Full video here (1:24) https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3lr3hvfOy/

Is capitalism greed the only thing saving us from mutually assured destruction?

I got a second cat back in April and it's been drama drama drama.

I followed suggestions online.

Kept them separated.

Slowly introduced them.

Bought pheromone calming diffusers.

Both are neutered males. My old cat is 11. The new one is probably 2yrs or so.

I've tried to do what I can but ultimately, they don't like each other and I don't think they ever will.

Here it is 4 months later and at least once a day, the newer cat Noir attacks my old cat Paxton.

Usually tries to sneak up on him when he's sleeping and put the smack down on him.

My old cat also has poor vision and is , well old and a little overweight so it's not a fair fight. Almost always I see Paxton roll over on to his back with his legs out.

I don't know if this posture means something other than defensive. Submission?

I've tried using a water squirt bottle to deter Noir. And it will definitely chase him off, it doesn't seem to stop him from making these attempts.

Every now and then the older cat initiates the attack.

The attacks are usually short but that's because I am always there with the squirt bottle to break it up.

It's honestly incredibly exhausting. I work from home and it feels like all day supervision.

They also definitely try to antagonize each other multiple times a day. Blocking each others path. Following each other around. Stalking , hissing.

Should I just let them duke it out?

Should I keep intervening with the squirt bottle ?

Will two cats who don't like each other ever learn to just give each other space ?

Also I swear they both be farting a lot when they fighting. Is that a thing ?

What are some of your experiences with two cats who hate each other ?

Please tell me the drama will chill out.

I designed and made my own kitty litter trap.

It's similar to a tea tray base with rubber grated tiles.

I made 3 because I have 3 litter boxes.

Here is a video:

https://youtu.be/JG79WvUMeu4?is=sTJJq0pCaTkrHTqn

Here are more pictures:

https://imgur.com/a/k6RZ5ks

And here are the instructions:

materials: plywood and ~1/2 x 1.5" wood planks with 3d printed framing (other framing would work though) plus rubber tiles that were 11 x 11 inches.

I clipped off some of the connectors from the tiles using clippers commonly used with 3d printers. those little ones that are common.

the 3d parts i designed in tinkercad. I made them 1cm thick.

You could use 1cm wooden square dowels instead or some other trim or framing that's similar thickness.

Steps:

First: measure two tiles. measure your framing width. Multiply by 2 and add that to the tile size width and length. And that's how big you need to cut your plywood piece to be.

Then cut two "legs/base" pieces that are the length of the short side of the plywood piece. I suggest using pretty long screws and to drill out a counter sink so the screws are flush. otherwise your framing won't lay flush.

Also if you use really thin plywood or mdf, maybe make a 3rd base leg to help the warping which is worse in thinner wood/mdf. Put it in the middle between the other two oriented the same direction.

The only downside is you have to buy the tiles in packs of 9 or more so if you only need 2 you will still have to buy 9.

The design works very well. I'm looking forward to less litter all over the floors.