2 cats together

Question
Hi Norm,
5 days ago I adopted 2 cats from our local SPCA. A 10 yr old female and a 5 yr old male. Both have been altered. The 10 yr old female was declawed. I brought them both home the same day. The female has hidden since then. she stays under my bed. She is very loving and playful with me. The younger male has shown no aggression toward her. The few times they have come face to face the female has growled at him.
I have kept the older female in my room with the door closed. she has her own food, water & litter box. The male however lays at the top of the steps about 3 or 4 feet from the door of the female's room.

The female appears very leery. How do I get the leery older, declawed cat to come out of her shell so to speak? I understand they may never be "playmates", but I feel sorry for the female being cooped up in one room all the time with her male "guard" at her door.

any advice?

Thank you!
Bill

Answer
Bill,

I would no longer keep them separated.  They need to work out their relationship and, given their ages, it will take many weeks or even months.

Do not fall into the trap of overlaying your cats with human motives and emotions.  Cats do not think like we do.  Also, remember that cats have very, very tough skin, play very roughly, and, so, what may sound like murder, may just be play!

Best regards... Norm.