Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum, so my question may have been answered previously.
I have a 10 year old Persian female named Puff. In March, my 8 year old Maine Coon mix female named Simba was diagnosed with renal failure and in April, I had to put her to sleep. These two cats had been together for eight years and while I wouldn't say they were best friends, they got along and I didn't have any behavior problems. They would sleep together (now curled up together, but at least side by side) and sometimes, Puff would even groom Simba. After Simba was put to sleep, Puff seemed to be very clingy. She wanted to be all over me and demanded constant attention. I thought she was lonely without Simba, because I know I missed Simba.
The first week in July, I found an adorable Burmese/Havana mix kitten at a feline rescue shelter and adopted her. She's the funniest kitten and is constantly playing. I don't think she ever sleeps. By the way, her name is Mocha. I've only had her a few weeks, but already love her to death. I kept Mocha and Puff separated for the first few days Mocha was with us and then only allowed them to interact with my supervision for the next few days. They seemed ok, no major conflicts, so they are both allowed free rein of the house during the day while I'm at work.
Puff is not openly hostile and is not aggressive towards the kitten. But, she is a totally different cat. Puff now wants nothing to do with me and if I try to sit down beside her or pick her up, she will move away and turn her back on me. Puff used to sleep on my bed with me, usually right beside my head and sometimes even laying on me. Now, she makes sure she is in the same room with Mocha and will just lay on the floor and watch Mocha like a hawk. She doesn't want to play, she just wants to make sure she knows what Mocha is doing. When Mocha approaches her to play (and even sometimes, jumps on her back), Puff will get up and move away. If Mocha is aggressive and jumps on her, Puff will growl a little bit and throw her off. They usually don't hiss or growl and they have had a few little wrestling matches, but no fights that made me think someone was going to be hurt. I haven't seen either cat try to scratch or bite the other one. Mocha would love to play with Puff and snuggle with her, but Puff won't have it.
My question is, is this just normal jealousy and will Puff settle back down and act "normal"? I hate thinking that I've made her life miserable. She used to love going outside on the enclosed balcony to watch the birds and squirrells, but now she seems to have not interest in that, either. Should I re-seperate the cats and spend more time with Puff? At first, I was really happy because while the two cats were not overly friendly, they were not overly hostile, either. Or, should I just be patient and let them work out their relationship in their own time? I've only had Mocha for three weeks, so I realize it hasn't been that long. Also, I do make sure I pet Puff first, feed her first, just generally put Puff ahead of Mocha.
Sorry this is so long. I look forward to hearing any advice that you all have.
I have a 10 year old Persian female named Puff. In March, my 8 year old Maine Coon mix female named Simba was diagnosed with renal failure and in April, I had to put her to sleep. These two cats had been together for eight years and while I wouldn't say they were best friends, they got along and I didn't have any behavior problems. They would sleep together (now curled up together, but at least side by side) and sometimes, Puff would even groom Simba. After Simba was put to sleep, Puff seemed to be very clingy. She wanted to be all over me and demanded constant attention. I thought she was lonely without Simba, because I know I missed Simba.
The first week in July, I found an adorable Burmese/Havana mix kitten at a feline rescue shelter and adopted her. She's the funniest kitten and is constantly playing. I don't think she ever sleeps. By the way, her name is Mocha. I've only had her a few weeks, but already love her to death. I kept Mocha and Puff separated for the first few days Mocha was with us and then only allowed them to interact with my supervision for the next few days. They seemed ok, no major conflicts, so they are both allowed free rein of the house during the day while I'm at work.
Puff is not openly hostile and is not aggressive towards the kitten. But, she is a totally different cat. Puff now wants nothing to do with me and if I try to sit down beside her or pick her up, she will move away and turn her back on me. Puff used to sleep on my bed with me, usually right beside my head and sometimes even laying on me. Now, she makes sure she is in the same room with Mocha and will just lay on the floor and watch Mocha like a hawk. She doesn't want to play, she just wants to make sure she knows what Mocha is doing. When Mocha approaches her to play (and even sometimes, jumps on her back), Puff will get up and move away. If Mocha is aggressive and jumps on her, Puff will growl a little bit and throw her off. They usually don't hiss or growl and they have had a few little wrestling matches, but no fights that made me think someone was going to be hurt. I haven't seen either cat try to scratch or bite the other one. Mocha would love to play with Puff and snuggle with her, but Puff won't have it.
My question is, is this just normal jealousy and will Puff settle back down and act "normal"? I hate thinking that I've made her life miserable. She used to love going outside on the enclosed balcony to watch the birds and squirrells, but now she seems to have not interest in that, either. Should I re-seperate the cats and spend more time with Puff? At first, I was really happy because while the two cats were not overly friendly, they were not overly hostile, either. Or, should I just be patient and let them work out their relationship in their own time? I've only had Mocha for three weeks, so I realize it hasn't been that long. Also, I do make sure I pet Puff first, feed her first, just generally put Puff ahead of Mocha.
Sorry this is so long. I look forward to hearing any advice that you all have.