Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/13/2009

Question
Hi

i know this question has been answered but my situations a little different. My one year old neutered male cat, Jupiter was not very social to begin with but never this bad... Recently we brought home a 8 week old female kitten, Naya. I didn't think there would be an issue, and i just introduced them i didn't know there was a special way to do it. Well i think that's what started it bad.. Jupiter hid in the corner of our bedroom hissing at anyone who got near him, even us. We took a towel and rubbed Naya with it and rubbed the towel around our house and onto Jupiter (we read it helps to mix the scents). Jupiter calmed down and started eating better and stopped hissing after two days. The third day he was very curious and followed Naya everywhere she went. But today (the fourth day) he attacked her twice. His mouth around her throat when we were eating. He only tries to attack her when he thinks we're not looking. and when he knows were watching he simply walks away. We've noticed that Naya is actually teasing him and trying to play with him. I'm not sure if that means anything but... maybe its not him that's the problem after all? Sorry for the rambling. just concerned :/

Sam

Answer
Sam,

Most male cats do not like kittens until they grow up. It may be their smell or their size that they do not trust. You should get 2 kittens when you get them that young. The kitten naturally will try to snuggle with the older cat which will scare him. When you have two, they can snuggle and play together. A one year old cat does not know how to play gentle with something that small and it can be dangerous for the baby. I would not leave them alone together until the little one gets some size on her or you KNOW the older cat won't hurt the baby.

Tabbi