u/Glittering_Network41

TLDR: I believe that a cat in our household may benefit from medications, but I am concerned about the ethical implications as well as my own interpretation of the situation.

I've already made several posts on this situation as I am desperate for a solution.

In short, my stepfather has a cat (Socks, neutered, F) that keeps terrorising my cat (Baby, neutered, F). She chases her, hits her, and all that. My cat does not enjoy it at all and can barely move around in her own space without being attacked. All this trouble started abruptly in October of last year.

We've tried "everything" to no avail. My stepfather and mother refuses to even consider rehoming Socks, even temporarily.

That said, I have gotten some recommendations that medication may be helpful. However, I am wondering wether it would be unethical to resort to this.

I am wondering if we would be doing this simply for our own "convenience," or if it really is necessary and helpful. Both my mom and stepfather are very reluctant to this as they believe that we must love Socks the way she is.

In fact, my stepfather doesn't mind the bullying at all. His no. 1 priority is Socks, and as long as she's having fun terrorising Baby, then he's happy on Socks' behalf. Me and my mom have tried keeping the cats separated, but my stepfather will deliberately put them in the same area, so that Socks can have her fun.

I am so incredibly fed up with this situation. If it was up to me, I would've rehomed Socks AGES ago. Alternatively, I obviously would've found my own space and moved if I had the financial means.

I am considering bringing up medication usage to my mom and stepfather again, but I'd like to hear some third party opinions to see wether I am being too harsh here or not.

TLDR: Cat won't stop bullying other cat. We've tried "everything" and have no idea what to do from here. Rehoming isn't an option. I'm worried about my cat's long-term health.

Hey. So we are a household with two cats. My stepfather's cat (Socks, 10yo, girl, neutered) won't stop bullying my cat, a Maine Coon (Baby, 12yo, girl, neutered). It's honestly so infuriating to watch. I really need some advice.

The problem mainly consists of Socks stalking and chasing Baby. Particularly when Baby tries to use the litter box or move around, but also when Baby sleeps. There has been several incidents where blood has been drawn. Recently, Baby got a deep scratch right over her eye and got an infection as a a result.

It's 100% one-sided and it's very apparent that Baby doesn't find it enjoyable.

This issue began in October of last year and we've tried numerous solutions since.

1. We've tried playing with Socks to tire her out in case she was bored. However, she'd play for 2 hours straight then go right after Baby.

2. We attempted purchasing a Feliway air diffuser and used it for a month without success.

3. My mom has tried screaming at and scolding Socks when she goes after Baby. This might work in the moment, but 30 seconds later she's at it again. Not at all efficient long-term.

4. We've been in dialogue with our local vet clinic and had them check both of our cats. They concluded that both cats were healthy and that certain cats simply do not get along and are better off living seperated.

5. We've tried keeping them seperated within the house which is very challenging due to our house being very open-solution. Yet this has been the most efficient as Socks physically cannot get to Baby. But it's not sustainable long-term.

6. Just to add, we have 3 litterboxes all located on different floors in the house. Socks also has her own private room.

We have some theories as to what may be happening. Socks has always been sort of "unstable." She gets very stressed and worked up over various things such as changes in the environment, new people, and so on... We believe that if she is experiencing high levels of anxiety and lack of control, terrorising Baby and depriving her of essential resources, may be a way for Socks to regain a sense of control.

My mom and stepfather are refusing to consider medical treatment for Socks such as anxiety relievers. This is because they want Socks to be accepted as she is, not some drugged version. Rehoming Socks is also not up for debate, not even to close family members. Rehoming Baby is not an option to me either.

I hate seeing Baby being subject to this, and we have literally no clue as to what to do. I legit worry deeply about Baby's health as I know that prolonged stress may shorten a cat's lifespan. Besides, she's already getting old and I want here remaining time to be the very best.

Quite literally any input on this matter is deeply appreciated. Feel free to ask questions if details are missing or clarification needed.