Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Cats & Kittens

Cat and new kitten don't get along.

(13 posts)
  1. So a couple of days ago I rescued this kitten out of a drain and brought her home on the pretext that I'd ask the Animal Shelter to try an rehome her (Mum doesn't want to have another cat).

    Anyhoo, my one year old (very large male cat), Tom approcahed her and I think she snarled at him. Now he won't go near her, even to eat. She hurt her leg so just hangs about in the kitchen where the food is. He hisses at her if she's close too.

    Thing is I'm feeling kinda attached now and I could probably get away with keeping her, but will these two ever get along?

    I've only had Tom about a month maybe and he is the most tame cat I've ever known and actually runs away from the kitten.

    Any ideas please?

    Posted 1 year ago by Reena #

  2. Generally you need to introduce cats slowly, if you can move the kitten away from the food dish, at least, so that Tom can approach in peace. Also spend a lot of time reassuring Tom that he is still your baby.

    Posted 1 year ago by JB #

  3. I would say put the little one's food and water dishes in a separate corner of the kitchen from the big guy's. If they share dishes maybe you can try them on their own set at least for now till they get along. Hope the baby's leg is ok!

    Posted 1 year ago by pucca #

  4. http://www.petplace.com/cats/pet-to-pet-socialization-adding-a-kitten/page1.aspx

    Its only been a couple of days, you have to give them time and space to become even tolerable with each other. The little one is hurt and defensive as self-protection, imagine if you were in a strange place and a bigger person came in...even you would feel a bit apprehensive of the situation...its takes time and reassurance to both of them for it to work :)

    Posted 1 year ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #

  5. Cheers guys. Kitten is getting stronger. Took her to the vet so she's had ears cleaned and treated for infection, shots, deworming and she's moving around the house now. Cept she clawed my mother trying to jump on the chair (Mum so not impressed! LOL)

    Tom still hisses at her but he goes near her to sniff her now so I guess it's getting better and he's getting a bit more used to her.

    Will have to separate eating places, since they won't eat with each other around. Patience...

    Posted 1 year ago by Reena #

  6. That's good. I'm sure they'll be best buds in no time. Can you post a picture?

    Posted 1 year ago by ladysky61 #

  7. The big guy's taken "best buds" seriously... he's trying to mate with the kitten.

    Posted 1 year ago by Reena #

  8. Its best to separate them when eating anyways, with the little one needing to feel comfy while eating. Good luck with them and have patience, they are like little kids in the getting used to each other department.

    Posted 1 year ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #

  9. I don't know how old your kitten is but they become fertile at a very young age (just a few months old). Is Tom neutered? If not, you should consider getting this done so you don't end up with an unwanted litter of kittens.

    I'm glad they are getting along better. :)

    Posted 1 year ago by Kitten Whisperer #

  10. Tom's neutered. But vet says have to wait till she's 6 months, she's now about three. I just have to keep her away from all the strays that are running around :(

    But on the bright side they're really getting along. I see Tom licking her now and again. Have to seperate them sometimes when the play fighting gets a little rough...

    How do I put up pictures?

    Posted 1 year ago by Reena #

  11. Start a catster account and post the link here. It's great that the cat and the kitten are getting on alright.

    Posted 1 year ago by ladysky61 #

  12. That "mating" behaviour is also a dominance behaviour. Tom is probably trying to get his message across that he is "in charge", though in the kitten may change his mind about that as she grows. Queens tend to be dominant in the long run. They will play rough and she will squeel when it gets too hard, that usually tells the bigger cat to let up. You may have to speak to him occasionally too. He's likely not intending to hurt her if he's also licking her and caring for her. They adjust pretty quickly.

    Posted 1 year ago by DancingCatHill #


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