Is Love or Not?

[mtomm[$]]

My new cats have really started going at it. Not like that, as they are both fixed but they fight like crazy. I don't think it is really fighting but playing. I'm just not sure as sometimes they really make the fur literally fly. I'm just learning about cats so help me out here. Is this a love or hate relationship?

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

It's cats. If there's real hissing, if the ears are waaaaay back and the tail is puffed up and the back really arched with the hair standing on end, they're really fighting. They'll also growl really low in the throat (but they'll sometimes do that while playing too).

[eris esoteric]

At this point, they're probably establishing territory and dominance. They'll work it out. Pixie and Stranger are going through the same phase right now, with Pixie doing most of the instigating. I would say that unless one is REALLY beating on the other, chasing him into a hiding spot and still beating on him, then it's not anything to worry about. If they get to raucus, though, feel free to step in. Remember, it's all about dominance, and you're the alpha in the family.

And remember, the quickest, simplest way to get two cats to bond is to get a third cat. Wham, instant buddies.

[murasaki]

My cats still hiss at each other from time to time. Other times, they're just playing. Eris is right--it's about establishing dominance. Make sure one of them is not snarfing all the food.

[eris esoteric]

And try to give them equal time with the attention.

[mtomm[$]]

Thanks for the advice. They both are pretty much holding their own. They take turns instigating it. I'm pretty sure Patches is getting the most food but Whiskers doesn't seem hungry and she'll walk away from the dish when there is still food in it so she must be ok. The fighting provides a lot of entertainment in the house. Better than WWF.

[eris esoteric]

...and not nearly so fake!

*gets out laser pen*

[eris esoteric]

Any improvement yet?

I've seen Stranger pin Pixie (who outweighs her two - one at this point) and lick her on the head. I'm thinking this is a good sign.

(and oh, yeah, the boyfriend wants to keep her now. All that time I spent agonizing about not manipulating the boyfriend, and it turns out Stranger was doing it behind my back anyway).

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

eris esoteric said

Any improvement yet?

I've seen Stranger pin Pixie (who outweighs her two - one at this point) and lick her on the head. I'm thinking this is a good sign.

(and oh, yeah, the boyfriend wants to keep her now. All that time I spent agonizing about not manipulating the boyfriend, and it turns out Stranger was doing it behind my back anyway).

Let's see.... now who wants to say "Told you so?" to Eris about the cat/boyfriend/home situation...

[eris esoteric]

So I didn't want to jinx myself.

Besides, I haven't talked to the landlord, so it still may not work out.

[mtomm[$]]

Eris, my cats are doing very well. Stalking each other and hardly any hissing at each other. They are often found sleeping curled up next to each other (on my nice furniture!). These guys are a crack-up for the most part. I'm late for work because they are such a distraction in the morning. A few decorations around the house are showing some wear and tear, however.

Now how do I get someone else to clean the litter box?

[eris esoteric]

Try these. They make it easier

Now, what I want to know, is where can I buy a Scat Mat in Lansing? I've tried the two super stores, they didn't have it. Yeah, I could buy one online... if I had a credit card...