5 days ago I bought a 7 week old female kitten as a playmate for my 11 month old male cat. I followed all the guidelines about separation and gradual introduction. They've met face to face a good 10 or more times now - however, it always goes the same way.... my older cat pounces on the kitten as soon as he sees her, bites the front of her neck, and tries to wrestle. He will not leave her alone. There is no hissing, and he usually gets off her once she cries out. She hides under furniture, but I've seen her have a cheeky swipe at his tail when he's not looking, so I don't think she's too scared of him.
They usually last about an hour together before the older cat gets too boisterous, at which point he ignores her cries and gets too rough with her, so I take her away.
My question is - should I let it get to this point and try to keep them in the same room for as long as possible, or should I separate them after, say, half an hour before he gets too excited?
2007-06-24 13:29:48 · 5 answers · asked by Sparklepop 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
My male cat is neutered!
2007-06-24 13:37:46 · update #1
keep an eye on the two of them, he's bigger than her so it is possible for her to get hurt, but most cats play pretty rough. try to seperate them just before he gets to excited, or try hissing at him when he is to rough with her, that is how a momma cat would correct her babies. if he does get to rough with her be sure to give her a good pet down to make sure that there are no hidden injuries. give it some time, they are young kitties and will probably become good mates over time. (BTW be sure your female gets spayed too!)
2007-06-24 13:52:00 · answer #1 · answered by godsmiled 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's never had a sibling before, he may not understand that he's playing too rough. You obviously need to stop it before it gets too rough (i.e. the baby is scared and crying out), but one thing you should consider is cats play super rough. I have two cats that will go at it every now and again, and even though the smaller of the two will get herself pinned to the floor and cry out, it's only because she wants him to get off of her so she can try to get him all over again.
In the case of your baby, you'll really need to just keep an eye on things because she's not big enough to stop it herself, and if he does get to the point that he doesn't want to quit playing when she's had enough, then some damage can be done. It sounds like you have things under control, but if you want to split them up without actually getting in the middle of it, you can keep a spray bottle handy, or get a jar of pennies. Unless your cat is completely oblivious, the water will stop things immediately, but if you prefer a dryer approach, I'd suggest the pennies because a good shake will get their attention and more than likely break things up. Beyond seperating them when they get to playing too hard, I'd also suggest keeping them apart while you're not around (at least while she's small), just so nothing happens while you're gone! Good luck with your new baby!
2007-06-24 20:54:11 · answer #2 · answered by oh_shotdown 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is completely normal, it's going to take some more time.Important thing is to get them both fixed,unless you're going to breed them,for which I don't have an answer. But once you get them fixed,starting with the older one,they should get calmer .Until then they've got to be supervised at all times. Make sure you pay attention to them equally.Try introducing a game they could both play. Usually by the end of the first month they should stop fighting,and later on they'll be best friends,i promise.Mine are!Good luck!
2007-06-24 21:49:06 · answer #3 · answered by arlina111 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like normal "getting to know you" young cat behavior. Your boy is being nice and playful...he could really hurt her if he was being mean. But, you do have to protect her from her energetic big brother. I'd definitely give her time out away from him until she gets a little older and can hold her own against him. Sounds like they will be good friends. :)
2007-06-24 20:35:59 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
HE DOING THIS TO HER CAUSE HE IS IN HEAT!!
KEEP HIM AWAY FROM HER OR HE WILL HURT HER.
SHE IS TOO YOUNG FOR HIM RIGHT NOW.
BUY HIM A CAGE OR GET HIM FIXED!!
I HAD A MALE CAT THAT WOULD BITE THE BACK OF HER NECK AND CRY OUT AND HE JUST KEPT DOING TIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN. BUT WHEN I GOT HIM FIXED HE STOPPED MESSING WITH HER.
ALL SINGS YOU MENTION MEANS HE IS IN HEAT.
SO UNTIL YOU GET HIM FIXED HE WILL KEEP ON POUNCING ON HER AND ITS NOT PLAY AT ALL.
good luck from the staff of http://www.boeafitness.com
2007-06-24 20:36:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋