As some of you know, I've recently adopted a four and a half month old kitten. He can be the sweetest thing, and love to cuddle, but when he plays, he plays very rough. Knowing this is normal for kittens, I decided it was fine. I noticed, however, that he can be quite a little bully. Today, he decided he wasn't going to let Merlin eat. I moved Merlin's dish to the other side of the room, but when he heard Merlin crunching, he went over, and stuck his head in Merlin's bowl, shoving him out of the way. I told him "No" and moved him back to his bowl. He started over there again, and I did the same, but with a firmer "No!" After the third time, I grabbed him, and his bowl, and took him to the spare room, and stood in the doorway. At first, he just stared at me like I was crazy, but then he began to eat. I made sure to brag on what a good boy he was for eating out of his own bowl, until I saw Merlin, coming out of the kitchen, and knew he was finished.
Later, I was clipping coupons, and of course, he had to investigate. To keep him a safe distance from the scissors, I like to crumple up paper, and toss it for him to chase. He love's this little game, as much as Abby and Annie did when they were little. Everything was going fine, until Merlin came in the room. I tossed one over to him, and the minute he started to play, Morty ran in there and tackled him. Why is Morty so mean to Merlin? They're both neutered,and Merlin was here first. I read in a magazine that as long as there are on bloody feuds, to just let cats establish hierarchy in their own way, but I feel sorry for Merlin. Does anyone have a suggestion? Since there are no real fights, I hate to take him back to the shelter. I've already become fond of him, but if Merlin's happiness is gone because of his presence.....But other times, they run through the house together, and act like great friends. Is it just the age difference? Will Morty grow out of it?
Here they are playing on a good day. It's (Morty's bullying) really not that often, but I just don't want it to become often
This message was edited Sep 13, 2005 10:29 AM
