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Cats/two cats, can't live together

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Expert: - 5/11/2009


Question

Sam/Cleo
I have a problem with two cats that do not get along.  Cleo is 7 years old.  She is a very petite tabby.  I got her when she was a few months old.  At that time I had puffdaddy (a male).  They got along so great, always played together, slept together, everything.  In January 2007 puffdaddy passed away.  So then it was just Cleo and I for a few months.  Then I got Sam (he is 9 years old)who came from my brother and sister in law.  They had 4 or 5 cats at that time, Sam was spraying.  They knew I had just lost puffdaddy who I had for 8 years and was devastated to lose him, so they thought it would be a good idea for me to take Sam.  Sam is a WONDERFUL cat.  Really loving but i think territorial.  Cleo completely changed when I got Sam.  She was always a little withdrawn, not really friendly with other people, but she would come out and hang out in the living room and everything.  Ever since i got Sam she will not come out of the bedroom.  i feel horrible, its like she just lives her life in the bedroom all by herself.  Sometimes I'll go in there and shut Sam out and he just cries at the door.  It seems like Sam is always antagonizing her.  I don't know if he wants to play with her and she is just afraid of him or what. She will hiss at him and growl and run away from him. This has been going on for about a year and a half! I don't know what to do......please help. Thank you very much, Jennifer

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

This is an ongoing problem which there really isn't anything you can do about. Some cats just do not get along. You have given them 1 1/2 years to settle things out and they haven't. I had one cat who my others couldn't stand. She first started staying under the bathroom sink. I moved her to the spare bedroom. She was fine in there. She had her own bed, food, and water. She had lots of toys and her own window. I made sure that she had a few hours of special time with me. And I would take her out and place the others away so she would have outside time. She was fine and happy.

Or you can just leave things the way they are. So long as they don't attack each other just leave them alone. But make sure she has access to a litter box and food that he can't block her from. They are not going to be the best of friends. But they can tolerate each other. You have to decide which you feel is better. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 8Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you, it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who has an issue like this. I just feel so bad for her being in the room all by herself. She does have access to the cat box and food and water, and has some toys. Thats a good idea to bring her out every once in a while and put sam up so she can hang out without him trying to bug her. Thank you so much for your promp responce.


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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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