Cat Stalked by Another Cat

Question

I have a 15 lb cat (Lilbit -female) that I found as a stray and adopted. That was September 05. In October 06 I found another little cat (Maji-female) 7lbs. Maji had been beaten up pretty badily, had a puncture wound in her head, multiple bites and scratches when I got her. Also the kids in the neighborhood had been chasing her b/f I was able to catch her.

While she was in quarantine I let Lilbit sniff and all that that you are supposed to do for a successful introduction. Unfortunately... it didn't work. Lilbit stalks and attacks Maji every chance she gets. I've tried everything... including medications. We've tried locking Lilbit in a room, (which she doesn't seem to mind), I spent nearly a year sitting on the bathroom floor w/ the both of them giving them treats side by side. (When food is near Lilbit can tolerate her!), and amitryptiline (spelling) and prozac. When on the medications, the attacks are lessened due to Lilbit sleeping so much... but it doesn't stop. She will still attack.

Now Maji is VERY submissive and I think that is part of the problem b/c another little kitten found me this past September and when Lilbit hissed at him... he just looked at her and continued to play with her! They are now the best of friends. I also have 1 other female and another male that for the most part Lilbit doesn't mess with them either. Maji actually lives in our couch for the most part because she is so scared of Lilbit. We've thought of getting rid of one or the other... but I can't really bear that. I would always worry about Lilbit and Maji is so attached to me that I worry how she would adjust.

Thank you for any advice,

From a very stressful household

Kelly

Answer

Dear Pet Owner,

It sounds like a stressful situation! In some multi cat households this situation occurs. Cats are not very sociable creatures with each other-they are more solitary. Sometimes medication will help, sometimes some behavior training. In my experience at times nothing helps long term. I would talk with a behavior specialist and go from there.

Dr. Baeyens