We got the kitten thinking that abby would like to have a friend. But Abby doesn't want to be friends and every thime she sees the kitten she growls and hisses at her. I don't feal right about giving up our new kitten. and was wondering if there was a way to get abby to get along
2006-06-27 04:33:31 · 17 answers · asked by christina b 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Several times I have read this advice regarding introducing another cat into a home: put a bit of vanilla on the noses of each cat. The purpose is to confuse their sense of smell. Also rub a towel over one cat, then the other and back and forth between them to get each others scent on the other one.
2006-06-27 04:38:12 · answer #1 · answered by Dellajoy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abby has been the Alpha Cat in your home for a while. Her hissing and growls is letting the new pet know that she is the boss. Went through the same thing with new cats that I have. It takes about 2 weeks or so for her to chill. They may never be great friends but Abby will learn to tolerate the new kitten better. Be patient....
2006-06-27 05:29:56 · answer #2 · answered by roeskats 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give it time! Cats are territorial, and your older cat has enjoyed her place (and you) all to herself. Slowly introduce them by the following (even if they already have been face-to-face): Keep the cats separate for about 2 weeks. This way Abby will get used to the new "smell" of the cat and unseen "presence." After awhile, bring in the kitten to just occupy the same room for a few moments at a time. Don't force them together ever. Eventually, they will each get used to each other, and you may even be surprised to see them sleeping next to each other with Abby grooming the kitten! If you have a cat perch, rub it with some catnip, and you'll see that each cat will have a bonding moment.
I had an older cat and got another kitten years later. I have a picture of the older with her paws over the younger while she is being groomed. It is possible; just be patient.
2006-06-27 04:44:17 · answer #3 · answered by Finnegan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abby's reacting totally normally. Cats need a while to get to know each other. To start, keep the kitten separated, with its own room, food, and litter box, and introduce the two cats slowly. After separation, maybe wait a day or two, then introduce them for an hour or so a day for a few days, slowly increasing. This gives Abby a chance to adjust without feeling overwhelmed. After a couple of weeks, they'll probably be OK with being together all the time (but keep separate food bowls).
An excellent book with a lot on this topic: "The Cat Who Cried for Help" by Dr. Nicholas Dodman.
Good luck!
2006-06-27 04:40:29 · answer #4 · answered by sweetiemcg 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abby has to get use to the idea of there being another cat around.
For now keep them separated and just looking at one another for short times till Abby gets use to the idea that the kitten is there to stay. With time you will see a great Friend ship develop. Abby just might start wanting to mother the new kitten.
2006-06-27 04:47:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting two cats to get along is a vyer hard task, and I have dealt with it many times. The older, established cat will have lots of stress because of your new kitten, and if you can avoid doing this to her again, please do. If you can keep the kitten isolated for a while, this is a good idea. Let them sniff each other through a baby gate, or a kennel. Feed them separatly at first to avoid stress. Once you are ready to have them in the same room, take a dab of purfume and (it may be gross, but it works well) put just a touch on their noses WITH YOUR HAND... NOT the spray!!!!). Also, put a touch right below their tail. They will not be able to smell each other and they may react better. Make sure each cat wears a collar with a bell so they may be alerted when either is approaching. The process of getting them used to each other will take a very long time, but be as nice as you can to both. Enjoy your cats!
2006-06-27 04:52:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long have you had the kitten?
When we adopted my second kitten my other was full grown, though still young. We kept second kitty in the bedroom for a few days, letting first kitty sniff her through the door. You can also switch after a few days and let the new kitty explore the house while the older one is in the bedroom.
I've heard that you can also mix the scents by rubbing kitty b in a towel and then rubbing kitty a with the same towel - and doing that in reverse.
Most importantly - do not expect them to get along right away. It will take awhile.
(An interesting note: when I got kitty 3, kitty 1 was more friendly than kitty 2!)
2006-06-27 04:41:16 · answer #7 · answered by dragon_highprincess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give her time to adjust. Cats are very territorial. That is Abby's house and no one elses! Once she has adjusted you will see that they are always together playing, sleeping with one another and the motherly instincts will come out in Abby and she will start to take care of the kitten in a sense.
2006-06-27 06:04:38 · answer #8 · answered by Lost 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lock them in separate rooms (short term). Take a moist rag and wipe the kitten all over, then take that rag and go play with your cat, wipe him down with it too. Then do the same from the big cat to the kitten. After a week or so, you should be able to make a decent introduction. By having the new cat's scent on his own body, he relates that to a familiar thing and won't feel threatened.
2006-06-27 04:38:22 · answer #9 · answered by jstanotherqwtchic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the problem is that she is female and will growl and hiss at the kitten for a long time. a male cat would not I have had 3 cats at one time 2 males and one female. the female even in the later years still hissed at the males.. while they played all the time. she did kinda warm up to them.. her play time with then was limited then she'd hiss and run away from them.
2006-06-27 04:38:44 · answer #10 · answered by 'Cause I'm Blonde 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋