About 3 months ago we adopted 2 female cats, sisters and 2 years old. They were rescued as they were locked in a room as they didn't get on with the dogs in the house hold. Willow (White/tabby) was very nervous at first and definitely the quieter of the 2. Esme (torti) was confident from the beginning.

They settled in well and have always got on, and would play together chasing each other round the house. They had never been out before as they were locked away but both became super keen to get outside. We started by taking them out into our yard always supervised, and did this for about a month.

Last weekend we let them both out unsupervised for the first time. All was fine, Willow seemed a bit overwhelmed and didn't stay out long. Esme loved exploring and came back fine.

The problem started when Esme came home, the usually quiet Willow just launches at her. They calmed down. Then we let them out again the next day and the same happened, Willow launched at her and kept going for her throughout the day. Esme has completely withdrawn and has become the timid nervous one and is not herself at all.

I'm not sure if this is down to Willow being traumatised from going out side and is just frightened, or if it's because Esme came back smelling different, or if she's making a play for power!

Sorry for the long post but wanted to give their background.

Any ideas or advice would be welcomed!

Hello and welcome! I'm not a multi-cat owner (yet) but I've heard Feliway can be a great soother of social troubles. It's done wonders for calming our boy down when we shut him out of the bedroom overnight (he was tearing the carpet to pieces), I have great faith in it.

I'm sure others will be along soon with some more constructive advice!

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Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will p*ss on your computer.

The Story So Far:
Spock (2010-2011), who began our love affair with kitties but whose grasp on the green cross code was sadly lacking.
Icarus (2011-...?), who loves noses more than anything else.
Mildred (2010-...?), who sings to the birds.

The twisted brainwrong of a one-off man mental.

Thanks. I've ordered a diffuser so I'll see if that helps