My younger cat prefers attention from my older cat rather than me or my bf?

Question

We got her in May and my older cat tolerates her, but doesn't exactly LOVE her. I always try to pet and cuddle with the younger cat, but when I do she runs to my older cat and cuddles up with her. Why? My older cat isn't even that nice to her! We got the baby when she was VERY little, so I'm wondering if that's why. It's just upsetting because I want my younger cat to be close to me and my bf, but she'd much rather spend time with the adult cat. My older cat would much rather spend time with me or my bf...unlike the other cat. I'm glad they somewhat get along, but is there anything we can do to get her to be more sociable with us?

Answer 1

Young cats do tend to attach themselves for a while to an older cat. And that is GOOD becuase they will learn many cat things from the older cat which you cannot teach. Let nature run its course and just keep giving the younf cat lots of loving attention and as she matures, the fixation will transfer to you. My 1 yr old kitten used to shadow my older cat and irritate him bonkers. I tried to keep the kitten away from my older cat as much as possible UNTIL I observed that the kitten was immitating the older cat in just about everything - where to pee, poop (and how to do it); what to eat, what to avoid, where NOT to go, who not to be around with etc.... so I am soooo glad I left them alone. Now, my older cat is teaching the 1 yr old how to fight... they do mock battles with their claws carefully sheathed. I laugh when the kitten immitates the older cat's victory strutt.

Answer 2

I think you should keep your mind open to both, until you find the cat/kitten that you love. Adult cats can bond with their owner (you) just as well as a kitten can. A kitten's personality will change a lot as it grows up, and it might surprise you (my two cats became more affectionate, for example). Your dogs might take better to a young kitten, but on the other hand an adult cat can defend itself better if your dogs are territorial at first. Whatever age cat you get, you'll need to protect it from the dogs, in a separate room, or wherever, until you are sure that they won't hurt each other. I recommend visiting a humane society or other shelter where you can see all their cats and pick out the one that you like the most. It will also save you money in the long run. Spaying/neutering isn't cruel - it will help prevent certain illnesses and discomforts, not to mention the overpopulation problem.

Answer 3

Your kittie needs to learn how to be a cat before s/he can be lovey. And, only your older cat can teach the kitten what being a cat is all about. The kittie will come around. Be patient, and be sure to get in a little bit of petting time every day.

Answer 4

I have a similar situation at home... if im there and my eldest is there - my youngest gives my eldest cat more love then me! Like perhaps she looks at her as a 'mother' figure (even though the oldest cant stand the youngest sometimes..)
Not sure if there is much that can be done though... spend more time with them individually I guess.. Cats are funny when it comes to behaviour I cannot think of any way to stop that kind of behaviour...

Answer 5

I have 2 cats & 11 dogs,but my younger cat used to go everywhere with me,she used to sit on my shoulder while I walked around outside,but now she would rather be with my wife,why? I don,t know.

Answer 6

TRY PLAYING WITH YOUR CAT NOT JUST HOLDING IT KITTY HAS ENERGY AND WANTS TO PLAY WHILE PLAYING YOUR CAT WILL BOND WITH YOU IF YOU ONLY TRY HOLDING IT IT WILL FEEL RESTRAINED AND REBEL AGAINST YOU

Answer 7

Just be happy for her she's found her new mum don't keep them seperate just wait and you're kitten will be your new bff so just LEAVE THEM ALONE,TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED

Answer 8

that's why I don't like cats....



dogs are much better

Answer 9

cats are fickle

Answer 10

MMMmmm... this is why you have cats.