cat-and-dog life

Of spouses or romantic partners, a life together typified by arguments, fights, and disagreements. They were so happy together when they first started dating, but after 10 years together, they've started leading a cat-and-dog life. I'm not surprised to hear those two got divorced. Whenever I was around them, they seemed to be leading an acrimonious cat-and-dog life. You did seem miserable caught in that cat-and-dog life with your now ex-boyfriend.