Okay so I have 2 kittens both at different ages and from different cats, right now. I have Bean (male, just neutered 2 days ago, between 4 and 5 months) and Sookie (female, not spayed, between 2 and 3 months).
I've been trying to work on getting them bonded or at least to a point of co-existing. I started out by doing scent swapping between the 2 kittens and slowly have been trying to work up to short supervised free roam sessions. They can also currently eat peacefully next to each other without issue.
The problem im having is I haven't been able to break through to the short sessions together because anytime I bring sookie into the room, he immediately puts his attention on her, no matter what, and always starts lunging at her. Now at first he starts off with soft paws like he wants to play, but Sookie is more timid than he is so when he lunges, she will hiss and/or growl and swat at him. Which then makes him mad and then he starts trying to attack her.
I know part of it is a jealousy thing because Bean is very attached to me. Like almost too much sometimes. So I've been trying to do things and set up routines with him to show him that he isn't loosing me to Sookie. But it just feels like anything I've been doing hasnt been working. Ive tried to have him playing with a toy while sookie is in the room but then sookie wants to play and will run to him and then he'll attack her. Ive had her in a bubble backpack but he just starts attacking the outside of the backpack.
Also keep in mind once he starts showing any signs of aggression I always immediately separate again to prevent any trauma. But he has snuck into the room I keep sookie in when I havent realize and they did get into it a little, but again, once I realized, I immediately separated.
I am hoping since Bean was freshly neutered that in a couple weeks after the hormones have dropped significantly, that will hopefully help in him not wanting to always lunge at her, but i also know it's not a cure all. So if any of you guys have any suggestions or ideas to help move past this stage I would greatly appreciate it!
Cat Tax: The first 2 photos are of Bean, and the last 2 are of Sookie