Pair of cats - minor behaviour problems

[AlexandraEiffel]

Can I just seek a bit of advice for approaching some minor issues with my cats please.

I've just adopted a pair of cats, male and female, 3 years old, bonded pair the rescue said, given up by owner due to change in circumstances rather than strays or suchlike. Only had them a few days so far.

They sit in the same or different rooms and ignore each other generally speaking. They're in the same room coexisting lots.

There have been a few occasions now when male cat has given the female cat a cuff as she's passing. The odd time he's jumped at her. And last night he was getting more aggressive with her when she was trying to get to her food. Glaring, jumping down, batting her to try and stop her getting by.

In response, I've now put food in two locations, so they can eat separately if they choose. I've made sure biscuits are always available rather than just as a meal. And got a feliway.

Does that all sound like a good approach? And is it usual for a bonded pair to be a bit cross with each other in a new environment, and still settle back down to harmony in future? Thank you

Yes it sounds fine and the changes will unsettle them.

Try the beaphur calming drop on.

Thank you - will find that.

Meant to also say in the OP there's been a lot of bum sniffing too which makes me wonder if they keep need to checking it's each other.

I adopted a pair of 'inseparable' sisters. I soon discovered that they didn't particularly like each other. No actual fighting. But the odd cuff and hissing. The rescue were amazed as they used to sleep entwined!

Just an update for posterity...

Early days yet, but so far they seem to have really calmed down. I've not seen any hissing/cuffing. They're currently asleep on the bed near each other.

Changes were:
Feliway friends.
Two feed stations in separate rooms, always biscuits available (and wet feeds)
Beaphur calming drop.
And time of course.