My two Maine Coon cats are full brother and sister one year in age apart. They were neutered and spayed respectively as early as the vet recommended and both were brought home at 12 weeks of age. They are healthy, intelligent, and delightful beyond words and loved, spoiled and indulged. When I brought little sister Maggie home I knew enough to keep her separate from her older brother for as long as necessary for them to get used to each other. I didn't want older brother, Hunter, to get bored since both I and my husband work during the day, hence the new addition. Well, I have an on-going problem with Hunter. He's jealous to the point where he grabs his sister behind the neck with his jaws and scent marks her on her back, won't let go until she becomes submissive and stops playing or whatever she had been doing that grabbed his attention. Now they are 3 1/2 and 2 1/2 and Hunter is still jealous even though I shower him with attention. He won't let Maggie play or snuggle up to me without glaring at her. At this point Maggie won't sleep on our bed if Hunter is there first, won't play if Hunter is around, won't purr and snuggle or ask for scratches around her ears and chin if Hunter is around - he really gives her a hard time. The vet says she's never heard of such a problem but to use a squirt bottle of water whenever I see it - it only helps short-term. The breeder has never had such a problem with his neutered males and can't give me much advice. Hunter is extremely intense, focused on patroling each window for wildlife intruders, growls at strange men until introduced and even growls at the garbage men when they make their weekly rounds. He's generally social if properly introduced and loves people, parties, dogs, children, etc., just not his sister. Maggie is charming, fun-loving and mischievous, thoroughly engaging and even loves lolling around with her tummy exposed to sun beams (if her brother decides to let her). She has learned that if she wants to play she must seek us out secretly when her brother is otherwise engaged. If Hunter strolls in and discovers the action, play is stopped because Maggie is intimidated. Hunter will only play with me by himself; he won't play with me if Maggie is there, too.

This question is running far too long, I realize. But - I want them to enjoy each other and they do, I think, until jealousy raises its ugly head whenever I appear on the scene. Any advice? They don't sleep curled up together like good pals do so I'm suspicious they still aren't as good friends as they could be.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000

Answers

I agree with Cyndi, it does sound like Hunter has some testosterone in his system. I have a male DSH, Sebastian, who had an undescended testicle when he was neutered. Our vet didn't go in to get it at that point. We decided to "wait and see". Well, Sebastian had his second surgery after I caught him on the back of my male Ragdoll, marking him with his scent also. Poor Izzy was so intimidated by the aggressive behaviour from Sebastian. You might question your vet about Hunter's behaviour.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000