I have noticed numerous threads on this topic but none address the exact
issues I’m dealing with, so I hope it is okay to start a new one.

The problem started when I moved in with my aunt to go to college and brought
my cat, Ashes, with me. Ashes is a female spayed gray tabby. She was an out-
door cat but never went very far. Oh, not sure if it matter but she is also
de-clawed.

Ashes has always been a very friendly loving social cat with human so I
thought she’d get along with my aunt’s cat, Bailey. Bailey is male and
neutered. When I first introduced them Ashes attacked him right away, I was
so shocked! I just did expect it. She is such a calm cat normally. Bailey is
a very passive cat and didn’t do anything in retaliation. After a few battle
scars we were able to separate the cats.

I know this sounds stupid but is there a chance Ashes will actually try to
kill Bailey? My aunt was so terrified she has not let the two cats interact
and has ashes in a bedroom (with her litter pan, toys and food). We started
to notice that the two cats were fighting between the door – no hissing, just
batting between the door. They were playing nicely between the door so we
decided to try one more time to get the cats together. The same thing
happened – Ashes attacked Bailey.

It has now been a year and ashes only gets the run of the house for three
houses on the weekend (which I found cruel but my aunt, as I said, is
terrified of her) I try to spend time with ashes (I spend time with her every
day) but even with that she is bared in a room all day, I wonder if it’s
unhealthy.

I am also worried that a year has passed and maybe it is too late to bring
this two together, I still have to stay here for school for another year…and
wonder if it is cruel and a waste of time to continue to try to get the cats
together.