Hello! I haven't been around here in a while and I've been having a really devastating problem lately my 2 year old F2 Bengal Leo he has a lot of issues communicating with the other cats in the house he has no issues at all with the little tabby kitten we have but the young male tabby a little over a year old and a much older around 8+ Russian blue he's suddenly stopped avoiding them they both don't want to play with him and he keeps persisting to the point we're afraid of him hurting them he's a lot stronger then them and has pulled fur out and he's not shy at all anymore he almost seems to enjoy the constant teasing and hurting them we've had to separate him and started clicker training him.

any help is appreciated thank you in advance, Leo is perfectly tame with us he's never once lashed out he's a really gentle boy we've also noticed him slowly doing more and more teasing like the other night Lenard the tabby boy was sleeping on the cat tree and leo found his tail and put it inside his mouth and bit a tiny bit then stopped and went up to look at Lenard face to see his reaction then he went back and bit even harder to see if it would wake him up, this is the strongest thing I've ever seen a cat do.

You have an F2 bengal. Bengals are highly territorial. Since this seems to be a new problem, you have to figure out what has changed in the environment. If he got along with your kitties previously and you've had him since he was a kitten, then could just be an adult issue. Bengals aren't fully mature until about 18 months. You definitely do not want him terrorizing your other kitties as their confidence will disappear and behavioral problems may begin. You might want to investigate Jackson Galaxy's Spirit Essences as I know they have one for bullying. Not sure if they work -- but you might want to try it. You need to make sure each kitty has their own space in the house -- maybe more catification is needed -- so they can all be high up. Another cat tree or two, milk crates stacked up as steps if you don't want to add shelving on the walls. Make sure this little guy can't block in any of your kitties. And you simply have to keep an eye on them. I would not leave him open to the other kitties when you're not home. Remember, this boy has a lot of ALC wild blood in him. If you have read up on EG bengals, you know they need special care. They are not going to be like your F4's and higher.

That must be unnerving. Knowing his potential strength and seeing that side of his personality begin to develop. I can't imagine the possible issues that can come with a F2.

I have two mix breed cats and one can be very mean to her little sister. Lately Grace lays on top a a large glass top coffee table and watches her sister groom herself on the floor below. She gets into position, wiggles her back end and pounces hard right on top of Blondie who has no idea the attack is coming. Then a wild chase ensues. Grace is over 15 pounds and Blondie is about 10 and they are both two and a half years old. Grace gets jealous when she sees Blondie on my lap or in bed with me and sets out to punish and torment her. This morning I put their food down and after a few seconds Blondie flew outside and just sat there looking in. I bet Grace threatened her so she would get all the food. Grace can be a bully. I don't see that quality in Blondie although she has had to develop some coping mechanisms over the years. Maybe that is why she clings to me.

At the age of 2, cats become socially mature. They test boundaries and try to assert themselves in the cat hierarchy of the household. I had a hiccup like this with my two last year. I still need to keep on top of it with two males, but if he bullying your other cats, face him and push him gently away from the other cat. Be gently assertive and make sure he knows he can't do this. The other cat needs to know you have his back as well and seeing you push the bully away will help with that.

Be consistent. It takes time but you will get there.

If it all kicks off with mine now, they get a timeout away from each other for 10 or so minutes to let them both calm down. Then I reintroduce them again and give them both treats if they are good. Generally, they will then have a snack and go to bed as its usually bed time when they play up like that. Just like two over tired toddlers who don't realise they need to go to bed!!

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK