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Cats/older cat bonding with younger cat

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Expert: - 1/17/2010


Question
I have always had 2 cats and about a year ago my oldest cat, Jaz, She was 15yrs. old. died of cancer.  The younger one ,Niki is 11 yrs old. About 6 months after Jaz died I received a call from a friend in Pennsylvania who found a kitten wandering near a footpath, abandoned. He asked me if I would take it in and I said, yes.
It has been about a year now, and my older cat Niki does not like the little one, who we call Emma. He is always after her. They both start hissing and fighting. While I am at work, they seem to co-exist pretty well. But when I am home the older one seems very jealous of Emma. Its like he wants me all to himself. He sits waiting for me on my bed. (Emma is usually hiding under the bed).
He is very affectionate, loves to be scratched, petted and played with. And he is much bigger than Emma. The only way I can give attention to little Emma is to put him outside of my room. Otherwise, Emma stays hidden.
My question is this...I love both of them...and wonder what I can do to have them get along better.
Thanks,


Answer
Hi Rita,

This is a little tough. You would have stood a better chance with them bonding if you had acted earlier. I will try to help. Get some Feliway spray. It is a synthetic "happy cat" pheromone. Use this on Niki. When you try to pet Emma, pet him first. If he goes after her reprimand him in a loud voice. When he leaves her alone praise him. Give him treats first when you go to have time with Emma. Hopefully he will associate treats + you + Emma. Make a big deal of saying hi to him first. Also give him a toy when you want time with Emma. This will help to distract him. Hopefully these tips will help. 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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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