Expert: Shanti Zinzi - 6/24/2011

Question
Hi,

I just found a 6 week old female kitten 3 days ago.  I have a 4 year old male cat already who seems to be an alpha cat (he is the boss of our 65 lb dog for sure).  I know that they probably shouldn't have been introduced so soon but he accidentally got into the room when I was leaving the first day we found her.  He has stopped hissing and growling at the kitten unless she does it but he keeps slapping her in the face.  He will chase her if she tries to run past him but most of the time he sits near her and just stares.  He will jump back if she becomes aggressive with him (jumping up at him and trying to hit him) but I'm worried about the size difference (she's 1.5 lbs and he's 13 lbs.).  He's declawed so I'm not sure if the slaps are supposed to hurt her or if he's just trying to tell her who's the boss.  I know it's too soon to expect them to get along but should I try to re-introduce them or just watch them to make sure they don't fight?  

Thanks,
Samantha

Answer
Hi Samantha,

I bet the mother went to feed and was going to come back or she wondered off and would of cried and the mother would of come running. 6 weeks of age is really too young to be weaned...ideally, it should be 12!! Most people force them away at week 8.
Yes, "re-introduce" absolutely but you need to SLOW DOWN...
You can research my questions answered on this site, as i am asked how to do this many times.
It may take a few weeks or it may take a few months..important-DO NOT RUSH and use cat's comfort level to gauge when to move to next step...

This is a vital time for the kitten's socialization to other cats in her development so subjecting her to your cat who is very unhappy about an intruder is not ideal
Your resident cat feels like an intruder is on his turf.
.
It could definitely work so don't give up hope if you approach it correctly..

here is one site   http://www.felinefanatic.com/FF%20CatIntro.pdf

there are many more steps-that can be added.
but realize you are controlling the environment and it is up to you to create positive experiences for them.. Play with both under the door, feed them their favorite morsels close to the door where they can sniff each other from under the door. Have them associate happy things with each other's presence. REDIRECT their attention if someone postures or get upset and redirect to something positive like a toy...

here is another...
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/introducing_new_cat.html

Final step-not in these articles is the kitten can be in a carrier after ALL of the other steps are PROPERLY completed without rushing and going at your cat's pace... she can be in a carrier for a short time all cozy and brought to the living room for your cat to investigate.. if bad reaction, kitten goes back to his room or you redirect their attention.
always master the environment to it will be positive-keep your cat happy by doing what ever he likes when the kitten is around-this includes play, treats, chin scratches...
A behaviorist can help you more succinctly.
If you would like a more in-depth consultation you can reach me at thenatureofthebeast.org Fees are on fee page.
Best of luck!!
Shanti