Cat-Care 
Many owners see one cat repeatedly intimidate another and worry it will never stop. A calm, staged separation followed by a careful reintroduction is the most reliable approach to reset relationships and keep both cats safe. This short guide focuses on health-minded basics: space, scent swapping, slow reintroduction steps, and stress monitoring. Aim for patience and small wins—this process often takes weeks, not days. Reintroduction plans that respect cat timelines reduce injuries and chronic stress.
One sentence answer
- Separate immediately for safety, treat injuries, then follow a slow reintroduction plan centered on scent, distance, and positive associations.
Core principles
- Safety first: protect the victim cat, provide escape routes, and do not force contact.
- Predictability: consistent feeding, play, and quiet times lower stress and confusion.
- Scent before sight: exchange bedding and toys to build tolerance before face-to-face reintroduction.
- Health check: rule out pain or illness that can cause sudden aggression.
New owner 14 day checklist Day 0–2: Separate physically. Create two full cat zones with food, water, litter, resting shelves, and hiding spots. Give the bullied cat quieter spaces and vertical escape routes. Note appetite, stool, urination, and sleeping patterns twice daily so you can spot stress changes early.
Day 3–7: Begin scent work only. Swap bedding, rub a towel on one cat and place it in the other’s area, and rotate toys. Feed on opposite sides of a closed door so meals form positive scent connections. Keep play and human attention scheduled and equal.
Day 8–10: Start brief visual reintroduction trials using a baby gate, cracked door, or carrier-on-floor barrier. Reward calm with play or treats and end sessions while both cats remain relaxed. If either hisses, growls, or puffs up, return to scent-only steps and slow the reintroduction pace.
Day 11–14: Move to short supervised meetings of 5–10 minutes with multiple exits and distractions. Increase session length gradually if both cats stay calm. Keep written notes on interactions, stress signs, litter box use, and eating. If aggression resumes, step back a stage and consult your vet for behavior or medical checks before continuing reintroduction.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Mistake: Forcing meetings too soon → Fix: Use scent staking and short visual sessions first.
- Mistake: Treating both cats equally when one is injured → Fix: Prioritize the bullied cat’s recovery and safe space.
- Mistake: Skipping records → Fix: Track food, stool, weight, and incidents to guide decisions.
- Mistake: Rushing reintroduction after one calm session → Fix: Require repeated calm interactions before full freedom.
When to consult a vet
- Any injury or bite wound, even small, needs prompt evaluation.
- Sudden aggression or a rapid change in behavior during reintroduction.
- Refusal to eat for over 24 hours, repeated vomiting or diarrhea over 24 hours.
- Marked lethargy, breathing difficulty, bleeding, or obvious pain.
- Young kittens or seniors showing unusual signs during the process.
Disclaimer
- This article is informational and not a substitute for veterinary advice; seek prompt veterinary care when in doubt.
Quick summary Managing a bullying pair usually means protecting the victim, treating health issues, and executing a patient reintroduction strategy. Use scent exchanges, staged visual contact, and short supervised meetings while keeping clear records. Reintroduction is gradual—expect setbacks and be ready to slow down. With consistency and veterinary input when needed, most cats adjust to safer, calmer coexistence.