Dominance issues with younger cat in two cat home

Question
I have a sweet, sweet older very slender cat named Mottie. Mottie is 14. When Mottie's companion passed away two years ago we went to humane society and picked out a kitten.  Little did we know the kitten would turn into a 20 lb., rambunctious, demanding cat. Her name is Mitzi.  Mottie is terrified of Mitzi, and although Mitzi doesn't mean to she has caused Mottie to stop eating, prevents Mottie from sitting on my lap, etc.  Mottie is just not comfortable with Mitzi around.  Sometimes they do cuddle and Mottie will lick Mitzi's head.  It's just that I feel sorry for Mottie that so many of the things she used to enjoy, she now can't.  The not eating is a serious problem - we took her for a full blood panel and she is OK.  I am supplementing her diet with baby food in addition to her regular food to keep her weight up.  What can I do to help Mottie?  Thank you!!

Answer
Hi Nancy,

This is an unfortunate problem that I see a lot.  As an adoption counselor, this is exactly what I try to advise people to avoid.  When getting a new pet, you need to ensure that their personalities and energy level are comparable.  Unfortunately, the cats are who they are--you can't change them.  In this situation, I believe it best to rehome Mitzi.  Mottie is getting up in years, and it is imperative to her health that she keeps her appetite up and is in a stress-free home.  Mitzi is dominant, and Mottie is submissive, and there is nothing you can do to change that.  If you had contacted me when she was a kitten, I could've given you techniques for behavioral modification to tone down the dominance and teach her how to be respectful of the resident cat, but two years down the line, it is near impossible to modify without proper direction. If I could do consults in person I might be able to help, but I just can't teach you any techniques that will help over email.

As far as the eating in the meantime, be sure to always feed them regular amounts at regular times and separately.  Give Mottie times of the day that Mitzi is confined to a room and she can have full range of the house without being nervous.   Be sure you have at least two or three litter boxes in different areas of the house and that they are in locations that Mitzi can't be boxed in.  Correct Mitzi if she stalks her or antagonizes her in any way, and if she doesn't listen, lock her in a room as time out for 10 minutes.

Please let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.  I wish you the best!

Best regards,

Holly Martin
Cat Care & Behavior Specialist
Texas A&M University
B.S. Animal Science