Hi there,

I'm looking for some advice. I've found myself in a bit of a difficult situation. My f2 boy and f3 girl live in their large enclosure where usually get on fine. The last week or so he has started bullying her and now the fur is flying. They have been together since kittenhood, both have been dressed. They're around 4 years old.

They've had a hard time recently, both took a bad parasite infestation which resulted in an unhealthy bloom of bacteria in their bowels. They both lost a fair bit of weight, but I sought the appropriate veterinary treatment and now both cats seem to be on the mend.

During their illness they were shedding coronavirus which I think this can pose a threat to other cats? Thankfully due to their recovery the vet didn't think it was FIP. However with these problems all having happened, I don't really want to rehome either cat as if they have future problems like that... Well it's a lot of responsibility to put onto a new owner and I know that the welfare of my cats is my responsibility. I'm concerned that if they can't get over the fighting then I may have to euthanise one of them if I'm unable to rehome them.

I wondered if anyone has had issues with infighting between their early gens, and if so, how you managed to overcome it? It's so strange they are fighting when they seem to get on well normally, running on their wheel together, eating and sleeping together.

I've been reading that some cats may feel animosity for a long time before it develops to physical violence which can be very difficult to resolve. I've had to bath my girl today as she was covered in excrement from being pushed around and bullied by him. He's tiny but clearly very dominant. I've separated them for now, and they're both yeowling to be back together again!

The vet was useless, their behaviourist is off work sick so they cannot advise. The SSPCA were no better. Cats protection didn't pick up the phone .

Help (not judgement) would be hugely appreciated. Xx

debbie connolly - Bengalcathelpline.co.uk A behaviourist who rescues and re habilitates problem bengals. Good luck. Hope she can give you some ideas to help x

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Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

Thanks, I may give that a try. I've also messaged the breeder who I got them from and who has massive amounts of experience with bengals so hopefully she can help too. I'm currently giving their enclosure a deep clean as she's pooped everywhere (probably because she's very stressed). Xx

This is not an early generation problem -- many cats who have gotten along just fine for years find that they can no longer co-exist peacefully. Something happened to change the balance. It may have been their illness. Unfortunately, when they are like this, they need to be separated from each other. And then one has to figure out the best way to try and bring them back together. It's never easy and it takes a lot of patience. Sometimes it can be harder on YOU than the cats who are fighting.

I took Simba to the vet today. She is not concerned about his physical health, although he needs to put on some weight. She said that it may well be the cats can never be together again and that I may have to either divide their enclosure or rehome one of them. I don't really want to halve their enclosure as that would mean they would be a bit cramped. So I'm a bit stuck. Cats protection will hopefully call me back (I've just left them a voicemail message). The kids are just devastated that Simba may have to go. I think he is unhappy, needs more human interaction and no animals to compete with.

Well to cut a long story short... My ex has agreed to trial having Simba. I've ordered an enclosure for him and in the meantime I have to check him into cat kennels for his own safety. This way the kids don't lose their precious pet, so I desperately hope it works out for him there. I am absolutely heartbroken. I know that rehoming him to a person I know who will be kind to him and where he won't have other pets to compete with is a good thing, but it feels so bad at the moment and the tears just won't stop. :( xx

I am so sorry you feel you have to re-home Simba. Does your ex understand the challenges with a bengal? Unfortunately, it can take a lot of time and lots of work to get these two to be buddies again. If they were at one time, it can happen again. However, many cats do better being an only cat in the household. EGs are particularly challenging. I hope things work out for everyone.