Hi everyone. First time here.
I've got a couple of nagging issues concerning my 2 cats - both males. Shadow is 2 years old and the other, Scooter, is 1. I got Shadow at 8 weeks old and Scooter I had to take a little premature at I think was 5 weeks. They've been together for almost a year now and most of the time they get along pretty well. However, Scooter seems to think he's the dominant cat or something. When Shadow is walking towards the food dish, Scooter will come up to him, tail high in the air and slightly wagging (like he's happy), and "cut off" Shadow by brushing up against him then walking right in front of him. Is this Scooter just being friendly, or is there something more to it? He'll only do it when he sees Shadow heading towards the feeding area.
Then while Shadow is eating, Scooter will come up and stick his nose in the bowl effectively pushing Shadow out of the way, and Shadow then goes over to the other bowl to eat. Why does Scooter insist on pushing Shadow out of the way all the time, and is there anything I can do to stop this?
And now the bigger problem. Quite often, I'd say maybe 2 or 3 times a day (that's while I'm home to observe), Shadow will be minding his own business when Scooter will come up, jump on his back and try to wrestle with him. Shadow then begins to growl and hiss as he trys to break free and run away. Scooter will continue to wrestle with Shadow (or chase him if he gets away), and this will go on for a minute or 2 or until I step in. Sometimes Scooter even gets this irritated/p-o'ed look on his face as if it's more than just play, but an actual mean-spirited attack.
Why doesn't Scooter get the message when Shadow starts growling at him, and is there anything I can do to help curb this problem?
Aside from those issues, Scooter is a great cat. He always wants to be petted and doesn't shy away from strangers. He and Shadow will sit and look out the window together and occasionally they'll play with each other in what looks like "tag" of some sort, where one cat will chase the other into a room, and when they come out, the "chasee" is now the "chaser". It's actually pretty funny to watch.
Any suggestions or ideas to help control Scooter would definately be appreciated.
Jon
I've got a couple of nagging issues concerning my 2 cats - both males. Shadow is 2 years old and the other, Scooter, is 1. I got Shadow at 8 weeks old and Scooter I had to take a little premature at I think was 5 weeks. They've been together for almost a year now and most of the time they get along pretty well. However, Scooter seems to think he's the dominant cat or something. When Shadow is walking towards the food dish, Scooter will come up to him, tail high in the air and slightly wagging (like he's happy), and "cut off" Shadow by brushing up against him then walking right in front of him. Is this Scooter just being friendly, or is there something more to it? He'll only do it when he sees Shadow heading towards the feeding area.
Then while Shadow is eating, Scooter will come up and stick his nose in the bowl effectively pushing Shadow out of the way, and Shadow then goes over to the other bowl to eat. Why does Scooter insist on pushing Shadow out of the way all the time, and is there anything I can do to stop this?
And now the bigger problem. Quite often, I'd say maybe 2 or 3 times a day (that's while I'm home to observe), Shadow will be minding his own business when Scooter will come up, jump on his back and try to wrestle with him. Shadow then begins to growl and hiss as he trys to break free and run away. Scooter will continue to wrestle with Shadow (or chase him if he gets away), and this will go on for a minute or 2 or until I step in. Sometimes Scooter even gets this irritated/p-o'ed look on his face as if it's more than just play, but an actual mean-spirited attack.
Why doesn't Scooter get the message when Shadow starts growling at him, and is there anything I can do to help curb this problem?
Aside from those issues, Scooter is a great cat. He always wants to be petted and doesn't shy away from strangers. He and Shadow will sit and look out the window together and occasionally they'll play with each other in what looks like "tag" of some sort, where one cat will chase the other into a room, and when they come out, the "chasee" is now the "chaser". It's actually pretty funny to watch.
Any suggestions or ideas to help control Scooter would definately be appreciated.
Jon
