Aggressive Young Stud Cat

Hi Sarah,
For your 1 1/2 year old intact male Ragdoll who has become more aggressive over the past 4 months which coincides with the age at which he has reached sexual maturity…

It sounds like he is not been socialized too well, since you wrote, “he was very timid and nervous of other cats at first.” So, as his testosterone level is at its peak and he is not properly socialized, he WILL act inappropriately toward other cats, but still be very friendly to humans!

You wrote,
“wondering if this is a case of the teenage tantrums and he is simply being mean to the girls because he likes them and knows no other way, or is this just a confidence thing and an extension to his initial timid behaviour?”

It is a combination of BOTH! And this is not an easy problem with which to deal. In some cases the solution is to neuter them, and search for a stud with a GOOD personality, (towards cats AND humans), and a GOOD pedigree!

In the meantime, here are some things to work on:

I. Socialization:

Socialization should occur in kittens between the ages of 9-12 weeks of age. A time when they are handled by humans, and also learning how to interact around their littermates.

Since we have passed that stage now, perhaps you can observe how he interacts with neutered male and spayed female cats. Give him a 2-3 week gradual introduction period, to see if he is able to behave himself properly.

II. Aids to help in this process:

1. Feliway is a natural pheromone product in the USA, which should be available in the UK. It comes in a spray and in a diffuser. Useful to spray onto surfaces, furniture, corners of the wall or cage, etc. wherever a cat would rub their ‘cheek’ area spreading/marking their territory.

2. Bach flower essences, use a combination of Rescue Remedy 10 drops, plus 5 drops Aspen, plus 5 drops Mimulus, 5 drops Walnut, and 5 drops of Beech, mixed in a 2 – 4 oz bottle of Spring Water. Give by mouth or add to the water 2 times daily for the next 3 weeks.

3. Homeopathic remedies–

In Dr. Pitcairn’s New World Repertory, in the mind section under quarrelsome, ‘fights with other cats’ the ONLY remedy is Silicea!

Staphysagria is a remedy I have used for cats with poor ‘self-confidence’ not able to stand up for themselves.

Searching the repertory, and combining together irritable, anxiety causes aggression, fear based aggression, the three top remedies are Aconite, Lycopodium, and Belladonna.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO

Hi Sarah,
Here is the rest of my response.

Each of these remedies are very distinctive. I would need more information regarding this cat’s individual personality, likes and dislikes, etc to prescribe for him. A holistic veterinarian should be consulted to help choose a remedy, potency, and frequency.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.