I have a 2 year old male neutered cat & I just bought a 6 week old female-- how can I get them to get along?
My male cat is very friendly and loving to people. He's a bit skittish but he has never ONCE hissed or clawed at any one. He has been around a good deal of other cats and dogs and gets along with them well. I just bought a 6 wk old kitten yesterday and he growls and hisses at her and then hides under the bed. I'm afraid he's being stressed. He is the only reason why I bought another cat and I'm concerned. What should I do? They've already seen eachother. Should I keep them in the same room now? Or still keep them separated? I don't see how my adult cat will cope if they're not around eachother?
2006-09-06 11:52:06 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Keep them in separate rooms for at least a few days, if not a week or two. I would probably confine the younger cat so that she can get really familiar with one room instead of having to deal with the whole house at a time.
Does your 2-year old have a blanket he sleeps on? If so, after a few days swap his blanket or bed with that of the younger one so that they can get more adjusted to each other's scents. Once they seem comfortable with that, you can let the younger cat out to explore. They may still hiss at each other a little, but let them deal with it unless they start to fight (then I'd suggest the trusty spray bottle). One of those cats is going to have to assert their dominance over the other.
Make sure to give the older cat PLENTY of attention while they are being introduced. If you are constantly petting or holding the kitten, he will feel even more threatened.
Don't worry, it's only been one day. They will adjust to each other, but cats are very territorial animals and it takes time for them to get used to other pets being around.
2006-09-06 13:06:36 · answer #1 · answered by Obi_San 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What I did was take the kitten, introduced her to my neutered male cat, then after the initial introduction put the kitten into my bathroom with the door open - but I had a board across the open area. She would peek out and he'd peek over but they never invaded one another's space. I gave her food in there and had a temp litter box. After a day, it was obvious that my male cat wanted her to be free - he bothered me constantly, meowed and tried to climb over - so I let them together. He allowed her to eat from his food dish and use his litter box, so that wasn't an issue. If it is, then keep separate boxes - as some cats get very territorial about this. Same with the food dish. Also, I patted the kitten and the older cat at the same time, so there was no need to be jealous. The link below provides further information. :)
2006-09-06 19:07:32 · answer #2 · answered by sassi800 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep your kitten isolated from your 2 year old for about 2 weeks. have them meet under supervised conditions 3 or 4 times a week. your new kitten must be exciting and interesting, but remember very carefully that your old cat will be jealous and it will get along better with the kitten with the less attention you give it. eventually 1 will be dominant and they will at least be able to tolerate each other, even tho they might not ever be the best of friends.
2006-09-07 02:05:54 · answer #3 · answered by rebel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, don't keep them in the same room silly. Let the cats do whatever they want, they'll have a few little arguements here and there but sooner or later they'll get used to each other. Keeping them seperated isn't good for anything, so you've been doing more damage then good. Just when they start getting too vicious just pick one up and move it away for a bit.
2006-09-06 18:54:35 · answer #4 · answered by winds_of_justice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give them time to ajust and they will sooner or later get along fine. Also, you should leave them in the same room and watch them.If they start tearing at each other or something seperate them.If this happens, everyonce in a while, let them be together and watch them.If they do fine, keep them together.It happens all the time.He probable notices something wrong with him.Maybe he things she is trespassing if no other cat has entered his house before, unless of course this cat was one he knew and got along great with.Give them time they will get used to each other.
Good luck with your new kitten!=)
2006-09-06 19:36:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
place your kitten in a seperate room with the door closed for 2 weeks. Let each cat get used to the other one's smell. If you have a glass door to seperate the cats, even better, they can see eachother but not hurt eachother--they will get used to eachother in time....
2006-09-06 18:54:37 · answer #6 · answered by clemus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very slowly put her down and let her make aquaintence with the cat let them meet the rest will fall into place
2006-09-06 18:55:43 · answer #7 · answered by princessnature13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should be introduced over brunch or perhaps a tea party. Nothing noisy like a nightclub. Keep it simple but elegant.
2006-09-06 18:58:11 · answer #8 · answered by Easy B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Introduce them very carefully. Don't spring up any sudden surprises to your old cat.
2006-09-06 19:12:31 · answer #9 · answered by Art The Wise 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋