We adopted a new cat, Smudge, about two weeks ago. Our resident cat Abby is generally pretty laid back but obviously not wild about the new addition. We've been doing all the suggested things - keeping them separated, feeding them on opposite sides of the door, scent switching, etc. Last week, we put a baby gate up to let them see each other and they did pretty well. There was a little hissing/growling from Abby but nothing too over the top.
Yesterday, we decided to take the baby gate down and it was a whole different story. Abby growled and hissed and chased Smudge. At one point, she got him cornered and batted at him a few times. Smudge might be the most relaxed cat in the world and really didn't seem too concerned about Abby...just kept his distance as best as he could. But I worried the whole time about it escalating because Abby has claws and Smudge is declawed on all 4 feet (by his previous owners) so there's no way for him to protect himself if she did decide to attack him.
I guess my question is how to know whether and when I should step in. I know they have to work out their territory and who's boss. I just really feel an extra responsibility to keep Smudge safe.
Thanks!
Yesterday, we decided to take the baby gate down and it was a whole different story. Abby growled and hissed and chased Smudge. At one point, she got him cornered and batted at him a few times. Smudge might be the most relaxed cat in the world and really didn't seem too concerned about Abby...just kept his distance as best as he could. But I worried the whole time about it escalating because Abby has claws and Smudge is declawed on all 4 feet (by his previous owners) so there's no way for him to protect himself if she did decide to attack him.
I guess my question is how to know whether and when I should step in. I know they have to work out their territory and who's boss. I just really feel an extra responsibility to keep Smudge safe.
Thanks!