How long is the adjustment period for adding new cats?

Question

In November a cat I had for 13 years died and my daughter wanted a kitten. After weeks of betting, we caved.

We have two "senior" ( they are 12 & 13) female cats in the home. We have added two new cats to the fold, a male and female British Shorthair pair. One of my seniors is not adjusting well to the additions. We have had the "babies" over eight weeks and did not think it should take this long.

She is not physically agressive to the kittens. She will hiss and growl at them, but they pretty much ignore her.

My husband states she isn't too bad when I'm not home. She has always been my cat, on me constantly, sleeping on my pillow. Since the arrival of the kittens, she will still lay on my lap or over my head but freaks if one of them comes near us. The kittens are very loving and want attention from the big cats, trying to rub their faces agaist them.

My question is this: Is there anything we can do to help this along and help everyone be happy and feel loved? =)

Answer 1

There's really nothing that you can do, it's all dependant on each cat.

Your older cat may never fully accept and be pals with the new kittys. But they probably will find some way to co-exist on their own terms. So long as there isn't fighting (with fur flying and blood letting).

I'm sure you're already making everyone feel loved and accepted. Maybe when your older cat is on your lap and the new ones come by, pet her more and talk more to her to calmly and show her that it's ok for her to be on you lap and that she doesn't have to leave. That may help her become more accepting.

Lots of luck to all of you.

Answer 2

There really isn't much that you can do, it happens in it's own time. Older cats take longer to adjust as they are not as lively as the new kittens. I added a new cat to my home last year or a year and a half ago and they get along for the most part now, but there are some times they still hiss and growl at one another.

It is normal for this to happen, I hope that things around the house get back to normal soon.

Answer 3

If they are not being physically aggressive just let them work it out. They are figuring out who the pack leader is and trying to establish dominance. Usually kittens are a Little rambunctious and stubborn.

It may take a few months, even years. There may never be a complete adjustment, however as long as everybody knows their place they will be fine.

When I added in my second cat it took about 6 months before the two started hanging around together. However they still had their little spats. usually when I was at home and they were competing for attention.

Answer 4

You might look into using flower essences on the older cat who is not adjusting well. Holly is the Bach essence specific for jealousy in her case. It sounds like the household overall has made a good adjustment since you are not reporting conflict among the other cats.

Some cats don't "adjust" and older females cats are notorious for not accepting new cats in a household.

Answer 5

it seems like your older cat feels like she is getting replaced. show her more love. in my situation i found it helped to give her everything first...when i feed the babies they all come running for food. i hold back my little ones and let the older ones eat first for a secound and then let the others join in. just to let her know i understand that she is alfa and is first and that i respect her "older position" in the house. when i get home...she would be the first one that i acknowleged even if the little ones were at my feet...i find her and pet her first...when i give out treats i give her first and make sure that all babies are watching but not trying to get her treat. i gave her her own bowl of food and when i give them a wet food (i have 6 cats so i open like three or four cans) i let her have her choice before the babys and then let them make their choice on what they want to eat. making sure that she is the only one to eat her food. i pet her while she is eating-first- then pet the others. just let her know that you understand she is first in rank. give her everything first...when they get old like that they are set in their ways. they may never come around to the other kittens. after a while it may be that they wont like each other and just keep their distance from each other.
also try to hold the bigger ones and get them into a comfortable relaxed pet, while petting her have the other kittens come by her but dont let them touch her, just keep her calm by pettting and hold her close to you. she will see you keep the youngins away and feel like you are saying "she is with me and i am givein love to her now". try this and see if it works...good luck and let me know what happens.

i went to walmart and bought a kitten jungle gym. its easy to assemble and is adjustable. it goes from the floor to the celing and has three diff. sized levels..easy on he pocket book too and doesnt take up much room. i found this helped with establishing who was alfa cat. the bigger ones sit on the top and can watch everything that is going on, when baby wants to be on top they will tif a bit and then give up. thats a good way for baby to understand where big kitty stands. they can play and be more active to and that may bring them together. when big kitty isnt on the top then baby can be there but her scent will be there and baby kitty will know that.