Do you think it's safe ...

18 years ago

... to leave our kitties alone together in the house all day now? We've had them for a little over 2 weeks. Up to now, we've been keeping them in separate rooms when we've been at work. With the holiday, they have had the run of the house for the past 5 days, but we've been in and out (mostly in) during that time.

They have been roaming the house and even occasionally sitting together in the same room without seeming tense or upset. They usually pass by each other without incident. They are able to sit side by side and eat peacefully. The only thing that gives me pause is the occasional hissing/growling interaction when one of them gets in the other's face the wrong way. I've seen Max, the big male, go after Jeannie, the smaller female, in a somewhat menacing way, and once saw him swat at her when she was passing by. They have chased each other around a bit, but I wonder if they are just trying to play. I would hate for either of them to get hurt.

They are both very sweet kitties, with completely different personalities. We are done giving them medications, and they seem to be calming down and settling in.

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Comments (10)

mazer415
18 years ago
If it was up to me, I would let them be, most kitty disagreements are loud, some can result in injury - in my experience that comes from kitties outside fighting with feral or semi feral or neighbor cats - not cat mates. Good luck with whatever you decide
Elly_NJ
18 years ago
Males tend to dominate females, and if that is established early in their personalities and chemistry, it is not good for the female. They do not work it out, other than the female eventually learning to hide and be reclusive.

This has been my experience with getting males and females. So I would separate them, for the female's sake, as it is not fun to be dominated by someone bigger and more aggressive by nature.
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laurief_gw
18 years ago
I think I'd go ahead and take the plunge and let them remain loose in the house together. Just keep a close eye on their behavior while you're home. If things seem to be deteriorating between them, or Jeannie starts acting intimidated or reclusive, then separate them again while you're out of the house.

Laurie
harriethomeowner
Original Author
18 years ago
I separated them today again; I was just afraid to risk it. They've really been good, but perhaps they need a break from each other.

elly, Max is a very laid-back cat, and Jeannie is a bundle of energy. She's not at all timid. They are both adults, so their personalities are what they are.
plasticgarden
18 years ago
Sounds like yours are just curious and maybe a little apprehensive.Doesnt really sound like anything too threatening is going on.(believe me,if there was there'd be hissing and growling and swatting going on!)I can certainly understand your caution though.

I think it would be ok to let them out together.If you come home to any turned over plants or anything you can always resume how you had it.
harriethomeowner
Original Author
18 years ago
Max seemed sulky about being shut into the basement yesterday, so I don't want to do that to him again.

I left them out today. Keeping fingers crossed!

I woke up once last night and saw them side by side on the bed at my feet, so I don't think they are that afraid of each other.
northy
18 years ago
Fingers crossed it went well today for all of you :)

It sounds like they are off to a good start and will probably work it given the chance. Hope you keep us updated.
eandhl
18 years ago
Hope all went well and they have become "buddies" and you can relax and enjoy their interaction.
harriethomeowner
Original Author
18 years ago
Success! They seemed fine when I got home -- both were calm and happy to see me. No sign of any fighting or other mayhem. Don't know about the "buddies" part of it, but they are not showing any obvious antagonism.
plasticgarden
18 years ago
Awesome! They may not be buddies yet,but it hasnt been that long and they are already comfortable enough to be near each other with no fighting.
So glad to hear it's going so well :)