Resident Cat Aggressive Toward New Cat?

I have a male tabby. He is 1.3 years old, and I've had him since he was 3 months old. Almost 2 months ago, I adopted a female cat. I believe she is approximately 2 years old. After being rescued from the street, she had to have surgery for a broken back leg. Although she limps a bit, and can't jump too high, she is OK now. They are both neutered.

My male, resident cat, cannot leave her alone! Whenever he sees her walking, eating, drinking water, or just lying around, he runs towards her, and bites her neck. She is now scared of him, so she quickly runs to hide under my bed where he cannot reach her. During the day, while I am at work, I keep her in my bedroom and he stays in my living room (I have a small apartment). I try playing with him, but he never seems to get tired, and he is easily distracted and abandons the games. I also tried spraying water on him when he attacks her, but he doesn't get scared, and he keeps at it.
I'm getting scared they might never get along and will have to give her back. Is there anything I can do? I don't think it is a matter of giving them time to get used to each other anymore.

By Maria

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Abigail A.

March 5, 20150 found this helpful

Best Answer

This could be your males prey drive, but as you say you play with the tom a lot to try to wear him out, I believe it may be false mating.

Sometimes a neutered male doesn't lose his drive for mating for some reason. This may be because it is an instinctual behavior (in the brain) rather than just a matter of having the right body parts.

When cats mate, the tom holds down the female by the neck. It can get aggressive.
Unfortunately, it is an extremely hard habit to break, as you have discovered. You may have to rehome the female.

Lizzyanny
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 226 Feedbacks

March 7, 20150 found this helpful

Best Answer

You didn't mention whether your cats were neutered. If they are not, doing so will make a huge difference. Certainly get that done before you rehome your female cat. In the meantime you can try making pathways for your cats to get up high. This gives them more territory and lowers the competition factor.

Such as wall shelves that allow them to climb up the walls and roost on high pieces of furniture and find a safe place. You are right tho think that putting one cat away all day is not a good thing. Good luck to you and I hope things work out.

jimeg

March 9, 20150 found this helpful

Thank you for your answers. What you said, Abigail, sounds extremely possible. Unfortunately, I believe I will have to rehome the female. I think she will be happier and less stressed out.
Thanks!

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