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Cats/Older cat stopped liking new kitty

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Expert: - 6/9/2007


Question
We have a 6 yr old male altered cat and we brought home a new female altered kitten 2.5 months ago that was 5 months old at the time.  Everything seemed to be going great.  The male did show he was boss, and the kitty cowered down to him.  They even play chased and "rolled" around a bit.  And I even witnessed him licking her belly, neck, and ears.  Just recently (last two weeks) the older cat has "rejected" the kitty and hisses, moans, and runs her off.  He even does it when we to us when we pick him up.  Although, he still sneaks into our bed everynight to snuggle.  But he disappears during the day and really has nothing to do with anyone and seems pretty irritated when we/kitty approach him. He used to play with our dog too, and now does not.  We just assumed that adding the kitty to our house was a success according to his behavior and now we don't understand the change in him.  Can you help?

Answer
Hi Sabina,

It does sound like everything went well with the new one. If the male has a change in attitude towards everyone in the house then I would take him to the vet to be checked out. He may be in pain from something and because of that doesn't have the patience with everyone around him. Any change in behavior towards the negative is something to be checked out. Good luck and let me know what the vet says.

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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