We did everything by the book and introduced them slowly etc. However the male keeps going for the kittens throat and I can't help but think that if we weren't there to intervene, he could possibly kill her. Will this ever end? It's absolutely terrifying to see and I just don't know what to do...HELP!
2006-08-13 02:42:51 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
It usually takes about 7 to 10 days for them to adjust. The male is only trying to show the kitten his rules. He won't kill the kitten, but will have it adjust to the right and wrongs in cat world. I always loved watching daddy show his kittens the way to do things. While momma kitten watched daddy.
Try watching instead of interfering. When the kitten has had enough he will let big boy know, then if he doesn't back off, squirt with water bottle.
2006-08-13 02:54:06 · answer #1 · answered by spiritwalker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how long has it been???
they should have been introduced over a 2 week period (keeping the kitten in a new room for 1 week and allowing them to sniff paws under the door to accept each other.. then on week 2 you let the kitten out only when you can supervise them together..
"by the book" would have suggested getting a slightly older kitten so it is safer with a big cat and feeding them seperately wont be such a problem (kittens need kitten food for at least 6-8 months)
I suggest going back to the basics and confining her in the room again.. really if you have a kitten and and adult there is no way you can keep them from each others food and since cats should have dry food available all the time they need to be kept seperately for some time...
good luck
2006-08-13 10:08:27 · answer #2 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The older male may well be having territorial and pecking-order issues. Usually such things resolve themselves in a week or perhaps 2. However, you may have to resort to discipline if he truly becomes a danger to the kitten. At worst, there is the option of giving the little one away.
I used to have a much older neuterred male, and he was used to being an only cat. However, I acquired a female kitten whose momma and siblings got carried off. My mother carried her in and put her on the floor. There was some hissing and spitting at first, but the old male actually became a very good father figure.
2006-08-13 10:08:16 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sees the kitten as a potential threat. Until she grows bigger and stronger he will probably assert himself in this or another similar way. Every time you intervene, he will see this as you protecting the kitten, and if you tell him off, he will feel usurped and will be more likely to pick on her. Try letting themselves sort it out for themselves. If you think its going to far then do intervene, but do not tell him off or shout at him in particular. Your kitten needs to learn to defend herself without you doing it for her. Your cat needs to learn that he will not be getting rid of the kitten and needs to learn to live with it. Make sure he gets plenty of his special treats and attention, as kittens are cute and cuddly, it is easy to overlook a cat that has become more established and less demanding over time. Make a fuss of him as much as the kitten. We had this problem when we got a new kitten a year ago, our 3 year old cat (both are females) went for her all the time, our vet told us only to intervene if we really thought the kitten was struggling, and that we could let it go quite far before we would have to intervene. Sure enough, the kitten learnt to stand up for herself and also how to antagonise the cat. They are never going to become friends, our two, but they live together and tollerate each other, sometimes they scrap, but we rarely need to step in, and sometimes they play. The recently spent 12 days in the same cage at the cattery without any problems. It is possible that your two will learn to love each other, but they will almost certainly tollerate each other, once a few ground rules have become established. If you really think it is a problem and are worried for her safety, either get a kitten cage to keep her safe, or put her in a room he can't access with plenty of fresh water and a litter tray when you are out. Take heart, it will end, your kitten just needs to grow and get stronger, and learn that mr cat is number one in this pack, when he has taught her her lesson, he will probably back off. best of luck!
2006-08-13 10:57:29 · answer #4 · answered by Tefi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them both to a animal behaviorist, ( a cat professional if you can find one) and see what she says. You can have the male get just a little more of everything the kitten gets, he may just be jealous. keep doing this for about 2 weeks, then go back to normal, if the male is still attacking the kitten, distract him with toys and shoelaces right before he bites. when i was 9 my cats would fight like that to. ^^ that ^^ is how i broke Bosley of it!!!
2006-08-13 09:51:56 · answer #5 · answered by whatnow?! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its possibly because theres the age gap and sex difference; tom cats will kill kittens in order to bring the mother cat into season again, and I think he is a bit mixed up!! Ask your vet, before your kitten is damaged beyond repair/
2006-08-13 11:40:43 · answer #6 · answered by k0005kat@btinternet.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the kitten is tiny, I would protect her until she's a little bigger.
Fighting is normal. This is his territory and he's trying to run off the newcomer. It may take months for him to stop kissing and swiping at her.
Don't make her the center of attention. Give him extra attention when she is in the room.
2006-08-17 09:14:51 · answer #7 · answered by Funchy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may be best to keep them apart. sometimes males won't tolerate any other of their kind in "their territory". however, if you really want another cat (and are willing to spend the money for this) you can take both of the cats to an animal behaviorist. this person might be able to at least tell you why the male is having this behavior.
2006-08-13 09:51:47 · answer #8 · answered by nedoglover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately i would recomend you give the kitten to some-else as your male cat see's your kitten as a threat to his terrortory and will keep trying to attack the kitten.
2006-08-13 09:48:03 · answer #9 · answered by Dan2006 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to say that I have never known them to do this. Spit, slink away, growl yes but never going for the throat. I guess you could phone a vet and ask for their advice but perhaps it would be better to find a new home for it. Good Luck
2006-08-13 09:53:07 · answer #10 · answered by aliviel27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋