Atlas Hates Spunky.

My boyfriend and I recently decided to adopt cats. One would basically be mine and one would basically be his(both of us sharing responsibility over both cats well being, of course). Since he had never been allowed to have a cat as a kid and he was very excited about getting some, I agreed. We went to the local adoption center to find our new family members. I found a four year old female who I have named Atlas. Because she was already spayed, I was able to take her home that day. My boyfriend found a kitten(about 8 weeks) on the same day called Spunky, also a female. Since Spunky had to be spayed, we would have to pick her up a few days later after she had seen the vet.

This is my first experience with owning indoor cats, so I didn't know what to expect. Growing up, I had always had outdoor cats and had experienced the "get to know each other" stage kittens and adult cats go through. I knew it wasn't always pretty at first, but the cats always eventually got along. I'm guessing this has to do with the huge amount of space the cats could roam around in.

Long story short, Atlas hates Spunky. Not only does she take it out on the kitten, but us as well. She's moody and won't even stay in the same room with us anymore. She bites when we try to pet her. She was such a sweet cat before the kitten arrived. I expected her to be upset, but she is so stressed out that she rarely comes out from under the bed to eat. It has me worried. I have read tips on how to get my cats to like each other(mainly Atlas, Spunky has no issue)Most of the other sites I read suggested putting the kitten in a small room until the older cat gets used to the smell of the kitten. However, it's difficult to manage this as Spunky lives up to her name and I'm worried that locking her in the bathroom(the only spare room available)would be a bad idea. And since we have to use the bathroom(obviously)I'm sure she'd run out whenever she had the chance. She's also been here for nearly two weeks. Does that even make a difference? Is it too late to try? I'm worried Atlas is stuck like this. I'm also terrified to let Atlas outside so she can get away from Spunky. I'm afraid she won't come back because she's so upset. And Spunky isn't supposed to go out until she's had her second set of shots(in about two weeks a believe)

Have I made a mistake bringing two cats into such a small space, especially with them being so far apart in age? I'm considering taking Atlas back. But I would feel terrible. She had already been brought back by another family(she hated the little dog) I'm just not sure what to do anymore and I'm afraid that if she continues to not eat like she has been that she'll get sick. Any advice?

I agree. Atlas should be in a single kitty home. But to get rid of Spunky would break my boyfriends heart. He's much more attached to her,the only GOOD cat experience he's ever had considering he's never had them before. She's his little baby. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take one of them back. I'm just worried this might be bad news for Atlas.

I'm not sure if this is good or bad. I was just watching them(Atlas was in the living room for about 5 seconds) Atlas saw Spunky. She didn't hiss or growl. Instead she looked terrified. She was wide eyed and looked very scared. Spunky then decided to chase her down. Atlas ran back under the bed where I'm guessing she'll spend the rest of the night. I feel so bad for her now...She's miserable here.

Thank you guys for the great advice I feel a lot more hopeful now. I really don't want to take Atlas back. She's a great kitty. I understand why she's upset and it wouldn't be fair for her. And I don't have the heart to do that to her. I'm going to start tomorrow on getting the room ready for the kitten. Wish me luck!