Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Introducing new kitten to my older cats

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Thanks to both of you who replied.

    Freedom.....my kitten is afraid of the older cat, she won't initiate any contact (ie no attempts to play)...she will growl if the older cat comes too close. I sometimes bring her down in the evening and watch TV with her (just to get her out of her room) and the older cat (this is the older cat's territory) will come and sniff and sometime touch noses...this is while the kitten is on my lap. If I leave the kitten on the sofa to go in the kitchen or bathroom, they will fight....and I by that, I mean rolling around on the floor fighting.....no bloodshed, but it looks and sounds pretty ugly. Not just a hiss or swat. If that happens, there is a place the kitten can go to that the older cat can't....and she'll stay there until the older cat leaves or I come and get her out. Sometimes the kitten will urinate during the fight...I'm not sure if that's from fear or if she's trying to show submission.

    Thanks for all of your suggestions....I'll give them a try.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Methuen, MA; USA
    Posts
    17,105
    I thought about this all night long, and I have a few other ideas which you may want to consider.

    Before kitten arrived, where did the older 2 sleep at night? With you? And who sleeps with you now? kitten? Maybe kitten should spend a few nights in another room and let the older ones snuggle with mom again. Make sure the kitten has a toy or 2, litter box and water, and the room is "kitten proofed!

    Who gets food in their dish first? Kitten? Feed Grouchy first! (I am finding this very hard not knowing the cats' names, ha ha!)

    Always pet the grouchy one first, then the kitten. Always say grouchy's name first, then kitten's. Always welcome grouchy first when you get home from work, then kitten.

    Having them touch noses is good, I am surprised you added that, it means they are making friends I believe! So why the fuss later on I wonder?

    Also try this, but make sure you clip nails on grouchy first. Hold and cuddle grouchy, telling her what a good girl she is. Walk over to kitten and let them nuzzle. Be prepared to move back the minute anyone looks agressive, and to grip the neck as follows: The best way to get the attention of a cat you are holding is to take a firm grasp of the fur and skin on the back of the neck and pull up. You know how mom cats lift babies to move them? Well, you don't want to actually lift, adult cats can no longer support themselves like kits and you will injure the cat, perhaps needing to rush to the vet. But if you lift slightly, just so some of the weight is off the front legs, THE CAT IS IMMOBILIZED, and you have her undivided attention! I use this often during bath times, to immobilize the cat. I also do this when I want to "lecture" a mischief maker! It reminds the cat that YOU are the dominant one, YOU set the rules, YOU decide who gets what treatment. It puts you as the alpha cat in charge of the colony.

    I hope these thoughts give you some more ideas how to help calm the chaos in your home. Best wishes!
    .

Similar Threads

  1. Older cat sniffing new kitten
    By sandie_lasvegas in forum Cat Behavior
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-10-2007, 09:56 AM
  2. New kitten problem with older cats
    By bella123 in forum Cat Behavior
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 07-12-2005, 07:21 PM
  3. Is kitten food ok for an older cat.....
    By carole in forum Cat General
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 04-04-2005, 03:37 PM
  4. Introducing a new cat to an older cat
    By Howie's Mama in forum Cat Behavior
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 09-02-2003, 02:06 PM
  5. OLDER CAT HISSING AT THE NEW KITTEN
    By ejwmla in forum Cat Behavior
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 06-10-2001, 05:14 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Copyright © 2001-2013 Pet of the Day.com