About 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 ***********
Awards and Honors * One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
Question I read up on introducing cats two weeks too late. Jack was 3 wks old when I brought him home to meet my two adult cats MiMi and CoCo. Now, neither likes him but CoCo especially dislikes Jack and likes to go outside now more than staying inside. He can't stand looking at him. Is it too late??
Answer Joanne,
Most cats do not like kittens. It may be their smell or their energy. One of my cats who did NOT like kittens moved to a neighbor's house for 6 months until the kittens I had 'grew up'!
You can start at the beginning with the introduction process and see if that will help. It may take longer since there already is negative feelings. I am attaching a couple of links for a guide to the introduction process:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)
"He can't stand looking at him". My cat used to growl and hiss just seeing a kitten and I used to tell him "if it bothers you so much don't look!" *smile*
Getting another kitten about the same age and temperament as Jack may be helpful. A kitten needs a friend and playmate for comfort, play, and companionship, which it sounds like he is not going to get from your older cats. And that's not fair to the kitten. He may try to get MiMi and CoCo to play or 'be friends' which is going to make the situation worse.
If your resident cats didn't start licking the baby at the start, probably the best you can hope for is acceptance until Jack grows up. Growls, slaps, and hissing are normal kitty communication. You should be concerned if there is major fur flying or blood being shed!
Once they can be together without fighting feed both cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.
Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between the two cats. They both can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.
Also give the resident cats a lot of love and attention to reassure them that they are not being replaced in your affections by the kitten.
It is going to take time and lots of patience. It should work out if you take it slow and don't force them together until they are ready.
