I feel like a total idiot. Recently I had to sadly and regrettably euthanize my male cat (Frisky) of sixteen years because his kidneys were failing and he was suffering. I loved that cat, he was awesome, and it was hard but I knew it was in his best interest. He and my female (the thirteen year old, named Ebony) didn't really care to hang out with eachother anymore but used to be buddies back when they were younger. The school I attend (Vet Tech Institute) receives cats and dogs from the local shelters roughly every four months, and during their stay we get them healthy, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and most importantly give them lots and lots of love and attention. At the end of each semester (the end of the four months) we adopt out the cats and dogs. We received TWO rounds of sixteen cats last semester and the first sixteen got adopted out quickly, the last sixteen didn't. Those who didn't get homes were going to get euthanized if they had to return back to their shelters after their spays/neuters and vaccinations. I somehow convinced my family to adopt one of the kittens (to save a life) thinking maybe Ebony needed a friend because she was the last remaining cat at our house, and who's also stuck with three dogs. I feel like I was totally wrong.
Once I brought the kitten home (Smokey) everything seemed fine. I decided to introduce them right away and they seemed to get along. Ebony showed some minor territorial signs (rubbing up on furniture and walls) but no signs of aggression, just curiosity. Smokey finally tried to play with her after three days and Ebony lost her mind. Smokey "booped" her on the head in a playful manner and Ebony took it as a threat... Now she is aggressive all the time towards Smokey.
They are NOT together all the time. Smokey is in a separate room 99% of the day, and is not allowed out unless supervised. She has only been around one of the dogs a few times for a split second, who is super chill and awesome, but I want her and Ebony to be civil and friendly before I add in the stress of the dogs. Smokey is now terrified of Ebony. The past few nights we've been letting her out to explore and Ebony just wants to attack and chase her... I've been separating them almost immediately after their skirmishes but I feel stupid for all of this, like it's my fault that they aren't getting along. These cats are both total sweethearts, Ebony is a little more fearful (and always has been) of everything and anything but is used to the dogs and other stressors now. I didn't listen to what I learned in animal behavior or from my veterinarian so I feel like a total fool. I hope I didn't cause too much damage to the point where they will never get along. Instead I let my ego and hopes get in the way. Over the years I've rescued many cats (rehomed them all, maybe 20-30 all together) and never encountered this kind of behavior so I'm at a loss.
Does anybody have any feedback? I don't want something accusatory or ignorant like, "You shouldn't have gotten a kitten, that's selfish!" I've seen thjngs like this turn around for others but it's been years and I don't know how to contact these people. I have hope it WILL work, I just need some feedback and possibly constructive criticism. Thank you for reading this long thread, I really need the advice.
Once I brought the kitten home (Smokey) everything seemed fine. I decided to introduce them right away and they seemed to get along. Ebony showed some minor territorial signs (rubbing up on furniture and walls) but no signs of aggression, just curiosity. Smokey finally tried to play with her after three days and Ebony lost her mind. Smokey "booped" her on the head in a playful manner and Ebony took it as a threat... Now she is aggressive all the time towards Smokey.
They are NOT together all the time. Smokey is in a separate room 99% of the day, and is not allowed out unless supervised. She has only been around one of the dogs a few times for a split second, who is super chill and awesome, but I want her and Ebony to be civil and friendly before I add in the stress of the dogs. Smokey is now terrified of Ebony. The past few nights we've been letting her out to explore and Ebony just wants to attack and chase her... I've been separating them almost immediately after their skirmishes but I feel stupid for all of this, like it's my fault that they aren't getting along. These cats are both total sweethearts, Ebony is a little more fearful (and always has been) of everything and anything but is used to the dogs and other stressors now. I didn't listen to what I learned in animal behavior or from my veterinarian so I feel like a total fool. I hope I didn't cause too much damage to the point where they will never get along. Instead I let my ego and hopes get in the way. Over the years I've rescued many cats (rehomed them all, maybe 20-30 all together) and never encountered this kind of behavior so I'm at a loss.
Does anybody have any feedback? I don't want something accusatory or ignorant like, "You shouldn't have gotten a kitten, that's selfish!" I've seen thjngs like this turn around for others but it's been years and I don't know how to contact these people. I have hope it WILL work, I just need some feedback and possibly constructive criticism. Thank you for reading this long thread, I really need the advice.