I started out with one cat (Iggie). She does not like to be inside but the rules in our area is that cats cannot roam loose. Well somehow she got out and we didn't see her for 3/4 months. We gave up hope that we'd ever see her again so we went to the shelter and got 2 brothers (Sam and BabyBoy). Not one month later she pops up and of course she "hates" the boys! I tried keeping them in my bedroom together with me so they could get to know one another but all that happened was she stayed behind my dresser not coming out to eat or drink. I felt so sorry for her I put food and water behind the dresser with her. Finally after a while, I gave up (started to smell up my room and when I investigated I realized she wasn't sneaking out to use the litter box either!) Took her to the vet who gave her meds to calm her down but that didn't work. Now her domain is in the basement with her own food and water and litterbox. I feel so bad for her because we only use the basement to do laundry so she doesn't get a lot of interaction. Lately she's started to scratch at the door but when you open it up she runs back downstairs. Every so often I leave the door open hoping she'll come up on her own but that only allows the "boys" to go down and harrass her and I really don't need the "poop" thing again :?

Is there anything I can do?

I've got 9 cats and the only advice that I can say is give her time but you are going to have to let the boys harass her so that she will fight back and state her status. Let the fur fly as they say. She will let them know when she has had enough, believe me....ask me how I know....lol

I had three cats and they never got to like each other.

My mom had several, and several of them snuggled.

Hope they work things out between themselves.

Exactly what she ^^^^ said. She has to 'prove' her position in the household. To the boys she is an intruder, to her the boys are intruders - sad to say - they are just going to have to fight it out. If you can, catch each of them and trim their nails. That will help with 'collateral' damage. They will work it out.

Wow a lot of MD people on this site!
I tried to tell my big girl that she used to be the new, tiny kitty one time too and she needed to give him a chance. He didn't understand why she was so mean to him. She quickly smacked me on both sides of my face and told me in no uncertain terms that she didn't want to hear that. Well, they snuggle now and they groom each other but when they are done they hiss and they leave each other alone. I never had blood or vet bills. They will work it out for themselves. I know you want to try to make everything right for them but remember they are animals. Thats why you have the opposable thumbs, to do the quilting.lol

Ok I had a similar situation with my "butt head" cat and the new littel girl I got to keep him company. They hated each other or more accuratly he hated her. She spent all of the time in my lap or in hiding to stay away from him. The way I solved this was by accident. They both needed to go to the vet and so my daughter and I took them. I had one and she had the other. Well the whole vet thing throws them for a loop anyway and this time was no diffrent. I had to pay at the end of the visit. We had been keeping them apart the whole time. I gave the little girl to my daughter. I asked her if she thought she could handle them both for a few mins. She thought she could. She put the little girl on top of the bad boy. He was so distracted by the strange surroundings he didn't even seem to notice she was there. When we got home and put them back in their own environment there was no more problem. No hissing or fighting or running. They have gotten along fine ever since. So I say take them to a new surrounding and introduce them all over again. It is worth a try.

My cats are gone now, but I had a male and a female. They never did like each other, but kind of ignored each other.

I have five, but they've always been together so they get along pretty well. Every so often there is some hissing and growling, maybe a couple scratches, but nothing to be alarmed over.

I vote to let them all roam free. They will eventually create their own heirarchy. There will occasionally be squabbles when they attempt to change positions.

Yeah, I have to agree with this one. It's what worked for our five. They're fine now, sometimes a little squabble but nothing to worry about. I give them all a lot of love and let them work out the rest by themselves :)

Since I am in the middle of CHAOS right now with my three, I am reading along, hoping someone can come up with a solution that works for me, too!!

((( I have Gandolph (an older diabetic) Rory, AKA Mr. Crankypants) and Tatiana (AKA Her Royal Bitchiness.) have all been to the vet and declared healthy. Rory and Tati have both spent a few days at 'sleep-away camp' (boarding at the vet) and while one has been gone Gandolph and the other have been allowing peace and harmony to reign at the Greenhouse.

Now, all three are back together, and we KNOW that someone is peeing out of frustration or to prove a point, not from a medical issue.

Which of the two would you guys think is the most obvious choice to be medicated? And if you have had a cat on an anti-anxiety or chill out pill, what have you used? Rory is the younger, he is a clown and high energy. He is VERY interested in becoming friends with Tatiana. He STALKS her, he wants to be NEAR her. Tatiana is about 10, she is a hisser, she isn't as lovely-dovey kind of animal.

Also, it's not possible to separate them in different parts of the house. There are doors only on the bathroom and the bedrooms, and they are not allowed in two of the three bedrooms because of peeing issues. But. We need to end this peeing thing. It's got to stop. If both should be on something, so be it, but something must give. Tati was here first, Gandolph and Rory came together a year and a half ago, and this has been an issue for about 7 months...

I wouldn't care if they carried on, hissed and swatted and fought, I get that...its the peeing that is making me nuts!)

get a dog.... that will put the boys in there place and all cats will be on even playing field, them vs the dog.

I know that frustration! We had three female cats (all spayed) and then this male stray, Tom, comes along and, well, he had some tomcat war wounds and I felt sorry for him and you know where this is going... we took him to the vet, got him treated and neutered, brought him home and...

Midnight, the alpha cat at the time, HATED him. In truth, she hates all male cats, because once upon a time she got knocked up and nearly died trying to feed her five kittens. (Someone took her to the SPCA, the kittens went into foster care, and we adopted her.) But she's had it in for males ever since.

So, she and Tom - we think it was those two - got into the whole peeing thing. On rugs. On the couch. On an empty pedestal cake plate. (Why??) On the pillow on my bed. In our shoes. Geez!

We decided that we had to lock Tom in the cellar. They simply had to be separated. In the end, my Mom adopted Tom and he never once did anything inappropriate in her house. But, he's the only cat there...

As to figuring out who did the peeing... bring in the innocent and/or guilty parties, one at a time, and out of sight of the others. The innocent will sniff it out, because they want to know what happened. The guilty will show no interest, because they already know about it.

The best cleanup product we ever found was "Stink Free Stain and Odor Urine Remover".

Good luck! It's maddening, isn't it?

Trish, have you tried those plug-in things that release synthetic pheromones?? They are expensive but really helped calm mine down when we got Katie. I used them for about a year, then gradually took them away. They really worked.
Also, my son got the spray and when he sprays the room his cat calms right down (he just got a new puppy and the cat got nervous)

Where can I get the plug in things or even the spray? I'm desperate!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can get them at pet stores or online. Online is cheaper, of course.

Here's one online store.
http://www.cheappetstore.com/search/...x=0&submit.y=0

My four all get along. Oldest is a feral cat. about 15 Yo, Two are the same age, going on 11 YO. Youngest is going on 5 or 6 YO. all declawed and neutered. The 2 eleven year olds fought the 1st week they were together, that was it. Other than a spat now and then they all get along.
I hope you find an answer to your problem.

Petsmart! And then if you like it order more from Ebay- much better pricing!

We had the same thing happen. When our first cat came back home we couldn't leave the two of them in a room together. We just took to putting one of them in the basement at night, we alternated the two of them so neither would see on area as their domain. It took about six months before they were at least 'cordial', but they never became friends. The second cat was never as friendly even with us after that happened.

Yep...just throw everyone into the mix and they'll work it out, stress and fuss over them and they'll run amok. A lot of the hissing and snarling never amounts to a great deal (sounds worse than it is).

Apparently the plug in pheremone things are really good (vets here recommend them) and investing in some enzyme based cleanser for the pee'ers should help, then after cleansing dab some lavender oil around (they hate the smell of lavender). They also do not do well sharing litter boxes so a few extras may be in order.

Are you sure that one of them is not spraying out of frustration? When I had my Burmese(sp?) she would spray if anything upset her. I called her my Statue Cat, because she was to be seen and admired-but as far as she was concerned 'DON'T TOUCH'! The odor is far stronger if they spray than if they urinate.

Do they make something like this for dogs? It is almost time for the 4th of July celebrations to begin, and I don't look forward to my Molly and the fireworks. I don't like giving her medication, but I will if I have to.

I have had three cats at a time, and I remember when we introduced the 3rd (a male) to the 2 females who were good friends, they did not welcome him at all. They eventually lived peaceably, but the one absolute rule that they followed was that they would not share a litter pan with him. It's important to provide an extra litter pan, or maybe 3, as far apart as possible, so that the girl kitty can avoid where the boys go. I don't know why, but they seem to have rules about this and are not interested in our opinion.

Those 3 cats lived together for 13 years. The two females remained friends but always kept their distance from the male. All of my cats were altered - always.

I currently have 2 females and after a couple of days of mild resentment the older kitty started grooming the kitten. They use the same litter pan with no complaint. The younger cat keeps the older cat's whiskers trimmed short, which drives me nuts. I think that's what's going on in my avatar picture.

My girl has her own litterpan but when the boys get downstairs, they eat her food and poop in her pan! I think they know it irritates her :-) . They know how to open the basement door and actually wait until I'm asleep to sneek down. She won't use the litterpan anymore until I dump all the litter out and put fresh in.

I agree - have at least three litterboxes.

Cats just do not get along with each other unless they are raised together.

I would think they will eventually tolerate each other, but your original cat will probably never be really happy with the other two cats there.

I believe male cats - neutered or not are always attracted to female cats. So that being said, your male cats will probably always somewhat harass your female cat.

It is amazing to hear that your cat was gone for so long and then came home. Someone must have taken her in. You ended up being stuck between a rock and a hard place now.

Cats just seem to act out by spraying. I guess I would try to maybe contain the males sometimes so the female gets a little freedom. Block the basement door maybe?

Keep us animal lovers updated....

Yep they have to figure out their own Pecking Order My calico cat MindySue is 12yrs-30lb of Queenliness She barely tolerates the rest of my furry family a 3yr old Kitten -3yr old Manchester-a12 1/2 yr old Min-Pin - but when she speaks {growl-hiss] they listen--- It really won't take long before they figure out that all of them are loved and they are all staying :-D

When I traveled across country moving my cats, I purchased a product called Calm-eze so they wouldn't be horribly upset by the move and long RV. I'm pretty sure it was for dogs also.

Sorry to have hijacked this thread, OP!! But hopefully we ALL will get better grips on being owned my mulitiple cats...
YES, I tried the plug in phermones...no diff
We have two litter boxes, there is no other location for a third, there is only peeing accidents, nothing else...

I am pretty sure it is a frustration for Tati and that it's her, but the thing to decide is does SHE go on the meds or does the harrasser, Rory go on them? Would the result be the same if HE stops being so eager to be friends as if she was not so adverse to HAVING friends....

We are going away on vacation at the end of the month, I really cant get anyone on meds till we get back because we wont be around to get them started properly....

the Enzyeme cleaner by Clorox, Oxi Magic, has been the best so far.

I didn't know about the lavender, I have that in the house.

The couch is ruined. I am just trying to extend it's life till we solve the problem, I can't imagine even a serious steam clean will fix it, but I will go that route before tossing...

Back to the OP...I hope you can solve your issues without too much trouble!!!

Yes, time is what it takes. I had 2 older cats (the older died at age 14), adopted 5 kittens that a stray mom had. So the old 1 left is adjusting. She'll let them get close but not too close. 2 of the kittens (they're now 1 yr old) like it outside more than in, they can come go as they please.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Sorry - I disagree. I have been doing rescue for YEARS. And I have been handraising orphans (pups and kittens) for over 6 years. No matter the age or sex - they will ALWAYS work it out. Now, how the work it out is in different ways. Their way of working it out may be to just ignore the others. But they do work it out in the manner that is best for them.

My Bella - the one in my avatar <<<< was the last one added. It did not go well for the first couple of months. But now they are all one happy family. It took a while but they definitely love each other.

Let them work it out - what ever that means for them. Like I said before - trim nails while the intros are going on. Cat scratches are more likely than bites that break skin.

OH - and try not to over react when they are fighting. The boys will take that as meaning that you support them in their fight and it will never end.

I totally agree. I have been in rescue for a while also. You have to let them work it out. I had 8 cats, now I have 9. We think an elderly person either died or moved because someone let out an arthritic 14 yr old cat. He had been on his own for some time. Weighed 5 lbs. It was either put him down or bring him into the fold. You have to understand I had just gotten the 8 to get along and then brought in this 9th. I watched as he let everyone know whose boss. It took about 5 days, some it takes longer. Just let them work it out. Oh yeah the sprays etc. to calm them down never worked for me. I spent a fortune on them, would have been better to sink the money into other things. She also needs a king's x. A place where she can go to get away from the boys. Right now it is spring and even if they are neutered it is still hard wired in their brain. Things will calm down I guarantee.

Oh yeah one more thing. I have brought in grown cats who never knew each other that curl up together to sleep.

My Mom has 2 cats...the only thing they fight about is the antique rocker...it's upsetting to her when they fight...but the other day when I walked in, both of them were stretched out, side by side in the rocker...it might take a long time(she's had them both for a couple of years), but they will eventually get use to one another...good luck!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Naomi

I have 7 cats, all indoor. Whenever I introduced a new cat into the household, the others would get upset, hiss, check out the new intruder in their territory. I have two that are declawed (came t hat way) and the others are not declawed. It always took up to a week for the new one to feel comfortable, but right now, I have certain cats that will cuddle up with each other, but o nly certain ones, and the rest just go to other cats. they seem to have their own hierarchy and there is a dominant cat in the house, and I think it is becuase he is the largest and the other cats know it. Eventually, I believe all your cats will get along, but it will take time. Good luck.

Eeyore, my Maine Coon, was the top of the roost until I brought in the arthritic 14 yr old cat Bob. (short for Bag Of Bones)Bob stalks Eeyore but you have to know Bob goes in slow motion. He can't jump but he pulls himself up on the ottoman. To understand how fast Bob moves, my husband saw something black move from his closet. I asked what it was and he said it was Bob's shadow trying to catch up with him from 2 days ago. Anyway my big ferocious Eeyore jumped in my arms almost sobbing because Bob was stalking him. I just shake my head and carry the twenty pound cat to the bed where Bob cannot reach him.

Different cat problem
I have 2 siblings,that have been good about sharing the litterbox although one is male. Lately the female has escalated from peeing in the front hall, on my husband's
jeans in the floor in the bathroom,to now pooping in the hall and peeing in my shoe in the bathroom. There hasn't been any thing that I can think of to make her mad,jealous or afraid. They are basically indoor cats but have their cat box in the sun room with a doggy door to the outside. They don't venture out much unless we are out and never leave the yard. We tried confining them to the sun room 2 nights but my husband says he can't stand to see them upset. Any thoughts?

well you could try a second litter box, then if that doesnt' help take her to the VET for a ckup.

I have a male and a female cat. They hate eachother most
days but sometimes he gives her a kiss. Just like a man.

My little Lucky (only 3 legs) puts the run onto our male and
our daughters male when outside.
I say give them time. Let them find and choose their own space
It will happen.

NO don't put a dog in the mix. It'll drive YOU nuts. Just be
patient with the cats.

Wanted to share a home recipe for removing cat urine smell-----it really works. I have tired several of those you buy and those are just scents that cover up and when gone well there remains the smell.
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/urinestainremoval.htm

Some cats will never get along with other cats no matter what you do. Should that be the case the only answer is separation. My daughter who is a Vet has 11 house cats (vets seem to just be everyone's drop off for unwanted) and she has her 2 old lady cats she calls them that have to stay in a room away from the rest. They do get along well together though. One for a long time would just climb up on the mantel and not get off so she finally just gave in and gave her private room and the other one she added later.

OMG! I thought I was the only one with this problem. I have 4 neutered indoor boys: Oliver Twist (17), the twins Ingo and Kerbe (10) and Spot (9). While we don't have the peeing issue, Spot is like a ghost and no one but my son and I have ever seen him as he lives mostly in the basement. Unfortunately, Spot seems to have a genetic problem in that he can be walking down the hall and just let the poop fly. Yesterday he left me a "gift" on my bathroom rug. He hates me (wonder who he thinks buys his food and cleans the boxes) but loves/adores my son. When we first got him (a request from my vet) he had to be on Valium because he was so hyper and I'll tell ya, I have the medical bills and my son has the scars to prove it. That never worked, but over the years he has calmed down somewhat, not that he'll ever be socialized like the other three. I guess you just have to make the most of what you have. Spot is beautiful, beautiful with looong gossamer hair but, like a two-legged child, I took him for better or worse and have certainly put in my years of "worse." I have no words of wisdom; it's all trial and error. After I retired I worked for a group of 63 Veterinary Pathologists and none of them had any answers either.