How to point out the alpha cat

[SnyperKat]

Any ideas? My brother and I were trying to determine the alpha cat in our house a little while ago, but we're not sure which way the evidence points!

When Neko was alive, she was the dominant party. However when she died, Graffiti took the role. Now, we have Gustave in the mix, and it looks like he's trying to compete for the alpha position. We've seen him trying to pin Graffiti down, and I don't think it's playing... He jumps on her from behind, and she always throws him off and bats him away with her ears flattened down and a sharp yowl. he slinks away, but usually comes back for another round or two. He only tried to pin down Smokie once, who apparently responded so fiercely that the next time Smokie walked into the same room as him, Gus actually ducked out of sight. The only one who doesn't seem to mind Gustave jumping on them is Kaylee, hehe.

My mom said that cats who compete for the alpha position tend to climb into the highest places they can get to. I've seen both Graffiti and Gustave climb onto high shelves before, but so far Gus is the only one we've seen climbing trees and onto the roof. This might just be coincidence though.

Anyhow, I wouldn't mind some suggestions as to what to look for when determining the alpha.

[MissDolittle]

Let me know when you find out, cuz I have yet to figure that out with my 4 cats lool.

[SnyperKat]

Lol! Dang, I was hoping you could help me. XP However, I do remember you saying once that you'd given up on trying to figure out cats, hehe.

We'll figure it out one day, I suppose.

[Aenir]

Perhaps an introduction to a democratic society would solve your problems?

I think that it will work itself out, When I had my 2 dogs [not the same, i know] the older one growled a bit and did a couple things of that sort and it was resolved right away :D

Perhaps the oldest one has the position currently?

[WingedCat]

I have 9 cats and have yet to notice that any of them are an alpha. There are those who get along wonderfully (the snuggling is so sweet it will turn you into an instant diabetic) and others dislike one another and avoid each other. Each cat has their favorite space which they will share with the cat/s they like. Maybe they see us two-leggeds as the alpha since we are the one's to "bring in the food"?

[MissDolittle]

That's exactly what I am getting too!

[SnyperKat]

@ Aenir: The oldest one is Smokie, and he's also the wimpiest, so I don't think he's alpha material, but I could be entirely wrong!

@ WingedCat: I guess cats could see it that way, I just kinda figured there may be an alpha.. but 9 cats is a pretty big group, hee. None of my cats cuddle. :(

Maybe I'm just thinking too hard about this! *lies down*

[WingedCat]

Get ready to become an instant diabetic. :D Here are a few pics for you

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/27f6691f72.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/6d5633237b.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/fb96e0c2ee.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/2d9939758a.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/24a06ae226.jpg

[WingedCat]

But wait there is even more sweetness! LOL

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7e43200d1e.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7ae4a090bb.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/66f4925fc5.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/1841c92af5.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/ff2de86f93.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3429e65e8a.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

Sorry guys, once I got started I couldn't stop! LOL I'll stop now. ;)

[Aenir]

Aww They are so cute!! :D

[MissDolittle]

OMG, what a fluff fest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I know what you're talking about hehehehe.

[WingedCat]

There is lot's of love in this house. :)

[SnyperKat]

Noooo don't stop, I love all of the pictures! :D I especially adore the one of the black cat sprawled across the dog, hehe. Gustave and Kaylee used to cuddle more, but since Gus is always outside, Kaylee hasn't been getting as many cuddles lately.