Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hi Everyone,
I really need some support right now.
As some of you may be aware I have 2 beautiful kittens. Humphrey the Ragdoll and Missy the Domestic.
We have had Humphrey for about a month now, and just added Missy a week ago.
Humphrey and Missy seemed to be getting along, but I have noticed over the 7 days Missy is going from being nice to being very mean to Humphrey.
I have caught her several times ripping into Humphrey and trying to drag him across the floor, while Humphrey screams in agony. His had some cuts as well.
I have also found out Missy is the reason Humphrey doesnt eat - because she WONT let him. I noticed today that when I fed them and left the room Missy was straight into Humphrey meal, leaving Humphrey to cower next to her.
So what to do?
Should I really give Missy back to the shelter ? Everyone is telling me too do it - even the Vet believes it will be better for Humphrey ..
Please help !!

Oh wow, that is a tough decision. If you want to try some things first before giving Missy back, how about separating them and trying to reintroduce them slower? and keep Feliway plugged in or sprayed in the meantime? I don't think you'd want to give Humphrey back, but keeping another cat that is so aggressive will in the long run have a negative impact on Humphrey - possibly inappropriate toileting, and a depressed cat. Only you can make the ultimate decision - but whatever you do, I think we will all understand.

You may want to try redoing introductions more slowly and more intensely, including interactive games like da bird and wands to get them used to being near each other. It is important to protect Humphrey, but not take sides that will slow the ranking process that may be needed for a more peaceful relationship between them. It seems Missy wants to make it clear she is dominant and Humphrey may well not care. As soon as Missy figures out she has made her point, things may settle down. You just want to make sure Humphrey is not scared or hurt in a way that they cannot have a peaceful relationship. (A cat who shows fear may invite a dominant cat to be aggressive with him just because of that.)

As for Humprhey complaining when being attacked, cats who really do not mind beyond the moment may do that as well. What you need to watch is whether Humphrey "goes back for more" or does not hide, but moves around normally except when being chased down. SOME of this may be play, aggressive and ranking play though it may be.