We just adopted a female kitten that is eight weeks old, and we have a year old female cat already. Will she accept the kitten, or will we have to watch her around the kitten forever? Not sure whether she is stalking the kitten, or trying to be playful or not. I would feel awful if she harmed the sweet little kitten. Should we take the kitten back or not? Sara Brannon

Just keep an eye out for them. At first do not leave them alone together when you can not supervise them. I think they will be just fine after the older cat adjust, hopefully they will be playmates. It might be helpful if you show the older cat some special attention, while the kitten is tucked in another room or in a carrier where it can't interfere. I have four cats and only 2 of them are litter mates they were adopted at different times and have adjucted to each other well. Good Luck

Cats are territorial by nature, especially those of the same sex. I've had this scenerio play out many times in my home. Your cat, as long as it isn't very aggressive, should not harm the kitten. It may paw and swipe, hiss and growl, but this is normal. Let nature run its course unless things get hairy (forgive the pun) They need to find out who is the Alpha Female of the house (most likely the oldest) NORMALLY they won't play with each other for many months, but will eventually play every now and then. Your older cat, may get annoyed with the younger every now and then and swat or hiss to reassert her dominence. I hope this helps, and I hope your kitty is able to make amends to your cat for encroaching on her territory (I've never seen it not work out)

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Originally Posted by SARA BRANNON

We just adopted a female kitten that is eight weeks old, and we have a year old female cat already. Will she accept the kitten, or will we have to watch her around the kitten forever? Not sure whether she is stalking the kitten, or trying to be playful or not. I would feel awful if she harmed the sweet little kitten. Should we take the kitten back or not? Sara Brannon

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If you adopted a kitty, please don't take it back. Do not adopt unless you are sure you can handle it. You need to read some about cats living together. The older cat CAN hurt the small one, cats are territorial. They might get along later, but for now it should be under your supervision ONLY. It is important you train your older cat to not attack the smaller one, reward the older one, so she/he doesn't feel left out, which can cause aggression.
Good luck