We've just got a kitten recently (3 month old) and I swear, his mission is to KILL our other cat (1 year old)! LOL. Our other cat is such a soft touch, he just minds his own business but the kitten jumps on him, biting etc. My other cat defends himself by biting back until the kitten squeals...but then 20 seconds later the kitten's back for more! They chase each other a lot (playing), mainly the kitten chasing, but then it gets out of hand sometimes.
What should we do? We don't want the kitten to get hurt, is there any way of stopping him attacking? The main reason why we got the kitten is for a play mate for the other cat...
I thought we'd have a problem with the other cat accepting the little cute kitten, but it's the other way around (lol)
2007-10-16 09:14:59 · 7 answers · asked by Paul S 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
This is normal behavior and essential for the kitten as he is learning to use his hunt, stalk, attack skills.
What you are seeing is called "play aggression".
Play behavior starts early in kittens and is normally directed towards their litter mates and parents. Both their litter mates and parents are not adverse to responding to overly aggressive behavior by equally aggressive behavior -- if bitten too hard then may bite back. In addition, they often suspend play activities with the overly aggressive playmate,
which is another form of punishment that works. After all, the whole object for the over-enthusiastic kitten is to play.
Your older cat is now in the Parent role to the kitten, and is more then able to handle the situation, and you need to allow the older cat to set those boundaries up between him and the Lil guy.
When the older cat has had enough, he'll give the warning for the Lil one, and the Lil one will eventually learn what the older one will put up with and for how long...
Sometimes what looks pretty brutal to us, is perfectly safe and normal behaviors for them...
Young kittens are very playful, this will settle down by the time the Lil guy's first year rolls around.
Make sure that you pick up some busy cat toys for the young one, if you haven't already...
If you are really worried about the kitten being overly hyper/aggressive...you can have a water bottle near by and give him a squirt if he gets to carried away. If the older cat seems too annoyed by the young one, give the kitten a time out by putting him in a closed room for a few minutes, just to let the older cat have a break...
Best of Luck.
2007-10-16 09:40:40 · answer #1 · answered by Mommacat 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Paul, I also have a new male kitten and he is always attacking the female older kitten. At this stage in his life he is finding his boundaries with the other cat in your house. Believe me, the day will come when the other cat tells him on no uncertain terms that he's had enough of the kittens antics. If you notice the kitten doing a lot of stalking, that's only a sign of what he is bred to do. Stalk his pray. The other cat is his pray for now. If he were in the wild, his mom would be teaching him this. Believe me, they won't hurt each other. As the kitten gets to be about 5 to 6 months old get him neutered and he'll calm down, not right away, that takes time.
Brother, enjoy the laughter you get from them attacking each other.
2007-10-17 04:36:17 · answer #2 · answered by Suzy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The kitten is full of energy, but also trying to assert himself. Make sure your older cat can get some time to himself each day and try to play with the kitten enough that it wears itself out a little. The two of them will figure it out eventually - the kitten is going to grow and that will help. Just keep an eye on them when they are together.
2007-10-16 09:24:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A year and a half ago I got a kitten as a playmate for my three year old cat. We are gone alot on weekends and I felt bad leaving her by herself for two or three days at a time. The kitten acted just as you described and STILL DOES (I thought it would wear off as he grew older). My older cat still does not like him to this day, but they tolerate each other. As much biting, clawing and chasing as went on (and still goes on at times) neither of my cats has had any problems healthwise. Check each cat out closely and routinely - they will probably be fine though.
2007-10-16 09:23:48 · answer #4 · answered by Emanon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The kitten has not learned (and probably neither has your older cat), how to play bite. They will work out how hard to play fight/bite. Just keep an eye on them in the mean time. Small scratches and bite wounds can easily infect and abscess. If any sign of swelling and tenderness, a vet should be consulted immediately. Abscesses can become serious in just a few days.
Keep the good china out of reach of their crashing bodies.
2007-10-16 09:43:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your little kitten will be okay, he is just playing. Your older cat will put him in his place if he gets to be to much for the older cat.
2007-10-16 09:25:23 · answer #6 · answered by Brenda 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Awwww he sounds soooo lovable indexed right here are some names: Pumpkin, Pounce, Tiny, Sand, courageous or Braver, ambitious, braveness, Cloud, huge, huge and the best choice. desire those names assist you choose your kittens call!
2016-10-09 08:52:45 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋