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Cats/older and new kittens

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Expert: - 6/5/2009


Question
We have a 4 1/2 month kitten, adopted at 2 months and just brought home a
7-8 week old kitten.  I have a room set up for the new one and tried the
following.  Older kitty food dish outside the new kitty's room, allowing older
one inside the room alone without new one, giving treats on either side of the
door and putting new one's blanket under older ones food dish and play are.  
I am very protective of both and want them to get along.  They seem to be
warming up to each other but I don't know if they are playing or fighting.  The
older one gets rough nipping and biting and the baby  meows.  At that point
of too much aggression they get a water squirt.  THere has not been any
hissing at all.  They both napped  on me last night one on the shoulder one
on the chest, and will be in the room together just laying back, and will eat or
drink out of either of the dishes, but most of the time I have to referee.  Most
of the time it's the older one making the moves and the baby running into a
spot the older one can't get into.  The baby is starting to make the first move.  
Is this normal 'getting acquainted' behavior???

Answer
Hi Jen,

Yes this is normal. It's good that both are young. This makes for less time for the two of them to adapt to each other. Unless they are really tearing at each other I wouldn't use the spray bottle anymore. They sound like they are doing great. Things should be sorted out by next week. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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