- Joined
- Oct 16, 2018
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So we adopted a second cat about a year and a half ago, and while the two of them are never going to kill each other or anything, I can't help but feel bad for the first one since she really doesn't like the new one. I realize that some cats may never be friends, and that as long as they can coexist then that's the best I can get. I can accept that.
However, my boyfriend and I definitely enable their aversion to each other, since we have a habit of separating them through the day to allow the original resident cat (Coffee) some time to breathe, come down from her perch (where she sits all day if the other one is out; it's like the only place she won't bother her), use her litter box in peace, etc. without the second cat (Maui) to bug her. It just feels easier sometimes. Maui is honestly just a little brat who gets a kick out of annoying Coffee, and Coffee is such a weenie she thinks that it's the end of the world when Maui approaches her. They have never gotten in a fight that drew blood, it's mostly just loud, theatrical sounds coming from Coffee while Maui stands over her. (My boyfriend has never had cats before, so this freaks him out, whereas I grew up with them and I know that this is sometimes just what they do)
I really want to get to a point where we don't do this ridiculous scheduled alternating between rooms. This is both of their home and they both have equal rights to be here at this point. I know that the most logical way to:
a) desensitize Coffee to Maui's antics, and
b) allow Maui to grow bored of terrorizing Coffee,
is to just leave all of the doors open all the time and Coffee will just have to suck it up and get more brave. However, I feel guilty that she can't use her litter box or play or relax while Maui is around. I need advice on how to feel better about this (since I know that only time will help). Maybe success stories? Similar situations?
Thank you in advance!
However, my boyfriend and I definitely enable their aversion to each other, since we have a habit of separating them through the day to allow the original resident cat (Coffee) some time to breathe, come down from her perch (where she sits all day if the other one is out; it's like the only place she won't bother her), use her litter box in peace, etc. without the second cat (Maui) to bug her. It just feels easier sometimes. Maui is honestly just a little brat who gets a kick out of annoying Coffee, and Coffee is such a weenie she thinks that it's the end of the world when Maui approaches her. They have never gotten in a fight that drew blood, it's mostly just loud, theatrical sounds coming from Coffee while Maui stands over her. (My boyfriend has never had cats before, so this freaks him out, whereas I grew up with them and I know that this is sometimes just what they do)
I really want to get to a point where we don't do this ridiculous scheduled alternating between rooms. This is both of their home and they both have equal rights to be here at this point. I know that the most logical way to:
a) desensitize Coffee to Maui's antics, and
b) allow Maui to grow bored of terrorizing Coffee,
is to just leave all of the doors open all the time and Coffee will just have to suck it up and get more brave. However, I feel guilty that she can't use her litter box or play or relax while Maui is around. I need advice on how to feel better about this (since I know that only time will help). Maybe success stories? Similar situations?
Thank you in advance!