The older one is angry that the new one is in the picture and hisses and growls, while the little one just seems to not care much. We put the little one in a cage and let them swat at eachother for a while, and it was the older one swatting at the little one mostly , but the little one did defend himself. It's getting annoying having to keep them in separate rooms. Any advice?
2007-12-24 06:29:39 · 5 answers · asked by shell 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Been there done that. I ended up keeping them seperated for about three days,one in the bathroom with the door shut and let them play under the door. After three days I couldn't take it and let the new one out, I got so upset watching them go at each other I left the house for a couple of hours, when I got home the were snuggled up in a chair together. Just let them go, they'll make up when they are ready and you stop stressing.
2007-12-24 06:38:20 · answer #1 · answered by insanityx2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave them is separate rooms til the growling and hissing stops. Might be 2 days, or 2 weeks, or longer, but meanwhile try some of these:
Rub a towel on one and put the towel under the other's food dish. Rub the same towel on both, so they smell the same.
Switch places for an hour. Put the older kitten in the new one's room and let the new one explore the rest of the house. Then return to original spaces. Don't be surprised if they spend the time making messes in the other one's litterbox.
Give treats on both sides of the door when both are calm, and at no other time.
When they do get together, try distracting them from the territorial issues by engaging them in play, using a pole toy or laser light.
Hang in there and don't give up. It will all be funny by next Christmas.
2007-12-24 14:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by Julie D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats are territorial animals, and it is normal for this to happen.
you do have to keep them separated for a while, like a week or so, to get them used to each other's smell. You may want to pay extra attention to the original kitten, petting it, playing w/ it, etc, so it doesn't feel like it's being replaced, perhaps while sitting w/ it in front of the door of the room where the other kitten is locked in.
There will still be more "fighting" when they are actually together. But cats learn how much damage their claws and teeth can do, and usually back down from serious fighting once the warnings have begun, unless they're fully committed to the fight. Also, for kittens, it's normal for them to play fight.
If they're still hissing and growling at each other after a few weeks, then you may have a problem, but you don't now.
Please get your kittens fixed when they are old enough. Plenty of kitties in the world already, too many of them w/o caring homes.
2007-12-24 14:42:49 · answer #3 · answered by Ja Funmi dba Big Baby 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
males of any species try to be dominant. it's very difficult to introduce a new male to an already established male, even at their young ages. give them time to adjust to each other. if they don't get along within 6 months or so, you might have to give one away.
2007-12-24 14:38:59 · answer #4 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/cats.cfm
2007-12-24 15:36:37 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ Sydney ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋