Cats not getting on

[Wafflesandcrepes]

I’ve got two cats adopted within six months of each other. The younger one is terrified of humans outside our small family unit. However, she’s a real bully to our other cat: constantly following her around, staring at her, blocking entry and exit points, stealing her food.

This behaviour has escalated recently.They occasionally fight but never hurt each other although I’ve noticed they’ve got more aggressive of late. We went away for the weekend and since we’ve been back the older one is really scared and skittish.

I can’t work out why it’s getting worse. They’ve been living together for two years now.

What shall I do?

This happened to a friend of mines cats, turned out one of them has a thyroid issue and is now on medication for life and that has really helped the issue.

Have they both been to the vets to rule out any medical issues?

Are they both female?

Once medical issues ruled out, sadly not all cats get on, one of the cats I've had in the past was rehomed with me because he just hated other cats, we took him on age 5 and he was a different cat (that and being allowed freedom as was a vocal, unhappy house cat always trying to get out). He was chilled, happy, content and quiet after that!

The skittish one looks like taking fear out on the other, things may improve if you can find a way of getting that one more confident but they may not. Other than that, lots of beds, spaces they can retreat away from each other in different rooms, different feeding area, different litter trays if indoor cats. If young children, try to keep them calm near the cats, noise wise too. Bottom line is not all cats are suitable to live in a multi-cat house hold.

Thank you. Both females. They’ve never liked each other other very much but things have suddenly escalated. We will indeed rule out medical issues and then hope it gets better. They have two litter trays. Perhaps I will look to feed them in different areas. They have separate sleeping arrangements but the younger one has now started coming up to the upstairs bedroom which had so far been the older one’s sanctuary.

Ideally you need at at least three litter trays for two cats.

Do they go outside?

They’re both indoors cats.

They're fighting over their space then.

Can you give them separate spaces within the house?

Ah. That probably explains it. They need more space and territory, not to be forced to share the same house 24/7.

I expect you may have already tried it but if not Feliway plug ins work wonders!