I recently had a kitten, female, runt of the litter 7 weeks old. My other cat female, 3 years old also the runt of the litter doesn't seem to be getting on with her. Its only been two weeks so maybe I am expecting too much???
They will sniff each other but then the little one gets a little boisterous and makes my elder cat hiss and spit - what can I do to make sure they have the best possible homelife together.
Another thing as well... my eldest cat has become lots more affectionate and does stay outside anymore than usual so its not as if she's scared of the kitten - maybe they just need more time to adjust???
2006-10-19 05:09:59 · 23 answers · asked by lovebeans4ever 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
oh this has happened to me many many times since I have 4 cats. Well seperate them for a while, introducing them only when ur watching and let them just start spending more time together ;) theyll get use to each other.
2006-10-19 05:12:40 · answer #1 · answered by Jimmi H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This sounds so familiar. I've got 4 cats and when introducing them there were always spats initially. They eventually sort it out, it just takes a little time. The younger one will always want to play, the older one will eventually either play back, move away or swat the little one to keep it in place. Either way unless they're ripping chunks out of each other, they will settle and accept each other in time. Meanwhile give the elder one as much attention as possible so it doesn't feel jealous. It's easy to focus on the kitten and ignore the other one. Also 7 weeks is very young to have a kitten, so keep a close eye on it. Good luck.
2006-10-19 21:55:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to introduce them slowly!
I have an 18 month old cat and bought a kitten into the house!
First i left the kitten in a carry box and let my older cat have a look and a sniff...there was a lot of hissing giong on and its quite scary but they get bored eventually.
Then i let the kitten out again and the older cat hissed loads at her.
They werent happy for a week or 2 but now they are the best of friends...its a teritory thing!
GOOD LUCK!
2006-10-19 20:52:55 · answer #3 · answered by topshelfcocktail 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They just need more time to get used to each other thats all. It is a good idea to separate them but the older cat should not be the one restricted or she will think you no longer love her. Always feed them at the same time they can't fight while eating) but at different heights, or with loads of space in between, this way they will become used to each other without feeling that the other will steal their dinner. A good way of getting them more used to each other is to rub a damp towel over the kittens fur then rub it over the older cat and vice versa, as this transfers the scent . Remember the older cat is not the kitten's mother so do not expect her to tolerate too much kitten play. She is trying to establish who is boss and will not really hurt the kitten. They may never be firm friends but will gradually tolerate each other.
2006-10-19 07:01:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cats at first were like that too, and they had a 5 years difference. But I read that if you make the new cat's bed with some of your old clothes she will get the scent of your house a lot quicker and the older cat will no longer regard her as an intruder. I put an old t-shirt on her bed and in a couple of days they were sleeping together. I also read it is best if you give extra attention to your older cat so she will not feel second best by the newcomer. Good luck!
2006-10-21 06:32:16 · answer #5 · answered by Mary7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right - they just need more time. I added three feral kittens to my indoor 12-year-old Persian female's life about one month ago, and at first she was not a happy camper at all! Now, however, she realizes they're not a threat to her place in our home (I make sure she gets lots of brushing, petting and verbal attention) and make a point of letting her know how much I care about her. She no longer hisses and spits as she did for the first few weeks. Just be patient - and make sure you don't act as if your older cat is in the wrong when she reacts to the kitten.
Seven weeks is usually too young to separate a kitten from its mother. Are you feeding it supplemental milk? There is a product easily obtained from a pet store that is very similar to mother's milk that needs to be given to the baby. Also, it will need kitten chow for the first year of its life to give it the extra nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong - then you can switch it over to regular cat chow. Enjoy these two special pets!
2006-10-19 05:24:07 · answer #6 · answered by sunflowerjean63 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i know just how you feel !!!
my old cats past away within 6 months of each other, when i got a kitten to keep the cat company it was like world war 3 for about 3-4 weeks. it did get better then sadly he pasted away leaving me with misty the kitten (who ran up my curtains if anybody came near her).
so what did i do? yes! i got another kitten (Rosie).
than it was Misty's turn to hiss, spit and chase the new addition to the family.
this time the war was over quickly.
then yes there's more (mad lady that loves cats)
my son talked his dad into getting a puppy. (bad move).
so that went to a new home and i just had to get a new kitten (Lucy).
poor Lucy then had 2 of them at it spitting, hissing and making life hell.
this lasted for about 4 weeks.
they still have their moments chasing and biting each other but the best bit is little naughty Lucy is the boss and the worst one.
my advice leave them to it they will adjust and work out who is boss and that they are both there to stay.( giving them tuna to share is a good tip.)
hope this helps.
2006-10-19 11:01:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will just take time and I would not worry about it. Remember that what you put energy into INCREASES so just relax about it. The cats will work out their issues of territory and dominance - mostly the older one has to make the adjustment and it hard on the kitten who just wants a playmate and the older cat does not.
The most difficult pairings come between females cats as the females are the dominant sex in feline society
2006-10-19 05:16:33 · answer #8 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to let animals work out their own pecking order. It's not unusual for a boisterous kitten to irritate an adult cat, often to the point of a swat or swipe of the paw.
Your older cat is just being irritable and maybe a bit jealous. They'll work it out, don't worry. Just be sure to give both cats lots of love so no one feels displaced.
2006-10-19 05:13:43 · answer #9 · answered by wynterwood 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the exact same problem and still do. My cats have now been together 2 years and the older cat still hates the younger one, the older one is now very clingy and won't go out. Think she's scared i'll get rid of her and keep the small one or something. Alot of affection might help and try playing with them together so no-one feels left out.
2006-10-19 20:37:57 · answer #10 · answered by Kirsty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just jealousy. As they get to know each other better they will adapt so just keep an eye on them for now and let them take their own time. Things will work out fine. Had dogs and cats all my life and at the same time and they have always adapted to each other within a short space of time.
2006-10-19 05:19:32 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋