Hello Everyone,

Im hoping somone can help me. I have a 5month old kitten at home who is usually very affectionate and loving (also spayed) Yesterday i rescued a 9 week old kitten so my eldest would have some company when im out at work.

I knew they wouldnt get on great at first but my eldest seems to hate my new one, she hisses and growls non stop at her, she has pawed at her about 3 times - her back doesnt arch and no heckles or busy tail just generally noisy towards her.

My new one isnt fazed at all but the eldest seems really upset by it all, i have seperated them and havent let the new on intrude on the eldest bed etc....

What else can i do to ensure they will get on, was i worng to give the newbie a couple of my kittens old toys she no longer plays with?

They are both female.

Please help!

Thanks!

tickle

Your older female is just ascertaining her tennancy in your home over the young one. It is normal behavior. How else is she going to let the new cat know where it belongs in the pecking order.

Cats are resilient, they will eventually get along well enough in time. Just let it happen naturally, easily without too much interference and it will be a harmonious household again.

regards

tick

shazamataz

I know this doesnt help now as the damage is done but the best way to introduce new animals to each other is through a doorway... put a wire grate over the door so they can't get to each other but they can come up toit and sniff each other but still have their own personal space...
Eventually you are able to remove the wire and they are more used to each others presence.

Like Tick said, only time will tell with this one really

Akoue

Tickle is exactly right. This will take a little time. Females are generally more hesitant with other females than with males, but they will work things out. The best thing you can do is to be patient and supervise them until they work out their own dynamic.

I don't think you did anything wrong giving the little one a couple of toys. Let the older kitten see that you accept the new one; be affectionate to both; and watch over their interactions.

You did a good thing by giving a home to the 9wk. old. Things will calm down over the next few days.

Kitty149

Okay thanks everyone!

i just want to make it easier on the eldest, the new one is really laid back and just ignores everything!

SO should i try and introduce them through some wire - maybe the kitty carrier and also should i keep them seperate over night? this would mean the newbie sleeping in the spare room which is the eldests room with her bed and toys and amd then my eldest could sleep in my bedroom?


thanks - Kitty!

tickle

I wouldnt suggest a kitty carrier, you dont want to separate her from her kitty litter. No, I wouldnt keep them separate over night, they will separate themselves naturally enough you will find.

tick

Kitty149

so if i leave all the doors open on a night then they have an option to go where they like, my eldest likes to sleep at the end of my bed anyway.

Also should i get a bed for the little one? My eldest sleeps im hers all the time so i dont want the newbie stealing her bed.

Thanks again tick!

Kitty

shazamataz

No, my suggestion was only for first meeting... by wire I meant separating the kitten in a whole room of its own but with wire mesh across the doorway.

They will either become friends eventually or the kitten will learn to stay away from your older cat... either way things will setlle down eventually.

Getting them both spayed when they are a little older will help with being aggressive as well.

Kitty149

My eldest has been spayed already.

Ill see how things go, i was just unsure about wether i should get the new kitten a new bed etc...so the eldest wont feel like shes taking her stuff or do i make them share?

shazamataz

Nooo, get them all separate things, get a new bed and some new toys.
They should be fine sharing a litter tray but yes, beds should definately be separate until they get to know each other better