moving and cats

[amandasw]

hey, some people suggested I come over here to ask a question. We're planning to move in a month and have two cats that's don't really get along. Mostly, the one cat (boy) chases the other cat (girl). They've lived like this for 3 years since we got married and it's improved marginally over time. We did the plug-in things etc and that helped a little, but the boy is like a moth to a flame, he can't stop staring, following and/or chasing her (it's a little ridiculous/funny at this point).

Anyway, it's manageable BUT we were hoping that there's something we could do when we move to maybe 're-set' their relationship or at least give it a fresh start. I'm not expecting a miracle, but thought I'd ask for suggestions in case you think there's something we should try. thanks!

[Deleted]

Are they spayed and neutered?

[amandasw]

yup (I thought this was a given since we obviously don't want kittens ) - got both from a shelter when they were kittens, but introduced to each other as adults.

[foundmylazybum]

This might seem a bit silly but here goes--Have you ever seen the show on Animal Planet "My cat from hell?"

I recommend either watching it or watching some youtube videos of the guy in action. He actually deals with a lot of cats with the similar issue you have--and I think his advice is probably pretty good.

One simple thing he suggests is redirection and also wearing out your cats... So for instance, play with your male cat--play with him a LOT to wear him out so he isn't so focused on your female. Find toys that interest him, some toys may be interactive (you play together) and others he might play with on his own (like those mechanized mouse in the tube games)..it really just comes down to knowing what your cat likes.

Another thing could be looking at giving your cats spots they both enjoy--it might include buying or making a couple different kinds of scratchers for them--our cat LOVES his cat tree that looks out onto the window (it has a kitty rest he snuggles into)--but he also love, love, loves the flat scratchers--and will scratch then lounge in them..Providing those spaces for BOTH your cats might be helpful.

Here is a link to the show...I just find it interesting how well he reads cat behavior...maybe some of his tips might resonate with you (or you could try out for the show!)

animal.discovery.com/tv/my-cat-from-hell/

[amandasw]

thanks so much for all that advice!

I think it's hard because the girl cat is much lower maintenance/independent and the boy cat is much more needy, so yeah, he probably does want a lot more attention. They each do have their own cat tree (his is even much bigger with multiple levels), but of course he would rather use hers, lol (a sad little one my dad made). I'll see if H wants to watch that show tonight and maybe get some ideas!

[foundmylazybum]

A lot of times "high needs cats" are actually "high energy." I think we as a society probably recognize this in dogs a lot better and easier.

My pointer is a mad man if he doesn't get a LOT of exercise, while my mini schnauzer is happy hiking the day away OR sleeping lol.

My cat however--I always thought he was just--a chilled out relaxed fat man--but nope: sometimes he can drive us NUTS with his meowing..and it's b/c he needs exercise or stimulation to wear him out! He's a mini pointer lol.

[amandasw]

lol - yeah, we've always joked the boy cat is more like a dog, he even semi-learned how to play fetch at one point! honestly, I kind of wish he was an indoor-outdoor cat because I think he'd be more well-suited for something like that where he'd have lots of places to run around. My H got him when we were dating so he's always been an apt cat and I think he's a big dog at heart who needs more space. The new place has a long porch so maybe he'll enjoy that