My cat (about 3 1/2 years old) wants to kill my new kitten. What do I do?

Question

My older cat is hissing and snorting at my new kitten. He keeps on batting her and snarling while I'm holding him anywhere near her. What do I do?

All my older cat has ever known is to kill another animal. He even brought home a rabbit once! I think that if I leave them alone together he will definitely kill her. I'm afraid that I'll have to give one of my cats away and I really don't want to do that.

I just got my new kitten today.

Also, my older cat doesn't exactly "bat". More like he scratches. Is he just jealous? Should I give him a lot more attention so he doesn't feel "endangered"?

Also, my older cat doesn't exactly "bat". More like he scratches. Is he just jealous? Should I give him a lot more attention so he doesn't feel "endangered"?

Answer 1

Ok. Separate the cats. Like keep the kitten confined to one room, it needs to get used to its new house anyway. Get the OLD cat a new bed and give the old bed to the kitten to sleep in. This will put the old cat's scent on the kitten. Rub the kitten in one of the old cat's blankets, etc.
After about 2 days, allow them to meet. Give your old cat the same amount of attention as you usually do. Give it treats when it meets the kitten, like kitty hearts or fish, so that it associates the kitten with treats.
Let them meet over the next few days for about 15mins at a time. If they begin to fight, discipline the offending cat (ie. the one who started it). When you are satistfied that they are getting along, extend the play periods until you are comfortable having them living together.
Remember, they will still occasionally fight, just like any siblings.

Answer 2

how long have you had the kitten? the best thing to do is keep them seperated for some time until they get used to one another. You should be keeping the kitten in one room a "safe room" while the other cat gets used to it's presense. A good thing to do is switch bedding to familiarize each cat w/ the others scent...also you can crack the door open to let them smell one another but DO NOT leave them unattended together until you know they will not kill each other - NOT GOOD! The best way to know that they are getting along is if they take turns chasing one another - that is when it is safe. I would suggest you talk to a cat counselor but PLEASE keep the kitten in another room and take it slow - you can also buy a book on cats and training @ any local pet store which would give you the same info. You can also go to the ASPCA website.

Answer 3

I would keep them seperate unless you are in the room to supervise. A few months ago we bought a little kitten as "company" for our cat but it didn't go over very well. We ended up having to give the kitten back in fear that our cat would seriously hurt it.

Contrary to what people are saying, I had two cats for 6 years, one who was a couple years older then the other, and they never got along. No matter what we tried they remained forever enemies.

If you want to have two cats I think it is best to get them both as kittens, or else you may be asking for problems.

Answer 4

It is usually normal behavior.

Something you can do: Get a washcloth, wet your hands and dry them on the cloth {you just want it moist, not wet} then rub one cat, use it to rub the other, do this several times back & forth.

Also, please be sure your cats are spayed or neutered! This usually helps them be calmer and better pets.
You are making the new cat smell like the one already in the home and pretty soon the cats both smell the same and this can sometimes make the introduction a little easier and quicker.

Answer 5

They will adjust with time. But I would suggest that you keep the kitten and the older cat separated when you can't be with them (at night, when you go out). Make sure you show your older cat alot of attention. They may never love each other, (or maybe they will!) but they will establish a "pecking order" and abide by it.

Answer 6

Keep an eye on them. The older cat will get used to the kitten sooner or later.

Answer 7

I think you should separate the cats/kittens! Better safe then sorry. U should also teach the 2 cats to stay in a certain room so they don't kill each other, or use gates to separate them!

Answer 8

There is nothing you can do..the kitten should be ok as long as he stays out of the older cats way...otherwise you will have to keep them seperate till the kitten is old enough to look after himself!!!

Answer 9

Keep them seperated unless your present.
I think the adult cat is jealous. Give him lots of attention. They will make friends in time. He doesn't really want to kill her.

When you bring a new pet in, it's best to keep them apart. Move them from roon to room, and let them get to know each others scent.

Answer 10

cats show there dominates through fighting the older cat is just showing dominants so give it time but still keep an eye on them make sure it doesn't go to far.