Need insight into the mind of a cat

[smilingcat]

We've "hosed" down our resident bully Morgan with a hand pumped sprayer set to squirt. Stream of water is great way to break a habit but the trick is not let the cat see it when he gets squirted. You don't want him to associate the bottle with getting wet. You want him to associate bad behavior with getting wet.

We use the sprayer, when he has another cat pinned down and the poor victim is growling back. Sneak up with the bottle and we let Morgan have it.

If I'm playing with my omega cat Gracie, aka scare-dy cat, I physically pick up Morgan, turn him around and shoo him away. Sometimes I have extra toys within my reach and entice him with the extra toy, then shoo him away.

[Norse]

+1 on the water bottle. Our older, bigger cat has not been thrilled with the most recent addition to our family, an adorable one year old black cat. Time outs (putting her in bathroom by herself for 5 minutes) did not work as when we opened the door she would go on the hunt again. The spray bottle has helped quite a bit. They have shown progress in becoming friends, but I do not think that they will ever be best of buds. They both like the dog better actually!
Bully cat, looking precious and innocent:

[indysteel]

Make sure that you create some microenvironments in your house so that they each have some separate space to feel safe. Kitty condos or window perches are good for this. I would also have two different feeding stations to serve this same purpose.

[7rider]

Thanks.
We learned early on that we needed two separate feeding stations for them. We try to remind Paris that we're the boss (ha! All he hears is "Blah, blah, blah, dinner, blah, blah, blah!") and often toss him from the bed when he's being a pain and try to encourage Zoe to be more assertive.
We also keep squirt guns and an air can/duster handy - mainly for when Paris decides to try to eat the plants. The thing is, when we zap him, they both get to running, even if Zoe is quietly minding her own business on the windowsill, birdwatching, while Paris is busy pruning the Kalanchoe.
It's ironic that Paris is the bully, because he is the scardy-cat of the two. Whenever anyone comes to the door, he's the first to hide. He won't come out for visitors, yet Zoe is right there, checking them out.
The window perch gets used equally - fortunately. The kitty tower is a work in progress (home made with scrap lumber and bits-n-pieces, and evolving design, done when DH gets motivated to pick up the drill (i.e., when I nag).).

[Biciclista]

It really sounds like he needs some time in "lockup" so you can develop your relationship with Zoe.. Maybe strengthen that bond and she will get bolder?

[Becky]

Pam Johnson-Bennett has some good books on the subject. We found Cat vs. Cat to be helpful.