2 male cats-do ot get along

by Lorraine
(NJ)

We just moved and took Gram and her cat in...both males, mine is Siamese, her Maine Coon....Her cat has claws, my does not. Her cat goes after my cat, and my cat is now afraid to come out of our room.....This goes on all the time. I have to either bring my cat to the basement with me, or when her cat sleeps, I close her bed door and let mine have the house. Gram seems to think they will get along, but my cat has alrady been attcked by hers, with nails and this has upset me.....I dont see this working out...if we let them try, my cat gets hurt. What to do???

RESPONSE:

Believe it or not, the Maine Coon is afraid. He was taken from the home he new and is now forced to share territory with a stranger. Acting aggressively is his way of coping.
Use toys as a distraction when agressive behavior starts. Give them treats when they are in the same room together and they are calm. Feed them in seperate areas and make sure there are plenty of high up spaces and cubbies to get away from each other. They each need their own territory. Since your Siamese stays in your room, make it comfy for him and let him stay. Shut the door and spend time playing with him and giving him treats. Gram has a point when she says they will eventually get along. While they may never truly get along, they will eventually learn to tolerate one another. It may just take several months. You can try using Feli-way Pheromones or Bach Flowers to help try to calm them. Play will help to tire the M. Coon and will help build confidence in the Siamese so be sure to provide plendy of interactive play. Above all, you need to remain calm. If you get upset, your cat especially will sense your distress and it will make hime more anxious. His increased anxiety will entice the Coon to attack more since he will feel like he has succeeded in his dominence. Try some of the suggestions and give it time.

Donna, House Full Cats Mom