Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/New cat...

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/26/2008


Question
We brought home a new 5 month old male kitten who is fixed and we already have a 5 year old female kitten also fixed.  The kitten is fearless but our 5 year old is hiding, hissing, and making threats to the new kitten.  What do you suggest to try to make this a better situation? It has been only 2 days so far. Thanks

Answer

Dog Crate for Cat
Adale,

The most important thing about introductions is to go SLOWLY! Do not try to rush it or force them together or you WILL end up with behavior problems. I am including some excellent links to articles on how to do the introductions properly. They should be helpful as a guide.
(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...

Most cats do not like kittens until they have grown up. Older cats usually do not care for kittens because of their energy level, smell, and the fact that they ruin an older cat's routine and peace. A kitten, if it is healthy, will have lots of energy and will like to play a lot. When the only other playmate for the kitten is an older cat he will try to play with her as she would another with another kitten. That causes problems. For the older cat...and for the kitten, who gets confused and can get depressed and can lose heart because the older cat won't play and will growl at her. As the kitten grows and gets more secure and self-confident he may intensify his annoying behavior towards your older cat out of boredom or to expend energy. That may cause the older cat to become stressed or cause behavior problems (like inappropriate elimination) or it can cause the older cat to be aggressive towards the younger cat out of frustration.

When you get a kitten for an older cat you should get 2 kittens, or the new friend for a resident cat should be one close in age and temperament (gender doesn't matter). When you have 2 kittens they play together with rough-house kitty play, chase each other, and play normal kitty games, and then snuggle together for comfort and companionship. They tend to leave the older cat alone more. That relieves the older cat if she is not interested in playing, but leaves the option open if she does. As it stands now you have basically gotten an 8 year old friend (in human years) for a 36 year old (in human years) cat.

Growling, slaps, and hisses are nothing to worry about. They are just "kitty communication". That is the way the older cat tells the younger cat to keep her distance, what the rules of "his house" are, etc. When to be concerned is if there are ears pinned back, blood being shed, or major fur flying.

Once the cats can be together without being aggressive, or freaking out, feed the cats yummy cat treats periodically (like tuna, sardines (in oil) or pieces of raw steak, etc.) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant. Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is great for interaction between the cats. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cats as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.

With patience, time, and love...and doing the introduction process correctly, things should work out fine. Some cats are solitary and don't like other cats around, but most like to have a playmate, someone to cuddle with, and someone to comfort them and keep them company when they are alone or bored. Just make sure that you give your older cat a lot of love and attention, (and kitty treats) so she doesn't feel like you like the other cat better than her now.

I use a big dog crate for a new cat. It has room for litterbox, food and water, small cat carrier without the door for a bed and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they can get used to other cats around, and other cats can sniff and check them out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.

I hope this helps...and Merry Christmas!

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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