Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/new kitten

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/28/2008


Question
i have a 15month female cat and just recieved a 3 month female kitten.  it is now day 2 and my older cat is hissing and swating at the  kitten. How can i get these two furry friends to interact? What can i do?

Answer
Frank,

The introduction process has to be done slowly, and it usually takes about 2 weeks. You can not rush them together or you WILL have behavior problems.

Don't worry about the hissing, growling, spitting, and slaps. They are kitty communication which the cats understand between them. It could be one setting the rules, setting the pecking order, telling the kitten it's boundries, etc. When to be worried is when there is major fur flying, blood being shed, or ears pinned back. Keep a watch on them, but don't be too protective.

Once they can eat near each other, or sleep in the same area without any scenes then you are on your way. They may even surprise you and get along quickly, but it is common that some cats don't like kittens until they get bigger. It may be because of their smell or because of their energy. Make sure you give your resident cat a lot of love and attention so she doesn't resent the little one and think you like her better.

Here are some good links to articles with suggestions on how to go about getting them acquainted:
(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...

Once the cats can be together without fighting 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.

Things will work out with lots of time, patience, and love.

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.

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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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