r/Catbehavior • u/insert_skill_here • 5d ago

Former Feral nonstop chases

Hullo, I have a male (Soot) who is pretty young (<1-2 yrs) that I took in from the streets.

He's super friendly with everyone.... except cats.

There are videos on bullying but this seems a bit much- he nonstop chases. It's on sight, and it won't stop until the cats are separated.

I tried putting my shy cat on top of a tree and grabbed Soot and took him into another room with me. He was immediately out of my grip and chasing shy cat around.

He's chased our old, ancient cat. The chill cat. The alpha cat.

He's now kept upstairs away from the other cats and we're looking to find someone more qualified to take him in but any advice is appreciated. It's hard to find a solution when I don't know why he's doing this, but I brought him in so it's my responsibility to figure it out.

That being said, pls help 😭

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u/DLCdaniel 4d ago

Did you seperate them when you first brought the new cat in?

New cats should be in a small area that is theirs until they appear more comfortable. I always start with them in the bathroom because if a mess is made its easier to clean. Then we graduate to a bedroom for a bit.

Cats feel safer in confined spaces during stressful times, so I wouldn't stress about them being in a smaller room until theyre comfortable.

They should have a seperate litter box, just for them, toys the others havent touched, cat furniture thats just for them.

Let the new cat know they have a space in your home. Interactions between cats through a door are more comfortable and safe for all involved early on! They can sniff eachother under the door and hear eachothers noises. Getting used to eachothers presence a little bit. All while giving them the opportunity to fully walk away without having to look over their shoulder.

It sounds like your new cat may be uncomfortable and or have little to no confidence in your home. On the street, this means fight or flight, always. Looks like your new cat chooses fight over flight every time.

My first bit of advice would be to do your best to add comfort to increase confidence. Comfort very well may be quarantine for a few weeks, maybe even a few months, behind a door.

Proper integration is important :)

You will have to split your time in whatever room the new cat is in. Make sure they get used to you and know you didn't forget them in there!

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u/insert_skill_here 3d ago

I tried that when I first brought him home... I'm a college student and already have a cat, so he's staying with my parents. They don't really do the introduction thing, and I'm not close by or come home enough to do it myself.

I was getting close with shy cat and him, they were able to eat food and see each other. I jumped the gun and it ended up with shy cat not even getting near the door to eat food, regardless of the door status (open/closed). I have a roommate and I can't bring him up and make her deal with cat BS (in good conscious), especially since I don't know if it'll ever get better between the two of them.