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.