Hi- we have two cats both under 2. They were best buds and played, slept together,etc. The female has always been anxious- the male very mellow (during thunderstorms, loud noises, company). We volunteer for a rescue but usually do not fosterd dur This summer due to an extreme circumstance we fostered a litter of kittens (kept isolated) and a puppy (isolated as much as possible). One of the kittens was never adopted so we kept him. The kitten and the older male are great together however the anxious female is having a rough time. She hides most of the day (even though we are now puppy free) and when she is out she is very cautious. She will still cuddle with my husband and I but the second either of the other two cats come around she starts a low growl. Her former best friend is usually just looking to br near her while the kitten just wants to play. We have a pheromone diffuser which worked at first but doesn't seem to do anything anymore. It's been about 6 weeks with the kitten and 2 weeks puppy free. I've been feeding her behind the couch where she hides and we coax her out at night to sleep with us. I should also note that I have come home to them all sleeping on the same couch so am wondering if it is about attention when I'm home. Thanks for any tips or advice!!
Aug 26, 2010 Rating
Older, fearful female + rambunctious 2 yr. old by: Leslie
I have a 13 year old female and rescued a male kitten 2 years ago, after the female's companion brother died. The kitten (now a cat) is much bigger and has dominated the older cat so that she remains upstairs at all times and I have to put him out on the porch to give him the time and attention she needs. It's stressful for her and for me. I want her to have free reign of the house and live in fear or die prematurely because she is stressed.
Any ideas?
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Try playing with the young cat more. The older cat simply want to live out her golden years in peace. But the 2 year old is in his prime and needs more mental and physical stimulation. Going after the older cat is one way he entertains himself. Give him more things to do to challenge him mentally and that sllows him to burn of his excess energy. The goal is to make him too tired to want to "play" with the older cat.
