My brother and sister cats aren't getting along

Hello,

Thank you for replying to my email, and I'm sorry I didn't write sooner — I've been having internet problems.

Cèdre and Loukie are brother and sister. They were born alongside two other males, around mid-August 2020 I think, under my chalet. Their mother, who I still feed and gave contraceptive treatment to this year, wasn't looking after them, so I took the little family under my wing by feeding them until mid-December, at which point I managed — after a great many calls to various organisations — to place the two other young males with a local rescue. Those two were adopted the very next day. I had Cèdre and Loukie treated, especially Loukie, who had ear mites, as well as eye and digestive issues. I also had them both neutered and vaccinated.

I was working and out of the house all day. At first everything was fine. In the evenings I would have them with me, and day by day I noticed Cèdre becoming more and more aggressive towards his sister. I tried everything I could think of, but nothing worked. I called my vet, who recommended Feliway. So I bought it — everyone said it was a miracle product — but it made absolutely no difference to his behaviour. Loukie rarely comes inside when her brother is in, and I'm forced to put up a barrier to keep them apart so they each have their own room (I only have two rooms in my chalet). Outside, though, they get on brilliantly — they play together like the two young cats they are.

When I'm home, Cèdre comes and sits on my lap, but Loukie never does. She'll tolerate a cuddle but stays very aloof, much as she was with her brothers outside — she used to spend hours on her own under an oak tree. She was so tiny that I genuinely didn't think she'd make it.

They each have their own food bowl, side by side, but there's never any trouble at mealtimes. Loukie often sleeps in a basket on top of my chest of drawers, while Cèdre tends to sleep on my bed. Loukie often jumps up onto my serving hatch, and in the evenings I give her her bowl (just the evening meal) on my low kitchen unit. As for a litter tray, I don't have one — they do their business outside and are very clean indoors.

I really do need help to reconcile these two, whom I've watched grow up and whom I love dearly. I'd so love to see them happy and living in harmony under one roof.

Thank you in advance for your help, which I'm sure will be invaluable in allowing me to fully enjoy life with my two little cats, whom I adore.

Patricia