I got the new kitten but the old cat got really annoyed. It wont come in other than to eat its food and it even went to the end of the street which it never does...is it suicidal? how do i introduce them without starting world war 3?
2006-11-30 16:47:54 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
More info on old cat:
Its female and its about 10 or 11 years old. Its got a bit of a temper but only if u annoy it bad. I dont think it has had kittens b4.
2006-11-30 16:57:01 · update #1
We tried to intoduce them this momrning. They just stared at each other and the kitten was really scared. When it got close the older cat hissed and growled.
2006-12-01 07:16:16 · update #2
Cats are so dramatic! We thought for sure that our adult was NEVER going to get along with the young companion we got her. And it did take awhile. But after a month they were tolerating each other and after 3 months they were almost friends! :-D
2006-11-30 16:57:31 · answer #1 · answered by Trust no 1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easy way [guffaguffa] is to isolate the kitten in a bathroom or such. Close the door but do not keep the older cat away. Let them investigate each other thru the safety of the crack under the door.
You need to use positive reinforcement with the older cat for the first 24-48 hours. Let her know that the kitten is not going to displace her in the pecking order. However, make sure you reinforce that YOU are the big cat in the house.
If you have been lacking in establishing the pecking order yourself, now is the time to start. Make sure your older female knows that she is not cat #1. She is #2. This is necessary to get her past her natural instinct to chase intruders out of 'her' area. If she realizes that you are letting her and the kitten mooch off of YOUR area....she will start calming down.
We had this same situation and this method is highly effectual. Remember firmness and love is the key. YOu need to be the big cat but remind them both that you love them equally. Sounds like being a parent huh?
2006-11-30 18:02:05 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are very territorial, and some can be very jealous. When introducing a new cat, it is best not to interfere. Let them work it out on their own. They might be the best of friends, or they will completely steer clear of each other. At first, hissing and fighting is VERY common. It could take weeks for the "first" cat to settle down. Kittens usually like other cats and are curious about the older feline. There will be fighting though at first.
2006-12-01 03:38:09 · answer #3 · answered by Carla M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you are extra nice to the old cat. I know the kitten is really cute, but give the old cat a treat the kitten doesn't get. Introduce some new toys.
You might get some Feliway spray to spray around the house; it reduces stress in cats.
Being outside at night is kind of dangerous. Try to keep the old cat in the house more, so she gets used to the new cat. She might eventually get to like the new cat.
2006-11-30 17:20:23 · answer #4 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your female is spayed, she'll be okay. Just keep her in with the kitten for awhile so she doesn't run off. Let them work it out. It takes a cat an average 3 months to adjust to a new housemate!! She'll discover the kitten is fun after awhile. Give them time. And give her extra love and attention, so she knows that the new one's arrival doesn't mean you want her out.
She may hiss and spit at the kitten. As long as she isn't hurting it, don't scold her. They need to work it out.
2006-11-30 18:03:50 · answer #5 · answered by Mac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to let them get to know each other on their own. Ours did that when a new kitten was born, but they have warmed up to her, they sleep together. The old cat make think that the new one will take it's place on your home
2006-11-30 17:44:58 · answer #6 · answered by NorthBayLady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give the old lady some time, she'll get used to the new kitten. We have a male cat and when we brought home a sister for her, he was angry at our new cat and us for days. But now they are inseparable!
2006-12-01 01:47:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will probably never like each other, but they will learn to live with each other. They may pick on each other in the future, but will probably have their own territory in your place.
2006-11-30 16:57:02 · answer #8 · answered by greeiore 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should just give it time. the old one is just putting on an act, he will come around in his own time, trust me.
2006-11-30 16:52:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋