Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/27/2008

Question
In regards to our new kitten I realize that he is a little young but the previous owner seemed to just want to be rid of him so we thought it best we take him. He is eating solid foods and was extremely hungry when he first came here. Now as far as the other cat he is 10 months old I had to check. He does not like the new kitten and I think he thinks the kitten is some sort of prey. This morning he lightly grabbed the kitten by the throat. We have a large cat carrier that we are using for a temporary house for the kitten if we can not be in the room it has litter water and a small amount of food and a little bed in there for him. I do not trust the other cat not to hurt the young one. We are showing the older cat lots of attention and playing with him a little bit more just to let him know he is still loved very much. I am finding this very stressful and I am worried that should be left alone the older cat will kill the younger one??? Is there anything I am doing wrong or anything else I can do to help make this work??? Thanks Brian

Answer
Brian,

You have to go through the introduction process slowly. It takes about 2 weeks or more to do it correctly and effectively. You can't rush it or you will have behavior problems that are going to be hard to correct.
I am attaching a couple of links on how to go about the introduction process:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

The grabbing by the throat sounds like a young tomcat reaction. Is the 10 month old neutered? If not, that could be part of the problem. And get the little one fixed at about 3 months or 3 lbs.

If the kitten is still very young, it would be best to keep the older kitten away for awhile, or at least supervise their time together. Even if it is just in play, a bigger cat doesn't KNOW he's a bigger cat and can play too rough with a little one and hurt him accidently.

When the kitten is old enough to be interested in playing, make playtime interactive when you can. A pet laser light (from PetSmart, Petco, etc.) helps them play together safely...they both can chase the 'little red bug, pull a shoestring, or use a dangle type toy.

It will work out with time, patience, and caution. The older kitten will help make the little kitten tougher, and when it gets older it may be 'payback time' (smile).

Tabbi