Why does my male cat hiss at new female cat when boyfriend is present?

Question

I have a 9 year old male cat and recently adopted a 2 year old female cat. My 9 year old was territorial at first and hissed and growled at my 2 year old. Then I woke up early one morning to see him sitting right next to where she was laying with me and just staring at her, but when my boyfriend is up and moving around my cat goes back to hissing and growling at her. He only seems to stop hissing and growling at her when its just us 3. Is he trying to act masculine in front of my boyfriend? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 22 lbs

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH · Accepted Answer

Introducing a new cat into a household can be very stressful. Cats do not try to act masculine, but another person can certainly change the dynamic of any relationship. I would recommend finding ways to decrease stress in the house. One option for decreasing stress is to add a Feliway Diffuser ( https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected ) to your house. This is a calming pheromone that will work for a month and may be beneficial for both cats. I have also had luck with Rescue Remedy ( http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pet/ ) which can be added to the water. Again, this may be beneficial for both cats. If Bear continues to hiss and growl despite these additions, it may be time to take him to your veterinarian for a physical exam and discussion about possible anti-anxiety medication. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Why does my male cat hiss at new female cat when boyfriend is present?

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