[AimeeN]

I have a 2 year old neutered male house cat and I am interested in getting a kitten. I am concerned about how my current cat would react to a new cat in the house. He is aggressive towards people. I don't want him to harm the new kitten and I don't want to stress him out. What are my options?

[Akoue]

I've been down this road several times now, and I've found the most important thing early on is to be vigilant. My males have been exceptionally accepting and patient with little ones. There may be some hissing and growling at first, and so, as I say, you need to be watchful.

Keep in mind that the adult male may discipline the kitten from time to time. Mothers are pretty strict disciplinarians with their babies, and it may sometimes look like the big guy is going overboard when he's just teaching the kitten how to behave--he will likely pin the little guy down from time to time, wrap his mouth around his throat, knock into him. This is how cats communicate discipline with each other. But sometimes adult males can go overboard and they can be aggressive to newcomers--though, as I say, I've found them to be surprisingly forebearing. So make your presence felt during the introduction-phase; police them. But try to leave as light a footprint as possible.

Kittens are typically eager to please, and the new guy is likely to try very hard to make friends with his/her new big brother. And kittens sometimes go oeverboard in this regard, giving the adult too little space. So make sure your adult doesn't feel put-upon at every turn--pamper him a bit, let him do things the kitten isn't allowed to yet, etc. My cats have taught me the importance of this.

I hope this helps at least a little bit. And good luck.