Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/9/2008

Question
we have a female tabbi approximately 6 years old, and recent got a female kitten approx. 10 weeks old, the kitten settled in fine, it has nearly been 2 weeks now and the kitten seems to want to play with the older cat at every possible opportunity, chasing her, swiping at her, and the older cat dislikes it extremely hissing at the kitten and running away, but the kitten follows, then the cat would often resort to hitting the kitten, but the kitten would still run after her and get another slap. It seems the older cat is getting very stressed and cant seem to settle down, we are hesitant to leave them alone together and have to seperate them when the kitten gets too close, any help would be much appreciated

Answer
Ashley,

The main issue I see here is that you only brought home ONE kitten. With an older resident cat it is best to have TWO kittens.

Most older cats do NOT like kittens. Usually it's because of the kitten's energy level, their smell, and the fact that a kitten ruins 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 she will try to play with him as she would with another kitten. That causes problems. For the older cat...and for the kitten, who gets confused and can get depressed and lose heart because the older cat won't play and will growl and be mean to her.

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, especially if she is not interested in playing. As it stands now you have basically gotten a 3 year old friend (in human years) for a 40 year old (in human years) cat.

The kitten is still a baby, not even 3 months old, and is probably needing some kitty love. She is used to her mom, and probably siblings, being around to play with and be comfort. Which is why she would be much happier with a friend her own age.

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 "her house" are, etc. Worry when blood is being shed, ears are pinned back, or major fur is flying.

The best you can probably hope for is that the older cat accepts the kitten...even though they may never be 'friends', which is really not fair to a happy, lively kitten who WANTS to be friends and playmates. When you get a friend for a resident cat it should be one close in age and temperment. A single kitten is not a good choice, even though it is a very nice gesture by you for the kitten.

As the kitten grows and gets more secure and self-confident she may intesify her 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.

It may work out OK, but my suggestion would be to go back soon and get another kitten about your kitten's age and temperment, or ideally, a littermate (brother or sister of your kitten).

Tabbi