Help, I have a 1.5yo cat, and just got a new 8wk. old kitten... how do I get them to get along?

Question

I have a cat, male neutered, 1.5yo... we just got a baby kitten and the cat is hissing, and generally upset that the kitten is here... insight please on things like, how to get them to get along, same Litterbox or separate? same food dish or separate>? attentionwise, advice please, I dont want the cat to attack the kitten!!!

Answer 1

Hi Peter...It's best to begin by placing the kitten into his/her own small quiet room with a litterbox, food and water dishes for a couple days so he/she has a safe place to call their own. A new home can be discomforting for a newcomer with other pets so a confined space gives them a sense of security to slowly adjust and continue with litterbox training as well without duress. The 1.5 year old kitty and kitten may then sniff each others scent from under the door to become familiar with one another. Be sure to always give your 1.5 year old cat a lot of affection and time before visiting with the kitten so he/she doesn't feel neglected. After a couple days has passed, open the door and supervise the two cats carefully. If they becomes aggressive towards one another, distract them with a fun kitty toy and then reward either with a food treat (not the usual food) each time when they display a non-aggressive behaviour. Cats need time to adjust gradually and be redirected whenever they feel their territory is compromised. By making the time together fun with an interactive toy they will soon be more interested having fun rather than focusing on being stressed at the presence of one another.

EDIT: separate food dishes are ideal so a cat doesn't feel the need to compete with the other, which leads to gorging habits. As a rule there should be one litter box per cat and an extra if they are very territorial.

Answer 2

It usually helps to introduce them slowly, maybe put the kitten in a large pet kennel or crate with food, water, and litter box. The kitten will feel secure in there, and the older cat can become familiar with the kitten's smell , without feeling like his/her territory is being invaded,. Make sure you show them both a lot of attention, you could let the kitten out for supervised exploration, and playtime. There still maybe some tension at first, but just be aware of the older cats reaction, some hissing may still occur, but the older cat is probably just letting the kitten know who is the boss, same thing happens in the wild,they should work it out soon. There maybe some disagreements between the two, but they will work it out soon. I would go with one litter box and just play the food dish by ear, if it causes problems give them separate dishes. Good Luck and just give it time, they will work it out and should become great companions.

Answer 3

Separate food dishes is a must-and if possible separate litter boxes. Please, please show your older cat you still love him in every way and just nature take its course with an eye on Mr. Cat. Male cats will sometimes harm a baby kitten because it's not their own, so keep a watch on the two of them until little baby gets to be about 4 months old-it can run faster then and also by that time Mr Cat will be used to the little guy.

Answer 4

I have 3 cats, and got each cat at separate times. The cats will have a hard time adjusting for a while. Sometimes, cats can get upset when other cats are using their box, and will spray other places in the house... So maybe 2 litter boxes might be a good idea. Eventually the cats will get along. Just be paitient. Give it 2-3 maybe even 4 weeks..... and then you wont even be able to peel those cats off one another.

Answer 5

Time should help. Don't get separate dishes or litter boxes. You can try giving them both a bath, or put vanilla on their noses so that they smell the same. When we brought home a new cat it took at least a month before they got along without attacking each other. Keep their claws clipped and hope for the best.

Answer 6

You must "honor" the senior cat. He should have his own litterbox and his own food dish and be allowed to eliminate and eat in peace without the kitten bugging him.

They are a good match in age and I think they will get along really well. It takes time. Your older cat will eventually enjoy the kitten, right now his nose is out of joint at this obstreperous little intruder.

Answer 7

I have always had good results by putting the new kittens in an unused (guest) bathroom for a day or two then opening the door and letting the two meet with supervision. Don't rush things and let the older cat feel like he is still top cat. It usually works itself out.

Answer 8

I have two cats myself and at first went through the same problem. They eventually got along after a couple of territorial fights from my older cat.

It happens all the time with cats. My advise would be to give equal amounts of attention to your kitties. You can use the same litter box if you'd like, but definitely get them a separate water and food bowl. It would be better to feed them in different rooms too.

Don't worry to much, just like my cats they will get along sooner or later, its only a matter of time. Good luck to you!

Answer 9

Don't worry too much. Your older cat is just letting the kitten know who's boss. They should be alright in 3 or 4 days. Just be patient and let them share dishes, litter, etc. They'll have to just learn to get along. Good Luck

Answer 10

it will work better if they are of opposite sex, but if not it will probably take longer for the older cat to come around. just make sure that the older cat doesn't hurt it and give it time. that is really the only thing you can do. for right now, i would say yes to separate food bowls and litter boxes. if you try to use the same litter box, the older cat may decide not use it and end up going somewhere in your house. it will be okay, just give it time.