I have a gorgeous 2 year old cat that I bought from the farm when she was 3 months old. I have raised her by myself and my schedule changes sometimes so she is used to being alone, especially in the day. I recently brought in an eight week old male kitten to my house and she hates him. I understand she's worried about territory and all that, but will they ever get along? What other issues could there be?
2007-04-26 17:41:20 · 5 answers · asked by guarded_heart04 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Cats are so fickle that it can go either way. I tend to think eventually she would get used to him and probably end up being buddies with him.
One of the main mistakes people make when they introduce a new kitten into their home, is to give it all the attention because after all it's so cute! Also, giving it the older animals' special things, like food dishes or sleeping places. I'd give them separate bowls to eat and drink from, at least for now, and not try to push him on her.
Given time together, especially when you are not there, she will most likely adjust to him. Sometimes a young kitten is just such a ball of energy that a mature cat gets irritated with them easily.
I would also try this: If your older cat likes to lay on your lap and be petted, I'd let her do that, with the kitten sleeping beside you, or nearby. Once in awhile reach over and pet the kitten just a little and show the cat that she is getting attention, but that you can give him attention too without her losing her place. In other words, you'll be teaching her that there is enough of you to go around.
Make sure you give your older cat plenty of attention. It will help her not feel like she's losing out to him and thus become increasingly jealous.
You didn't mention breeds of your cats, especially her, or colors. Some breeds, and even some colors which have more to do with breeds than some people know, have certain characteristics that make them more or less easy to introduce other animals to.
Best of luck.
2007-04-26 18:07:25 · answer #1 · answered by Lili 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are so funny -- they certainly aren't shy about letting their feelings be known!
We had two 10 year old cats and we got 3 tiny kittens. Our female cat was HORRIFIED by the kittens, the male cat was like "Whatever..." But now, 7 months later the female cat has accepted the kittens. She still doesn't cuddle or play with them and probably never will, but at least she isn't upset anymore.
Give your older cat time. Lots of time. It can sometimes take months for a cat to accept the inevitable. In the meantime, make sure she gets plenty of attention and try to make her feel special.
Good luck!
2007-04-27 00:51:14 · answer #2 · answered by luvrats 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My old cat (Chloe at 13 years old) was most annoyed when I rescued another cat at 8 weeks old. (Thoth)
It has been 2 years since and Chloe will still have a wack at Thoth. The first 6 months I thought Chloe was going to kill her. They couldn't even be in the same room together without a barney, Time and attention to both have seemed to help. But I don't think they wil ever "buddy" up. Don't leave them alone together just yet. I swear I used to see Chloe storking Thoth ready for when my back was turned to wack her with her paw. Make sure there is two litter trays, feed together at the same time and try and even pat together. Seperate at night and slowly introduce again each day..
I wish you sooooooooooooo much luck.. :)
2007-04-27 01:04:50 · answer #3 · answered by The Fish Chick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they will get on. I have 3 cats, and had a male aged 11 years before I got a female. Along with the female I got another male and now they all get along. It just takes time and they will adjust if you love them the same. Hope that helps.
2007-04-27 01:22:47 · answer #4 · answered by janearlymosaicer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will get over growling and hissing at each other after about a week or two and then they will be best friends forever.
2007-04-27 02:29:33 · answer #5 · answered by Megan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋