Before I explain anything, I don’t feel good about putting my two cats in this situation. I feel guilty at times for putting them in this situation that they had no control over, and I feel as if I acted out of selfishness, because I wanted a second cat. I fear they are not happy and never were happy. But at the same time, I think they are okay, and content.
I apologize that this post is very long and wordy, there is a TL;DR at the end if you want.
My rescue cat Luna has always been a bit of a tart, she turned 11 years old this year, and she is extremely attached to me. When she was about ~3 years old we thought she needed a friend (I know - it’s stupid, but bear with me). She would always run down the hallway of our building to the door where another cat lived and would cry. Obviously, cats don’t have nor want friends.
We brought home a two month old rescue kitten, Noodles. Luna hated her pretty much instantly. We were very protective of Noodles, she was never hurt by Luna - but she was a dumb little kitten and didn’t really notice Luna all that much.
Once Noodles was grown up, Luna would growl and hiss at her. She would beat her up with her paws (no claws, Luna has never drawn blood or injured Noodles in any way). Every day it’s the same, growling, hissing, the occasional beat-up. But Noodles would stand up to Luna, and she’s always been a brat. She has never seemed afraid of Luna, which ultimately, might be the problem. She has also never attacked or hissed at Luna back. She does antagonize Luna, and will lift her paw as if she is going to smack Luna, but then puts it down. Noodles is definitely guilty too! She’s always been a huge brat. But sometimes they chase each other around the house, and Luna doesn’t growl/hiss. They look like they’re playing, but I really don’t know, haha. They look like they’re playing tag, even.
One thing I feel is right is the cats both have their own rooms (my moms room and my room) that is “theirs”, and Noodles has her own bed on a chair where Luna doesn’t bother her. They do share the same litter box, but it’s never been an issue. They are not protective over their respective areas, I just know it's good they have their own areas they can separate and isolate in.
But the hissing and growling is driving me insane. It’s been eight years of it. Honestly, I don’t know how Luna has kept it up for that long. It’s frustrating, because I feel extremely guilty and torn. Noodles’ personality is very aloof. I can never tell what’s going on with her, while Luna, I always know. So I don’t know if Noodles has ever been depressed, or stressed out, because she is bullied by Luna every day. In the past she has licked the inside of her arm raw on more than one occasion, and I’m horrified to think it was because of stress.
I feed my cats every day at the same time. My mom usually feeds them in the morning at 8-9am, and I feed them at 6pm. Though it's really frustrating for me, because I think my mom has accidentally 'trained' them to fight to get her attention so she gives them treats! She thinks they fight because they want treats, but I think they fight because they think it will get them treats (specifically at around 10-11pm). I tell her to stop but she doesn't believe me, of course. They also fight the most when my mom is home (because they congregate near close quarters near the front door, so ofc they'll fight). This is one behaviour I don't understand...
While not severe in comparison to some cats, I just don’t know what to do or if there’s anything I can do to help them.
Currently, they share one scratching post (I plan on getting a new one or a second one, Noodles sorta owns the one we have), one litter box, and eat side by side. They have never fought over food or their litter or their space. They sometimes will sit together when food is involved. Noodles can be food motivated, while Luna is not as much.
I hope even though this is a long explanation it helps give some backstory and helps with problem solving. My cats are very spoiled and very loved, and have never been sick. Soft fur, clear eyes, wet noses - really, they’re perfect specimens. I will accept honesty+criticism when it comes to my cat parenting. :P My cats are my everything (I'm sure people can relate) and I will do anything for them.
Any extra questions, please let me know. I’m more than willing to shed more light if something wasn’t covered.
TL;DR I can’t stand my older cat growling and hissing at my younger cat anymore, but I’m also worried it’s ruining their quality of life. Is there a way to fix or even just lighten the problem? I WILL NOT consider rehoming them, unless they were in danger of themselves, but the physical violence is not enough to warrant a re-home (IMO).
TYVM for any and all advice :) <3
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/bhsm1e/my_two_rescue_cats_fight_constantly_and_im/
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