Hi everyone
Introduction to the problem:
I have two cats, female about 2 years old and male about 8 months old, both castrated.
Female was a very exuberant cat, liked to play a lot. Just taking a joy of life. About seven months ago I found a little kitten on the street (about a month old), was sorry for him, so decided to take him in, hoping the older cat would get a play friend in short future. At the very beginning everything was find, she was a bit anxious, but it took her about a week or two to get use to. After a month, little kitten got very ill, took about a month and a half for him to return to health, had a very serious surgery, almost daily visits to vet, but everything ended fine. Was trying to spend as much time as possible with her, but the little fella required lots of attention. For sure, she was a bit jealous, but after the recovery, everything backed to normal. Don't know if they liked each other much, but for sure they tolerated each other, played together, etc. Problems started occurring about two months ago, the little one started to grow fast, getting stronger and started taking advantage of it, started dominating female cat. She had always been calm and peaceful, thou tried to fight him back (always liked fights, but not serious ones, for fun). The real problem started like 3 or 4 weeks ago. I think male cat totally dominated female, she became kind of absent, not really interested in plays anymore. She sleeps most of the time, or sits in boxes. She eats and drinks normally, likes going outside for walks (on a leash, both cats are domestic ones), that's why I doubt it has something to do with physical health. Basic exams didn't show any problems, is on meds from yesterday (strengthening her immune system, just in case). Even if I manage to get her to play, as soon as the younger one appears, she stops playing, is looking at him. When male attacks her (don't know anymore if he wants to play or "hurt" her), she runs. Not long ago, there were times even she initiated plays with him. Wanted for her to have a play friend and seems just brought her an enemy she is afraid of and can't feel safe at home (my assumptions) Feel a bit helpless, don't know what to do. Hurts to see her in such condition. Any help would be appreciated.
Introduction to the problem:
I have two cats, female about 2 years old and male about 8 months old, both castrated.
Female was a very exuberant cat, liked to play a lot. Just taking a joy of life. About seven months ago I found a little kitten on the street (about a month old), was sorry for him, so decided to take him in, hoping the older cat would get a play friend in short future. At the very beginning everything was find, she was a bit anxious, but it took her about a week or two to get use to. After a month, little kitten got very ill, took about a month and a half for him to return to health, had a very serious surgery, almost daily visits to vet, but everything ended fine. Was trying to spend as much time as possible with her, but the little fella required lots of attention. For sure, she was a bit jealous, but after the recovery, everything backed to normal. Don't know if they liked each other much, but for sure they tolerated each other, played together, etc. Problems started occurring about two months ago, the little one started to grow fast, getting stronger and started taking advantage of it, started dominating female cat. She had always been calm and peaceful, thou tried to fight him back (always liked fights, but not serious ones, for fun). The real problem started like 3 or 4 weeks ago. I think male cat totally dominated female, she became kind of absent, not really interested in plays anymore. She sleeps most of the time, or sits in boxes. She eats and drinks normally, likes going outside for walks (on a leash, both cats are domestic ones), that's why I doubt it has something to do with physical health. Basic exams didn't show any problems, is on meds from yesterday (strengthening her immune system, just in case). Even if I manage to get her to play, as soon as the younger one appears, she stops playing, is looking at him. When male attacks her (don't know anymore if he wants to play or "hurt" her), she runs. Not long ago, there were times even she initiated plays with him. Wanted for her to have a play friend and seems just brought her an enemy she is afraid of and can't feel safe at home (my assumptions) Feel a bit helpless, don't know what to do. Hurts to see her in such condition. Any help would be appreciated.