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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Angry kitten
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Question
I just adopted a young cat. She's very young, and had a litter of kittens during her first heat. I have another cat that I have had for about 10 years. They hate each other! The new cat is very very lovable, but when she sees Chewbacca she hisses and growls and lashes out. It's the craziest thing I have ever seen! Even when she smells her in the room she begins hissing, while simultaneously rubbing affectionately on me. I don't know what to do! I have a tiny apartment and separating them isn't an option!
Kara,
)
It takes about 2 weeks or more to do it correctly and effectively. You can't rush it or you will have behavior and personality problems that are going to be hard to correct. You need to go through an introduction process first. Here are some links on how to do it correctly:
(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...
Your 10 year old cat is approximately 56 years old and will not take the stress of a new cat as well as a younger cat.
Hissing, growls, and slaps are normal 'kitty communication'. The are ways to warn each other, state who is 'boss', etc. They are not worrysome unless there are ears pinned back, major fur flying, or blood being shed.
I have a 'dog crate' that I use for cat sitting that would work if you have a small apartment. Put one in and let the other out and vise-versa until they get used to each other. I got mine at Petco. It's 48x30x32 and a cat can be comfortable in it. I am attaching a photo of it.
It take a lot of time and patience to introduce cats.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
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).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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