Hi everyone,
I recently set up a cat-friendly aquarium at home, and while it’s been amazing to watch my cats' curiosity grow, I’ve hit a bit of a snag. My resident cat seems mesmerized by the fish and will sit by the tank for hours, but my new kitten doesn’t seem to know what to make of it. At first, he was curious, but now he just hides under the furniture when the older cat gets too possessive over "his" spot near the tank.
For context, the aquarium is designed to be safe for cats i bought from cat aquarium website. But the territorial behavior is something I didn’t anticipate. The older cat sometimes bats at the glass when the kitten tries to come near, and I worry this might escalate over time.
Have any of you had experience introducing your cats to something they both want to claim as "theirs"? Should I move the aquarium to a neutral room? Or is this just a phase that will pass once they get used to each other?
Any advice is much appreciated!
Hi Melina,
Thank you so much for the detailed response—I really appreciate it! You’ve given me a lot to think about. I hadn’t considered how much of an impact the aquarium’s location could have on their behavior, but moving it to a less frequented area sounds like a smart first step.
The idea of getting a smaller aquarium for the kitten is really interesting, too! That could be a great way to give him his own “distraction” while still keeping the older cat happy with his main viewing spot. I also love the suggestion of positive reinforcement—I’ll definitely start rewarding calm behavior around the tank.
Thanks again for your thoughtful suggestions!
@linda_
Hi Linda
Great question, and I love the added enrichment.
Inter-cat tension within a household typically arises due to competition over limited resources, leading to stress and potential conflict within the feline group. In your situation, the aquarium is a primary resource causing friction.
To mitigate this competitive behavior, consider the following strategies:
1. Move the aquarium to a location in your home where the cats do not typically access. This can help reduce territorial disputes and aggression.
2. Provide Alternatives: Invest in a smaller aquarium specifically for the kitten. This can give both cats their own space and resources to explore, reducing feelings of competition.
3. Supervised Access: Create a designated viewing area for the aquarium in a different room. Use guardian supervision during interactions with the aquarium. By being present, you can intervene if any aggressive behaviors arise.
4. Positive Reinforcement Training: Implement positive reinforcement techniques to reward calm behavior around the aquarium. This can include treats or praise when the cats are observed being non-aggressive or sharing space without conflict.
5. Environmental Enrichment: Ensure both cats have access to various forms of stimulation, such as toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures. This can help divert their attention from one another and the aquarium.
It's important to note that these behaviors are typically rooted in social dynamics and unlikely to resolve independently. As the cats mature, competitive behaviors may escalate if not addressed early on. Being proactive with these strategies can foster more peaceful coexistence between your cats and reduce tension related to the aquarium.
I hope this helps
Melina