I just adopted a 5 yr old cat by the name of Tobie a few weeks ago. My other cat is 10 yrs old, and she hates him. Once in a while I'll see them tolerating each other sleeping on separate corners of the bed, other times they are fighting with growls hissing and crying.
By Melynda S.
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This is really typical for mature cats. It just takes awhile (like a couple months at least) for them to get all their territorial stuff worked out. The fact that they will sleep on the same bed is very promising. That they have not had a knock down drag out fight that leaves you with vet bills is also very promising.
Here is what I have found helpful in blending cats. Remember it may take months. Expect hissing growling and a few spats. Dont tolerate serious aggression. I have a squirt bottle for this should it occur. Make sure they have their own space. My cats each have a room where they stay when they are brand new to the family. These remain the places they retreat to when they want to be alone. One cat likes to be up high. She has tower, a stack of fabric boxes with a cat bed on top. The other cat has a bed on my desk. Everything else is communal and shared.
My two dont love each other but they are buddies of a sort. The female body slams the male every morning before breakfast. Then they both get up and beg for their food. Always inscrutable. If they will eat within sight of each other, that helps too. Lots of affection and lots of physical play help a lot. Then everyone wants a nap instead of a squabble. Your two are adorable. Good luck to all of you.
Don't worry too much. I have a tuxedo male and a female calico who didn't get along for the first 3 years. She was mature when I adopted her, and Snickers was here already. Candy was fresh, and would swat at Snickers every time she passed him. He took it and rarely retaliated at first, but after a while, he would sometimes swat her back as she walked away. I would always scold her and tell Snicky he was a good boy. Gradually, the swatting stopped, and they could pass each other and even stop and sniff without incident. Whenever that happened, I would cheerfully say "Nice kitties! Two nice kitties! Very nice!" to let them know that they were behaving well. Now they actually touch noses and rub their heads against each other! They're not pals, but they're not unfriendly anymore.
Candy had issues when I got her; she tended to bite me at times, but she has learned not to do that, and only sometimes forgets herself. She tends to try to bite or nip when she's being petted - she likes it, but after a few strokes, she tries to nip. I think she was badly treated by her previous owners, and turned out on the streets, before she was rescued. The rescuer I adopted her from told me to blow in her face when she bites, and it really works! She also knows not to bite when I say "No biting!" She's actually very affectionate and people oriented, so it's worth using patience and gentle correction, and she has responded.
Eventually your two cats should get used to each other, and may even become friendly with each other. Good luck!
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