Cats NOT getting along

Question
Dear Norman,
  We have a big cat problem. My family and I own two cats. We have one female long haired calico who is two years old, (her name is Bella, and she's 8 pounds) she is timid of people and prefers to stay indoors. she hates to go outside.  My mom's friend died and she left us her six year old female black cat named Sable, Sable is 14 pounds. She likes to go in and outside, she is a very good hunter, and she's very friendly and lovable (mostly a lapcat).  Both cats have been spayed. The problem is Sable seeks out Bella and they growl and hiss, and sometimes they hit at each other. Both cats have been scratched at the nose. They hate eachother sooooooo much that whenever you say the other one's name, they growl/hiss, or attack your leg. Sable moved in about 5 months ago, and their fighting is not getting better, just worse. At night we seperated them, and during the day we try to keep them seperated. Whenever they see each other the chase begins. What shoud we do? We would love for them to get along.

Sincerely,
   Victoria

Answer
Victoria,

I have though about this long and hard and there is no way you can make them get along.  Assuming they have been allowed to roam together for the five months, by now they should have worked out their differences.

On the other hand, if you have not ignored their discussions, they may never have gotten into the real "getting to know you" rituals.  These cats are not going to kill each other, although it may sound like they are having World War III.  Little things like a scratch on the nose mean nothing.  Cats tend to play incredibly roughly with each other.

The most important thing to remember about cat inter-relations is that there should be NO human interference (no discipline, no separation).  I would leave it alone and, after another month, if they have not really come to terms, you might consider finding another home for Sable.

People often misinterpret cat motives and actions in human terms.  Cats are not people and they do not think like us.  Sometimes these hissing, spitting, growling behaviors are how cats get along.

As I said, give it another month. grit your teeth, and ignore any apparent altercations.  If you feel things have not improved then you may have to consider the alternative I mentioned before, i.e. having Sable go to a new home.

One other point, if the litter pan habits of both seem to be OK, then things are not as dire as you may have thought!!!!!


Best regards... Norm.