Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/23/2008

Question
I have a 1 1/2 year old female who started to seem bored so we decided to
adopt a 2 month old female kitten from the animal shelter.  Our older cat
seemed to get along well with other animals and even my sisters male cat so
we figured she won't have any problem getting along with a kitten.  We
brought the kitten home and after a week of "through the crack of the door"
introductions, we let it out while supervising them about 15 min a day.  My
older cat seems annoyed most of the time and then the next minute she will
play chase with the new kitten.  My question is- is it normal for my older cat
to bite it on its neck and lunge at it?  If it gets out too out of hand, I seperate
them immediately, but I'm not sure how long to expect this behavior from my
older cat.  The little kitten is extremely playful but my older cat seems
annoyed.

Answer
Tamra,


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. Grown 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 intesify 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 grown cat you should get 2 kittens, or the new friend for a resident cat should be one close in age and temperment (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.

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. That is a nice gesture to get a friend for your cat. 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 grown cat a lot of love and attention, so she doesn't feel like you like the other cat better than her now.

I hope this has been helpful.

Tabbi