For us the work is worth it, but it is becoming tiresome for us and unfair to the girls. I will be curious to hear if anyone else has had any success addressing an issue like this.
We have 3 cats. Noah (M, 4 years old), Sophie (F, 4 years old), and Elsie (F, 2 years old). Noah and Sophie are not litter mates, but were adopted together as little kittens. Elsie was introduced back in March as an adult cat.
Noah is the dominate cat. Since the first day I brought him and...
Update: We took Sophie to the vet nearly 2 weeks ago and put her on the lowest dosage of Prozac available. We've continued with the behavior modification, plus made our bedroom Sophie's space. We don't let Elsie in there (she oddly is pretty respectful of that).
Although the Prozac is still...
I am glad that the girls are actually comfortable. When we first adopted Elsie, a week later our boy Noah needed bladder surgery. We had two cats in two separate rooms plus one in the middle. I feel your pain!
If the girls are happy just let it be for now. Instead of waiting/forcing for one...
How many do you have? If you only have one, plug it into the most communal area that the two could share. If you have multiple, plug one into the communal area, and one into each space that each cat resides in right now. This will help with their general stress even when they aren't around...
I agree with a re-introduction. We brought in a third cat this past March. She is 1 year old, sweet, and is energetic, but not "crazy kitten" energetic. However, as she settled, she displayed more of a dominate personality than we anticipated. The 4 year old female is having a rough time...
@ShadowsRescue, thank you again for your kind words and help.
The weekend was overall successful. Sophie was slightly less worried about where Elsie was it, so life was somewhat able to resume as normal. We kept up with playing, treats, etc. Elsie gave Sophie a couple mild slaps in passing...
Update: The calming treats and collars help to take an edge off. We still redirect staring and a few potential charges, but these are starting to become a little easier to redirect.
We continue playing and supervising. Sophie is still upset, but Elsie is back to her mostly normal self around...
Update:
Sentry calming collars for both girls (only while supervised as they aren't true breakaway collars) in conjunction with some calming Petco treats, are surprisingly doing the trick. We are still adding extra play time and reinforcing Elsie coming out of her room with tuna for everyone...
@ShadowsRescue, thank you so much for all of your quick and thorough responses. It helps a lot.
We purchased the Sentry Calming Collar for cats today. Both of the girls are wearing one. Oh my goodness...Sophie and Elsie have been EXCELLENT. Our house feels normal tonight. They will play...
Questions: How long (if at all), should I let Elsie or Sophie intently watch the activity of another? This isn't them staring each other down, but it's one watching the other, for example, while I play with them. It's an intent watch, but no posturing. Also worth noting is the other is...
@JeruKatz, we are just trying to help you, not make your situation more frustrating. Please bear with us through some of these standard questions and suggestions.
While physically removing a cat in that state is not recommended, if you are left with no choice, then get him off of you and then...
Update: Progress! The girls still need supervised around each other, but Elsie is less afraid of Sophie and Sophie is more comfortable around the house. She is playing more, walking around more confidently, and is more comfortable walking and sitting in open spaces.
Elsie is taking Composure...
As tempting as it is in the moment, I would not physically move him from the room. Instead, like @Handsome Kitty and @ShadowsRescue said, go with a loud "No", "Ouch", or even a hissing noise and just get up and walk away. The noise breaks his attention and walking away helps to indicate that...