Marcy asked:

I have a multi cat household, two permanent dogs and one foster dog.  All cats and two permanent dogs have been together since birth. However, my oldest male, not neutered, goes out alot. He recently got an eye injury and has been recovering from it. I have started letting him out in the house more to socialize and stretch his legs. He has been attacking my other two male cats, also not neutered, but soon to be.

Last weekend he started a fight with one of the other males. After it was over I went to pick him up and put him back in the bedroom and he attacked my arm with a very bad bite, which I had to go the ER for a check up.

I am thinking I might need to put him down.  Even when I try to pet him it does not last too long any more. Even his playful little bits he use to have are also more aggressive and I am afraid of him injuring my hand/arm.

Barbara’s answer.

First, let me say that you are not alone. Aggression in multi-cat households is the second most common complaint of feline owners - right after improper urination. Since the onset of this misbehavior is rather sudden, it may be that your older cat is not feeling well. Cats, just like us, can become cranky when they don’t feel well. So, a routine vet check might be a good idea.

Second, as you know, cats are very territorial about food, toys, and their humans. Cats need their own, secure space. If the cat is upset about perceived intrusion into his space, he may become aggressive to other household pets or people. Immediately after a fight, hormones are still rushing through the body and the fight/flight response remains active. So, it is not too surprising that your cat was still in fight mode when you removed him.

 
You are acting correctly to separate the cats when they are fighting. But you cannot be there every minute to act as referee. Punishment does not work in curbing aggression in cats and it may even make the problem worse. So, time out from the other cats, a safe haven for the other cats, and your attention are a few of your limited behavior modification choices.

Finally, your vet can prescribe amitriptylline, used to calm aggressive cat behaviors. Two anti-anxiety medications approved for cats are buspirone and valium. These medications may calm the aggressive urges. Two natural treatments that have anecdotal support from users include: Feliway Plug-in - a pheromone-based product that calms cat aggression except in maternal or hunting behaviors and Bach’s Rescue Remedy. Being patient helps, too.

Posted by Barbara.