I currently have two cats in my home. Boodle, a 15-year-old long-haired domestic my mom rescued from the dirt roads of Boone when she was a few weeks old and caught in a storm, and Rex a 5-year-old Korat who we adopted when he was 3-4 months old from my old babysitter who takes in pregnant strays to help them safely give birth and get them and their babies forever homes.
Boodle is the queen B of the home. She's spoiled rotten by us and is definitely a lap cat who will do anything to cuddle, with no concern for her aching bones or laptops with very important work being done. Most of her time is spent eating, sleeping, more eating, watching cat TV, and biting her people's scalps. She's had 1 litter of kittens about 13 years ago (she's spayed now), but in no way did she carry on those maternal instincts. I've grown up with her as she was adopted while my mom was pregnant with me, and at that time we only had two other cats. Felix and Tommy, both her children who both sadly passed away years ago. Tommy to old age and illness, Felix to dogs which is why we no longer allow Rex or Boodle outside without supervision. (Although I am considering a catio!)
Rex is the complete opposite. He was the runt of the litter, affectionately named Peanut because he could fit in the palm of your hand when he was a newborn. He has sensitive hearing and is practically afraid of his own shadow. He spends most of his time in the attic, running around underneath the floorboards and falling into vents like a fool. (We've since covered all vents and made sure there are no holes anywhere he can fall into) He is most affectionate to me and mom, as my dad has loud work boots and is a big guy who towers over him. During the night he's cuddling with me or running around at ungodly hours and making me fret over him with meowing.
Here's where the problem comes in. When we first got Rex, Boodle bullied him. A lot. At first, they were kept on separate sides of the house, only brought together at mealtimes where they ate on either side of the door. Even still, Boodle would hiss at him and chase him around once they did meet. He did swat at her once, but that was really the extent of it. They've chilled out as the years went by, but still, things are tense. Rex avoids her when possible, even though they can still share a human bed and generally tolerate each other. And also Boodle will steal his food. This isn't out of malice, but because she eats a lot and he isn't there at mealtime to eat it first. While it's good for her because she needs to gain weight, it's a concern that Rex may lose weight because of this.
Whats some ways we can help Rex be more confident, or even help him and Boodle get along better? Is it still possible to socialize them with each other?
Im thinking of getting him a cat tower so he can feel taller and more secure, and get them both a better variety of toys to play with them more before meals to get out extra energy.
I'd prefer things like diffusers or fragrances are not recommended. We have an African Senegal named Sig whose cage is in the living room, and he's sensitive to things like candles, incense, and cleaning supplies.
Boodle is the queen B of the home. She's spoiled rotten by us and is definitely a lap cat who will do anything to cuddle, with no concern for her aching bones or laptops with very important work being done. Most of her time is spent eating, sleeping, more eating, watching cat TV, and biting her people's scalps. She's had 1 litter of kittens about 13 years ago (she's spayed now), but in no way did she carry on those maternal instincts. I've grown up with her as she was adopted while my mom was pregnant with me, and at that time we only had two other cats. Felix and Tommy, both her children who both sadly passed away years ago. Tommy to old age and illness, Felix to dogs which is why we no longer allow Rex or Boodle outside without supervision. (Although I am considering a catio!)
Rex is the complete opposite. He was the runt of the litter, affectionately named Peanut because he could fit in the palm of your hand when he was a newborn. He has sensitive hearing and is practically afraid of his own shadow. He spends most of his time in the attic, running around underneath the floorboards and falling into vents like a fool. (We've since covered all vents and made sure there are no holes anywhere he can fall into) He is most affectionate to me and mom, as my dad has loud work boots and is a big guy who towers over him. During the night he's cuddling with me or running around at ungodly hours and making me fret over him with meowing.
Here's where the problem comes in. When we first got Rex, Boodle bullied him. A lot. At first, they were kept on separate sides of the house, only brought together at mealtimes where they ate on either side of the door. Even still, Boodle would hiss at him and chase him around once they did meet. He did swat at her once, but that was really the extent of it. They've chilled out as the years went by, but still, things are tense. Rex avoids her when possible, even though they can still share a human bed and generally tolerate each other. And also Boodle will steal his food. This isn't out of malice, but because she eats a lot and he isn't there at mealtime to eat it first. While it's good for her because she needs to gain weight, it's a concern that Rex may lose weight because of this.
Whats some ways we can help Rex be more confident, or even help him and Boodle get along better? Is it still possible to socialize them with each other?
Im thinking of getting him a cat tower so he can feel taller and more secure, and get them both a better variety of toys to play with them more before meals to get out extra energy.
I'd prefer things like diffusers or fragrances are not recommended. We have an African Senegal named Sig whose cage is in the living room, and he's sensitive to things like candles, incense, and cleaning supplies.