We got a rescue three year old male cat (Lenny)three weeks ago… Our original female cat (Nala), about a year older than him, does not like him. She hisses any time he is awake/around her and if he gets too close, her ears will go down and she becomes defensive. He took it at first, but recently, he’s started hissing back at her and chasing her, which leads to fights. 

I’ve only noticed one “big” fight, but i separated them before it got too intense. We leave them home alone all day, along with a free roam rabbit, so I’m not sure what goes on when we’re gone. We had him in his own room for about a week while we were at work, and took him out when we were home, but he immediately came and claimed our bed. He sleeps with us, which our old cat used to do, so I think she’s jealous and angry. 

I’ve also come home from work before, about a week or so ago, and I saw them sleeping on the same bed. I’m not sure what to do to avoid fights, or if I should let them fight it out or what to do. I know it’s only been three weeks but I feel terrible for our girl because we brought this stranger into his space and she has no where to go to feel safe. I just want them to get along. They are both the sweetest, cuddliest cats when alone and I don’t want to punish either of them, because neither of them are really doing anything wrong. 

Any advice welcome to help get these cats to become friends. I know it can take months, but I feel terrible that our original cat is now skiddish and on edge all the time on the lookout for him. 

Pictured is them both sleeping on the bed about a week or so ago. They woke up when I took the picture…

New cat and old cat not getting along