Will 2 brother Tom cats raised together since birth grow up to fight each other?

[Tuesday Afternoon]

I have adopted 2 grey stripe tom cats:bounce: My best friend found them abandoned along the edge of the woods along with a sister and another brother :o I have the alpha male and the runt:loveya: They are very loving to me and to each other:grouphug: My friend kept the other male and the female went with another friend:applause: They all have good homes :)

They are about 20 weeks old now. They can go outside and stay in at night. I know I need to get them "fixed" but I am BROKEx( Do you think they will fight each other:shrug:

[zanne]

1. It all depends on their personalities.

I wouldn't worry about that too much, but they do need to be neutered. There must be a group near you who will help you with that. You may be able to get them neutered at little or no cost (I've been there). Your local animal shelter, humane society, or even a vet's office could point you in the right direction. Have fun with your little monkeys and best of luck!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

5. My friend mentioned something about vouchers offered in her

county to handle the strays. Maybe, she can get 4 vouchers since they are originally from that county. They are 3 hours away now. You should have been in the car for that trip :eyes:

Actually, they travelled fairly well. The runt did get car sick. Poor thing.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Tuesday Afternoon!

I suspect they will fight each other once they're adults...

Perhaps you can find a vet who will do the neutering on a sliding scale? Or something like that?

I dunno....

Good luck, sweetie!

:hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. Thanks. I need to start calling around.

I guess it is getting that time...They are getting SO big!! And they have started hunting. They are growing up.

[ironflange]

7. Wouldn't it be easier to neuter them. . .

. . .on an operating table?

That said, the local humane society should have some sort of suggestion.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

8. O_O

OH ;)

I get it :rofl:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. Lol!

Oh, I asked for that one!

:rofl: :rofl:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. They absolutely do need to be neutered. Check with local humane society/shelters

about low-cost neutering services. If they've been neutered it's doubtful they will seriously fight with each other when they grow up, but they will play-fight without actually hurting each other. Also, they should be kept inside all the time. Outdoor cats have a very short life expectancy.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. They have plenty of space to roam where I live. And, I make sure

they come in every night. They sleep with me. They play-fight now. It is cute at this point. I want it to stay that way. Also, I can do without the spraying...which they have not started, thankfully. I don't want them to roam when they "smell" the girl kitties. There are none close by that I know of...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

10. It isn't just cars that are dangerous.

Cats aren't safe outside unless you can be sure your neighborhood also has no dogs, bigger tomcats, coyotes, or mean people. There have been too many sad stories posted on DU (one just today) about cats who were killed or injured or just disappeared. Please, keep them inside where they'll be safe and can lead long, happy lives.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

11. Yes. I saw that post. Very sad.

I am not worried about cars. There are foxes and bear have been seen in the area. They have a cat door and can come and go as they please. I know what you mean about being safe, but they LOVE it outside. I hate to keep them in 24/7 for the rest of their lives. They help withe rodent population, too. I don't know...my last cat did okay this way for 10 years. I lost him in a move when I divorced :cry:

[Demoiselle]

75. Cats will drink antifreeze that puddles under cars.

It is deadly poison. Keep your cats inside ALL the time. And look for a vet who will neuter them for a reasonable fee.
(Toms are easy, actually.) You're lucky they haven't started spraying yet. You will find your house unliveable if they do start.
I've neutered many ferals in my neighborhood and have five formerly feral cats living in my house now. I was lucky to find a vet
who performs the service very very reasonably for rescued cats.

[MnFats]

12. too: think of this...the indoor/outdoor thing...

...
in my vicinity, as woodlands and lakes get restored, birds of prey are moving in....
unless your kitty is a muscular bull of a cat, it's probably going to come out on the short end of tangling with a great horned owl....

not dissing owls, mind you....there are at least two in my neighborhood....and they turn up very close to my back door at times and hoot at each other, trying to claim the wood lot in back of my place so they can hunt mice, even modest-size raccoons...but not kitties, because their owners get them in before dusk.

i do like listening to the owls telling each other to get the hell out of the neighborhood.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

33. Yes. I bring mine in at dusk. They have some hidey holes

all around both natural and manmade. They also have a catdoor and can go in and out as they please. They are very spoiled. They love the outdoors and I want them to enjoy the best of both worlds.

[Beausoir]

77. Interesting about the owls. We've had alot of them here in Brainerd recently. My neighbor's dog is

gone. Been gone for 3 weeks. It was a teeny little old ancient poodle. They think an owl got him at 4 in the morning. They think they heard it. Poor old little fella.

I love sitting out at night and hearing the owls "talk". But...they are fierce predators and I would not let a kitten out when they are around.

Same with Bald Eagles and hawks. A hawk tried to get my Boxer puppy this Spring. Bastard. He cast a huge black shadow as he swooped down. Thank god my husband and I were right there. Otherwise....we'd be missing a beloved little companion.

Keep cats inside! They will thank you for it.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. A lot of places offer low-cost spay/neuter services...

You might try calling your local shelter to find out about this...I'm sure they'd be happy to steer you in the right direction.

We took in a pregnant stray years ago; and before we could get her fixed, she got outside and pregnant again. We had two litters of cats who, for the most part, got along very well. There was an occasional tussle; but nothing serious.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

35. Thanks. These 2 guys fine. I just wondered what was in store

for the future.

[Heidi]

14. My cat, Ginger, and his brother, Barley, both neutered, are best friends.

I hope you'll find a vet who will neuter your boys and let you make payments. :hi:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

34. Thanks, Heidi. I need to start calling

:hi:

[Hissyspit]

15. Not in my experience, but it depends on the individuals (and their MOODS)

definitely get them fixed, though.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

42. I am hoping to get them fixed soon

It is the best way, I think.

[Critters2]

46. You'll be glad you did.

Once they reach maturity, they'll start spraying. That is just nasty. I frankly can't understand how there are carefully bred purebreed cats. There are really people who can live with unfixed male cats?!!

[piesRsquare]

16. Congrats!

Have no fear about affording neutering...you'll be taken care of, no problem. As others above advised, contact your local SPCA/Humane Society.

As far as the boys growing up to fight one another, I have two 13 year old male brothers who are just fine. They've had their moments (just like human brothers would), but throughout most of their lives they were inseperable (couldn't travel in separate carriers!) Nowadays, they're a couple of grumpy old men and need separate carriers and smack each other every so often, but they also still curl up together, respond when the other is upset, eat together, etc.

Males do have wrestling matches--"play fighting". Keep a watchful eye to make sure one cat isn't being bullied or "tortured" by the other. Become familiar with your cats' sounds, as sounds one or both make can often indicate if/when a "wrestling match" has turned into a fight. You can find more helpful info about this on the ASPCA website in a brief article called "Are Two Cats Better than One?" at the link below:

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_behavior_ask


Have fun! Miao!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

43. Thanks!!

Pictures will be coming soon. Thanks for the links and the info.

[MissHoneychurch]

17. ....

[Tuesday Afternoon]

32. I will. I promise. I have to get the film developed.

:hi:I have been sick...Maybe later this week or next week, I will start a kitty thread:think:

[REP]

18. My experience is that they will get along fine.

I have a father and son, and my mother has three brothers, and I have other friends with brother cats. Fighting isn't a problem.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

44. good to hear. Thanks!

:hi:

[radfringe]

19. check here for low cost spay/neuter

bottom of page

http://charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/spay-neuter.htm?gclid=CL-7zvmGyI8CFR2mQQod6g8y1g

Spay and neuter your pets. To make the arrangements, call your veterinarian or local animal shelter.

To find your local shelter, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. You can also search online for local clinics and low-cost programs at Pets 911, Spay USA (1-800-248-SPAY), or Friends of Animals (1-800-321-PETS). Generally, your pet will return home the same day of the spaying or neutering and you'll have simple after-care instructions to follow.
---------

you should also run a google for spay/neuter for your state

also check out rescue groups in your area and ask them if they know where you can get a spay/neuter voucher

[Tuesday Afternoon]

41. Thanks for the link and the info.

:hi:

[MagickMuffin]

20. We had boys at one time, two brothers and a spray we rescued

they seemed to get along until our female came in heat and all bets were off. I didn't help any and let them have their ways with her and she had a litter of three kittens with each one looking like the three boys.

These were all inside cats. We got everyone fixed after that.

And everyone lived happily ever after, with occasional flare ups.

[AirmensMom]

21. Well, MissHC's orange tabby (Simon) and my Bengal (Serengeti) are best of buddies.

They're 7 and 8 1/2 months old now. Oh, and Sylvester loves them both. Satchmo even tolerates them ... that's four boys in one house ranging from 7 months to 9 1/2 years old.

Serengeti and Satchmo :loveya:


Sylvester and Simon :loveya:


Serengeti and Sylvester :loveya:


Sylvester, Serengeti, and Simon :loveya:



You get the idea ...

Oh, and call your local shelter and/or pet rescue group for low cost neutering. They're usually more than happy to do it.

[redwitch]

23. All very beautiful, but the first picture OMG!

Add a watering hole and a deceased wildebeest and you are on the African plains! I want a Bengal! Uber-tabbies!

[AirmensMom]

25. Thanks.

Serengeti would look good next to a wildebeast! :rofl:

Actually, the Abyssinian in the first pic is my 9 1/2 year old baby. They're all affectionate, but he's a total Momma's boy. :loveya:

Call any Bengal breeder ... they give away their retired queens to good homes. That's how we got our other Aby, Satchmo's mom Sabrina. We could have a marbled Bengal for free right now, but there's no room at the inn.

[MissHoneychurch]

24. I want to clarify

that Simon is 8 1/2 months old and Serengeti 7 months old :D

[AirmensMom]

37. Oh yeah ...

Looks like the other way around the way I wrote it. :dunce:


:hi: :loveya: :hug:

[Sanity Claws]

22. Depends on your definition of fighting

What looks like fighting can actually be playing.
I have two neutered tom cats and they play fight and tussle with each other but no real fighting.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

39. They are play-fighting now. I don't think they will ever actually

fight each other. Regardless if I have them neutered. My girlfriend seems to think differently. Made me curious if anyone one here had any ancedotes they might want to share.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

26. There should be low cost spay/neuter clinics around

Try Googling or checking with local shelters to see if they know of anything. The lady at the shelter from which we adopted Sunflower gave me a list of low cost clinics as part of her adoption package.

I don't think they will fight each other, but getting them neutered will definitely help to make sure that doesn't happen, as it decreases their aggression.

Our Sunny is about 13 weeks old now - the vet will neuter him in another 4-6 weeks.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

45. It is time. thanks for the info.

:hi:

[BarenakedLady]

27. My brothers hardly ever fought

I had three male littermates. They were thick as thieves their whole lives. They did have arguments but they were few and far between and were resolved rather quickly. I agree with the others that neutering is absolutely the right thing to do and will cut down a lot on any aggression. Good luck!

Here are two of my two boys (Rocky b&w has since passed)

[Tuesday Afternoon]

47. Thanks for sharing the pic. They are gorgeous. Sorry to hear

about Rocky. Thanks for sharing your story.

[Arkansas Granny]

28. I had two tom cat littermates on two occassions years ago . In both

cases they all were very mellow and never fought with each other before or after neutering them. They would sometimes have a little spat if their play got a little rough, but it never escalated to a full-fledged fight. They remained best buds for life.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

48. Good to heat. Thanks for sharing.

:hi:

[WolverineDG]

29. Two male strays who are littermates

have taken up residence at my house for the past 2 years. (thanks neighbor lady who doesn't spay or neuter her cats & then leaves for months :eyes:) They've been hitting me up for food since they were kittens. Sometimes they have spats, but most of the time, they're very loving to each other. They have distinct personalities (Buster is a bit of a grouch, while Vern is a lovey-dovey), which I think is the source of the conflict.

dg

[Tuesday Afternoon]

49. Thanks for sharing your story -- some neighbor lady you have

:)

[WolverineDG]

65. tell me about it

i can tell when she comes back because i get more "visitors." most of the kittens are downright cute, but i can't get near 'em to take 'em to the vet to get fixed.

dg

[Wcross]

30. Cats like these?

I found these two guys at about 8 weeks old (both male). They will fight a little bit, mostly playing. They also cuddle up together and assist one another with groom in those hard to reach places.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

38. They look just like my guys!!

Mine are a couple of sweethearts. I have been sick this past week and they have worried over me. They want me in bed by 11:30 and up at 7. It is cute.

[Captain Hilts]

31. NO! Male cats are very easy going and rarely turfy. nt

[Tuesday Afternoon]

50. Really? Good to hear. Thanks

:hi:

[Kajsa]

36. My two guys, ( brothers) don't fight

but they occasionally do the male sibling thing- taunting, teasing, and wrestling.

They are both fixed and get along great unless they are doing their
'brothers hassling each other' number.

Please, find a low cost spay and neutering clinic.
The Humane Society is the place to start.

Congratulations on the new members of your family.

:D

btw; Thanks for adopting two of them.
They are much happier and less lonely in pairs.
;)

:hi:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

51. Yes. I thought 2 would be best. I am not home a lot during the

day. Gone a lot on the week-ends. I thought one by himself would get lonely. :hi:

[Kajsa]

68. Good for you!

They will be much happier, together.

:hi:

[Critters2]

40. Cats get along best with members of their own gender.

Dogs are better in mixed pairs.

There'll be the occasional fisticuffs, but over all they should be fine. Two female dogs in the same household....there's fun you don't want to think about.

on edit: Ask your local humane society, or your vet about low-cost neutering options. At least neutering males is cheaper than spaying females!

Critters
btdt

[Tuesday Afternoon]

52. Thanks for the info.

btdt=?

[Critters2]

53. Been there, done that. nt

[Richard Steele]

54. My Sweetie's folks have 3 brothers- they're inseperable friends.

They look out for each other; some occasional play-pouncing
but never a real fight.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

56. Good to hear. Thanks

:hi:

[yellowdogintexas]

55. my 3 sibling kitties occasionally scrap it up over seemingly nothing

then next thing you know they are grooming each other. They are less cuddly with one another the older they get but they are not at war or anything like that. Now if another cat tried to come in this house, I Pity The Fool Cat that tries to get in HERE! My 3 big, huge, brother cats and the senior cat, who taught them about the evils of Invader Kitties will corner, trap and attack any strange cat ..

Usually their spats are about who gets to be Alpha Cat of the day amongst the 3 of them. They all know the real alpha cat in THIS house is Thomas, the Senior cat. They really respect him, after all he was big and huge when they were teeny little things and he never ever tried to harm them.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

57. Cute story. Thanks for sharing.

Cats are cool.

[yellowdogintexas]

63. you are most welcome nt

[mike_c]

58. I've had several male siblings over the years and they've always...

...gotten along just fine. In my experience, females are MUCH more fractious. I suspect there is a lesson there, but can't figure it out for the life of me....

on edit-- I'm assuming they're neutered. Intact males are territorial. Very territorial.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

59. These are NOT neutered -- yet.

That is what I am afraid...even though they are brothers. They will fight as adult males if I don't get them fixed.

[ThomCat]

60. My two boys are litter-mates.

They're the best of friends. They fight, but only wrestling for fun because that's how they play.

Yes, you definitely want to find a way to get them fixed. :)

[Tuesday Afternoon]

61. Yes, I want to get them fixed. As soon as I can afford it, I will.

They are very loving to each other now. They play-fight but it is all in fun. Practicing for the real thing...haha

[Evoman]

62. My girlfriends family has outdoor farm cats.

The males all hate each other and fight until the others leave the farm. Last time we went, there were 3 males. One of them is smaller than the other 2, and he has been beat up pretty bad. The other two are about the same size and right now are at a stalemate. But they are all family (and some are littermates) and it doesn't matter at all. They hate each other.

I'm guessing eventually the older male will lose out and have to leave. Coming from the city, I find the whole thing rather distasteful.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

64. Thanks. Sounds like they have it rough. Mine are very spoiled.

We will see. I think if I get mine fixed it will avoid this problem.

[begin_within]

66. They won't fight forever, but there will be resentments and family secrets and deathbed confessions

Just like with people. They will forgive but not forget. They'll be fine really.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

70. Thanks for the laugh

:D

[dembotoz]

67. ask mike vick

wait a minute-this is about cats, not dogs

[Tuesday Afternoon]

71. Thank Goodness

I am not sure I want his advice on anything :D

[applegrove]

69. Thank you for saving those cats. Toms have a tough life. I have a Tom who was fixed

at the age of two and he is quite the bruser. Fix them early if you want to avoid the worst personality issues. Mine will get mad and attack - fighting to him is nothing. I think he was abused before I got him at two years. Nevertheless they will be happy the sooner you can fix them.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

72. I am hoping to get them fixed before the year is out. It may end up

being my Christmas gift to them AND me :D

[applegrove]

73. For now..it must be hilarious at your house. I cannot imagine anything cuter that two

kittens.

[triguy46]

74. Not until a female comes around.

[Beausoir]

76. Start keeping them inside. It's safer and healthier for them. I have 3 female strays, btw.

Don't let your cats go outside. They WILL get sick, maimed or killed.

They will completely get "over" not being able to be outside and they will thank you for it. It's not a big deal.

My three queens still basically despise each other...after 12 years. BUT...they have each carved out their own niche within the house and have learned to live and tolerate each other.

Spay those bad boys as soon as you can afford it and keep them inside.

You are doing a very good thing. Please pat yourself on the back for being a very nice and kind person. If only all people were as kind and compassionate as you...