Question:
We have recently (just over 2 weeks ago) taken home two cats from a local shelter and are having some 'teething troubles'. The two ladies in mention are both about 10 years old, in relatively good health and ended up at the shelter together because their owner died. They were put into separate pods because, possibly due to the stress of the upheaval and the size of the pods, they were not happy together but the people at the home saw it only as a temporary measure and were more than happy for them to be rehomed together as that is how they had always lived.

Toto, the more confident one, had no problems settling in and Dottie hid under the sofa for two days - she had been particularly unsettled by the previous move TO the home and was of nervous disposition. Anyway, they have now both become most familiar with their new surroundings and new family and both cats are adorable and affectionate with humans - to the point of being quite ridiculous! Neither cares to roam far and both are happy just to sit and be stroked all day. It was suggested to us that at their age they wouldn't roam far and with a big house and lots of company, would probably remain as indoor cats.

So, now settled in and more than adorable we have only one problem - they seem to HATE each other!

At first we thought it was the more dominant Toto that was doing the scaring but it has become apparrant that it is actually little Dottie that is actively seeking out Toto and causing all sorts of havoc. There have been countless flying furball episodes complete with hissing and growling and although BOTH parties end up fleeing into hiding, there is uually substantial Toto fur to hoover up afterwards.

So, we have separated them for the moment, which seems unfair as our house is very spacious but is mostly open-plan so to keep them separated they only have one room each - resulting in Dottie getting all the company that passes through the living room and Toto being secluded in a bedroom where we are worried that she is becoming a little more aloof as she doesn't get as much company - however fair we try to be. Incidentally, Dottie is affection-MAD and often meows for AGES AND AGES and will not allow someone to sit down without sitting ON them...

My housemate and I are dedicated to sorting out the problem as both cats are so very sweet and we got them both together so couldn't bear to choose ONE to be re-homed, besides, we can't believe that they have been like this for ten years already and are finding it hard to see little scaredy Dottie as such a bully. We have tried to suss out what to do from the internet but there seems to be so many different terms of aggression that we are confused as there is no outside contributor or any other pets and they can't have ALWAYS been like this so we simply don't know what type of aggression it is or why it is happening!!

So, any tips, suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated so that both cats can enjoy the whole house together without suffering frequents fights.

Much appreciation in advance of your knowledgeable help. xx

Answer:
Hmmm sounds like they are fighting for territory,since you got them together into a new home,,,they seem to both be trying to see whos boss kitty...Seperating really doesnt help them get along....

Dottie sounds like the dominant kitty and perhaps shes trying to keep toto in line...Our cats fought it out too when we introduced them,but over time and lots of flying fur,they have worked it out..

Answer:
First of all, a big "THANK YOU" for taking these two old gals in!!!! You are very kind to do this, as most of the time cats over 5 have little chance of getting a home.

Now, for the fighting. This is probably "redirected aggression" due to stress. Going to a shelter then to a new home is extremely stressful for any cat, particularly as they age. Cats will often take out their stress on each other.

Do not give them the run of the house right now. They may seem fine, but all that new space is overwhelming them. I would separate them into different rooms, and then gradually re-introduce them as though they were strange cats to each other.

I would do this right now, since the bullying can become habit and ingrained very quickly.

If you aren't sure how to introduce cats, let me know. I have a very article on this.

You must be patient, as this could take a bit of time.

Answer:
Thank you so much for posting so quickly people, it's certainly reassuring to hear words of advice from kitty-friendly folk. They are such lovely ladies (we have nick-named them 'The Golden Girls'!) that we are more than dedicated to whatever time-consuming cause we have let ourselves in for. We are just a bit new to this so all help is greatly appreciated - the article you mention about reintroducing, Lucky Rescue, would be fantastic, many thanks. As long as we haven't got a total lost cause we are happy to do it whatever way people think best!!!

I have found a few different ideas on the net about squirting the bully with water and covering both cats in vanilla essence to cover their scent and confuse them, do these kind of things work? What about 'Feliway' or 'Rescue Remedy'? (Actually, what exactly IS 'Feliway'???) What do you think our chances of success are with these two? They must have been chums at some point!! We would love nothing more than to have them snuggled up together in front of a warm fire at christmas (I think I have watched too many soppy cartoons!) so we hope they will be friends one day!

Thanks again for the help. x

Answer:
I have used these introductions methods on my many past cats, and on fosters and ferals. You can tailor it to suit your situation - skipping steps or slowing it down - whichever applies.

Introducing cats

This article is actually about introducing a new cat to the resident cat, but the same principles apply. I have found the biggest mistake people make with fighting cats, or with skittish cats is being in too much of a rush. Cats cannot be rushed and must do things in their own time.

Do not use the water squirting method on either of these cats, or use any punitive measures at all. They are stressed enough from the loss of their home, and all the changes they have endured.

Yes, definitely try Rescue Remedy! I have tried Feliway on rescue cats, but haven't noticed any improvement, although it may work for yours. I believe Feliway is a calming pheromone. It's very expensive, so I would go with the Rescue Remedy.

Some people try putting tuna juice on both cats, the theory being that by the time they finish licking it off themselves and each other, they'll be friends again. I never tried this personally.

Let us know how it goes!

p.s. Where do you live? Would you like another cat or two?? You sound like just the kind of home we dream of for our rescues!

Answer:
More kittys?? Don't tempt me!!! Actually, we live in London, UK - probably a bit too far to travel , it's just that despite searching, I couldn't find any boards that were as helpful or friendly as this one, where people could help each other out with questions and answers, so I had to look outside of the UK kitty websites - I'm sure glad I did!!!!

Thank you loads and loads - I will certainly keep you updated on how it all goes, I think they know something is going to happen as I am being circled by Dottie as we speak! Tuna juice it is - Mmmmmm - nice

Gonna sit with a cuppa and figure out the plans (yes I'm up ridiculously late over here but the TV is good and I don't have work tomorrow).

Speak (write) to you soon! Take care. x

Answer:
that also happen with my two girls!!! i wonder if all older cats are like that...my 2 cats are mother and daughter but sometimes they still hiss and growl at each other...last nite when Sabrina went into the litter box (one with lid) and Mama just went close to the litter box exit and when Sabrina tried to get out, Mama smack her back in...so weird...

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