the same raised ledge where we fed our Pirate. It's in the same room as the other food and water bowls, but elevated and a bit separate. Once in awhile Hobson did challenge Fitzel for that ledge but she never allowed him to be too close and he never ate there even once she was finished eating.

This aggressive behavior really has us worried. I don't want to jump to meds unless I know I've tried everything else. Trouble is, I'm out of ideas and open to suggestions. Even though Hobson and Fitzel had no love between them, I'm wondering if his new behavior is some type of grieving?

Much love and healing vines to all who are in need - Congrats to all the new OTJ's!!!!!!!!!

Shai and the Pirate Fitz (GA)
 
Have they ever run a testosterone since his neuter? That might give some insight into if high T could be causing some of the aggression/mating behavior. Also, he may have some sort of congenital anomaly with his pituitary gland or in other complex structures related to hormone production. (as we all know, hormones are tricky things)

May need to consult a veterinary endocrinologist for more advice too.

The other thing is since Pirate Fitz crossed the bridge, and he was the "head" of the household, they are all probably still working out what their new places are. This can take quite some time (and some pretty significant arguments) before settling down again.

If medical issues aren't involved, you may need to continue some behavior modification for Hobson...If he get aggressive, immediately put him in "time out" away from everyone else to calm down. I know you're keeping him separate, but instead of doing it all day, try only using the "time out" when he's acting out. He may learn to associate that "alone time" with his behavior..and during that time, he gets no company...from anyone. You don't leave him there long...I'd try for 30 minutes each time for awhile and see if it helps...gradually add more time if necessary and see if it makes any difference at all, but of course you wouldn't leave him alone all day.

It can take longer than any of us realize for our kitties to adjust to the loss of a family member, so it may just need more time too.

Good luck to you all! I know it's a hard time for everyone, and you may just have to try medications if nothing else works. Just because you might have to put him on meds, doesn't necessarily mean he'll need to be on them forever. Maybe just some Prozac (or something) to help him through the adjustment
 
Getting something hormonal ruled out isn't a bad idea. However, from what you describe, this sounds like dominance behavior. Fitz was clearly the dominant cat and with Fitz gone, Hobson is assuming the leadership role. I do agree with Chris that behavior modification may be very helpful. What is key to remembering is that cats don't do well with punishment. You need to give a positive reward for the behavior you want and you need to distract/redirect Hobson when he's engaging in undesirable behavior. For example, if he goes to start a fight, redirect him with a toy and then give Hobson a treat for playing. You also may need to provide some seriously active play time in order to tire him out.
 
Hi Shai.

My sugar-Kitty Onyx has some stress issues with my super-hyper, overly "frisky" civie--so bad that she pulls her hair out in clumbs and chews her skin until it bleeds. My vet just recommended "calming collars" with pheramones. I've been using mine for a few days now, and I'm very pleased with the behavioral changes in BOTH cats. Klepto is less aggressive, and Onyx doesn't seem to care what he does. And both kitties smell like Lavender! They're naturual, so it might be worth a shot to try them, until your vet figures out what's causing the problems. There are several other items in the "calming line" as well.

Good luck!

:smile:
 
Thank you - Chris, Sienne, Onyx and Rhiannon;

I'm so grateful for all your suggestions and hugs. They're needed!!!!

I've heard of the pheromone collars - none of our kids have collars (they are chipped) but I'm most definitely going to look into them. I have no idea how Hobson would take to a collar but we're willing to find out. I agree with you Sienne, that furrs have no respect for negative discipline - it was left out of their DNA code, and I wish it had been left out of more Human's codes as well. When we give time out to our big boy it's never more than a few hours, but, perhaps trying some playful distractions first might be more helpful in the long run. Hobson is quite the lazy player (he's 20 lbs and ALL muscle - not a drop of fat on this boy - He's HUGE!) He loves to lay down, roll on his back and if you swing a toy on a string over his head he'll play for hours. But run after it? Eh - that's SO not his style. :cool:

If none of this works I like your idea Chris of getting his hormones checked.

Oh, one other thing - Pirate Fitz was a lady pirate. She cut quite the swath in her piratical tortie coat and three cornered virtual pirate hat.

She was such a pretty scallywag!!!!

Shai and the Pirate Fitz (GA)
 
Keep us posted! You may find some additional info on both Jackson Galaxy's website and Pam Johnson-Bennett's site. They are cat behaviorists and there may be some additional ideas re. behavior modification. FWIW, Cornell's feline center does phone consultation.

As for torties, Gabby is also a tortie. Attitude is their middle name.
 
Sienne and Gabby said:
As for torties, Gabby is also a tortie. Attitude is their middle name.

OMG - this is SO True. :lol:

Thank you, as always, Sienne for the info. Have I ever mentioned how amazing you are and how very grateful I am that you share what you know, as well as your love, with us?

Shai and the Pirate Fitz (GA)
 
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