Once friends now enemies?!?

I have a 6yr old male tuxedo Smudge, and a 4yr old female Daisy. They've always got along, he likes to play more then her and would annoy her from time to time and show the alpha in him. I just lost my 18yr old Ebony a few months ago. Four days ago my male got a bath, he gets them once in awhile and doesn't mind them. Daisy on the other hand turns psychotic so I don't give her baths. Within an hour after his bath they got in the biggest fight, like street cats do and did for a few days that we had to separate them. Ever since my "alpha" male lets her dominate him. He's been hiding and does the low crawl when moving to other hiding spots, even scared of us most the time. She keeps a close eye on him and won't let him come to us if she's in the room. I thought after a few days they'd work things out but haven't. Please help I need my family back!! [emoji]128542[/emoji]

I would suggest site swapping for a week or more, so that one cat is tucked away in a comfy room with it's water and litter box and a nice place to nap or look out a window. while the other is free to roam the house.  Later, swap them out but play with the outside one before swapping them -- use a toy that makes them get tired, like DaBird (available at Petco and online).   Then the one who has been isolated can stretch his/her legs and the other can go take a nap. 

Sounds like their relationship dynamic has changed a bit with the passing of your other cat. Maybe they're even having anxiety about where the other cat is - I would think cats mourn loss to a certain extent since it is a change for them.

I agree with Red Top. Jackson Galaxy suggests a reintroduction phase for cats who've had fights like this and need to make up. He has a great youtube channel series.

Thank you both for your advise! I have them separated now and he is already warming back up to us and roaming around. They have acted different since our loss, very clingy it's like they think I'm going to take them somewhere and they won't return either. I'm going to look up that YouTube video right now. Thanks again!!

Just wanted to let you guys know I finally figured it out a few days ago. It was because he smelled different from his bath. I got a foam no rinse shampoo for her plus a calming collar. Instantly after I "shampooed" her he came right up to her and they were instantly friends again. Who would have thought ugh lol....

wow, glad you found out what the issue was

Glad things have gotten better for you and the kitties.