4 year old cat having rouble adjusting to new kitten - Help?

Question

I read up on how to make the adjustment easier. - put a seperate litter box and food containers for the kitten in a different room. Away from the cats food and litter. I even read you should used a baby gate in the doorway, so they can sniff eachother. That lasted all of two minutes before the kitten climbed right over it! - I don't have the heart to shut the kitten up in it's room. So now they are roaming around in the same space. Is this ok? What should I do?

Answer 1

Thats fine, you shouldnt seperate them unless your 4 month old is hurting the kitten. Let them smell each other and get used to each others scent. The older cat is annoyed that you brought another cat into its territory, but dont worry. They will soon be playing together like they have known each other for life!

Good luck!

:)
MK

Answer 2

NO!!!! It is much better to do the separation thing for a couple of days for the kitten's satety. I know it may be hard so when I did this I did it on the weekend so I could check in on the kitten every hour or so to play with her. Kittens sleep alot so this will not be a problem. Do not feel bad. It is not a good idea to let them roam in the same area without separation!! Of course your other cat feels threatened and the kitty is probably terrified of your cat. One time my kitten ran out of the bathroom and I couldn't find her for a bit. Finally I found my 3yr old cat laying ON TOP of the kitten so he couldn't move! Not a good thing.
Of by the way, when separating the cats make sure to bring the kitten out of the bathroom every hour or so (you holding it) so your other cat can sniff the area and get used to the kitty smell. It is also good to throw a toy the kitten has been playing with to your other cat so he gets used to the kitten smell.
The relationship will take time, your other cat will not warm up immediately. In fact, I don't think my other cat fully accepted my kitten for like 3 months!! However, eventually they became best friends and my cat would watch out for my kitten, give her baths, and they would play like crazy with each other (as well as snuggle with each other at night)
Good luck!

Answer 3

it's fine if the two cats r in the same room
just let the older cat adjust bye itself
cats r odd like that
i had the same problem
it's just that the older cat doesn't want to play all the time it would rather sleep and the kitten loves to play and pounce all over the other cat
the other cat will show the kitten it's place sonner or later
just worry about it
let them sort the problem out themselves

Answer 4

All you're able to do is shop their claws trimmed and coach lots of interest to the older cat. Older cats do unlike replace yet as a results of fact the kitten matures, they are going to probably get alongside extra helpful. somewhat the kitten needs to play and the older cat needs to be left on my own.

Answer 5

My Aunt was having the same problem w/ a 2 yo cat and two cats she had adopted from the shelter!!! What she did is (well they had upperlung infections) so they stayed downstairs for a couple of weeks untill docter said she could bring them upstairs!!!! It would probably B a good idea 2 take him/her to da vet 1st !! But yes if they r healthy and seem 2 get along well then yes they should B fine 2 gether!!!! Good Luck wit ur katz

Answer 6

Your cat is just mortified that you brought home that little baby. It is very upsetting for the only child. But, let them be together blocking out is hurting the situation. The older cat will smell give the baby a few pounces on and a swipe of the paw but, that is normal. He will be thrilled with his new playmate and happy that you brought the baby home. Let them be it will work out. Tammie

Answer 7

They will eventually be fine. The older cat will have to show his dominance over the kitten, and once the pecking order is established, it should be fine. I've introduced new animals to my home over the years, and they always seem to adjust. Good luck to you!!

Answer 8

When introducing any cat into a new home, there is one thing all cats need--time to adjust to their new space. You can make the adjustment period shorter by letting your cat get to know his or her new home slowly. Many adopters hesitate to confine their cats, thinking it is "mean" but the nicest thing you could do for your cat is give him a "safe space" at first.

Cats are territorial by nature, and their first priority in any situation is establishing and knowing their territory. Only once they are comfortable in their space can they feel comfortable eating, drinking, resting and eliminating.

The safe space should be a small, quiet room (bathrooms, small offices or large walk-in closets are all good candidates) without any hiding spaces such as under the tub or bed, behind a bookshelf, etc. You don't want to have to pull your cat out of hiding to interact with him--that would be getting your visit off to a very bad start. However, you can provide your cat with an acceptable hiding space by tipping a box on its side and putting a towel inside. Many cats also like cat cozies or tee-pee style beds.

The room should be set up with a litterbox on one end of the room, and the food, water and bedding as far away from the litterbox as possible. The cat should be given some safe toys to play with, and should be given visits while confined to this space. Start off slow when visiting your kitty--don't do to much petting or interacting until the cat has had some time to "settle in". Sit in the room and see if the cat will approach you; if not, offer her your hand to sniff and try some gentle face pets. Give your cat frequent breaks and work up to more handling. Be patient and remember, the more love, the quicker they will adjust.

Confinement is especially crucial for shy or fearful cats. Many cats are overwhelmed when they first move into a new place; this is normal behavior. However, for a cat that is fearful by nature, it is even more terrifying to be in an unfamiliar space. Given the free run of the house, a scared cat will often bolt around, looking for a safe place to hide. Many cats injure themselves running into furniture or walls in a panic. They may also hide somewhere unsafe (such as under the stove, inside a reclining chair), and stay in hiding for several days. They may forego eating, or even urinate or defecate in their hiding space. The "safe room" gives them a small space where they feel secure, and will also make them more sociable with you--the less they are worried about their territory, the more interested in YOU they will be! By providing your scared kitty with a cozy or box to hide in, you are making her feel safe in a way that also allows you to pet her while she is hiding (as opposed to trying to crawl under your bed to interact with her!).

You may be wondering when you can be sure that it's okay to let your kitty out of her safe space. For some cats, the confinement period will be only a few hours--for others it could be several weeks. The important thing is that you do not rush your cat into being exposed to more space than she can handle. You will want to see all of the following:

1. The cat is performing his or her natural functions: eating, resting, grooming, using the litterbox.
2. The cat is responsible, allowing you to pet and play with her.
3. The cat is comfortable with you doing normal activities in the room and is not afraid of you when you stand up or walk around.
4. The cat is showing some interest in getting out of the room.

Don't mistake just one signal for readiness. Even a very scared cat may meow or scratch at the door for attention. This does not mean the cat is ready to explore more space--for example, if you notice that the cat meows at the door, but when you open the door, he runs and cowers back in his bed or box, he's not ready.
When possible, expand a cat's territory slowly (especially for fearful cats). You could close all the doors to bedrooms and allow the cat to first explore the hallway and rooms that do not close off (such as the kitchen and living room). If at anytime your cat seems overwhelmed, return him to his safe room for a few hours and try introducing him to the rest of the house later.

Don't feel bad for confining your kitty at first. It will help him relax and adjust to his new surroundings much quicker. The sooner he adjusts, the sooner he will have full run of the house, and the sooner he will feel comfortable in his new home!

Answer 9

Leave them alone unless you see real blood. Cats hiss and swipe alot, but most of it is simply a threat, not an attack.

They will sort it out.

The longer you separate them, the longer it will take.

Answer 10

No, that is GREAT!!! If they're not killing/hissing/ scratching/fighting each other now, they won't!!, they're OVER it!!They'll share the same box now, too! (its a bonding thing) Congrats on your new baby!!