Welcome, Langston!

[trinaj]

Just got a new Kitty.... 6 weeks old. A beautiful gray kitty that Ive decided to name Langston (after Langston Hughes). Can you guys help me? Whats next? Shots? Spay? She's awfully playful and I don't want her hurt.

Another issue: I have a 9 month old Calico named Champu. When I brought Langston home last night, Champu began to hiss at her and tried to swipe her more than once . I currently have Langston locked in my bedroom as are her litter box and food/water. Langston is curious and tries to smell and rub Champu, but Champu is not having it. She hisses and runs... then when Langston is not looking, she smells her and tries to swipe! When I have the two together, I am always there supervising, but what about when I go to work? What then? I don't want Langston hurt, but I am worried about Champu. They are both from the same mother (can Champu tell?) and I want them to get along... can anyone give me some tips?

Thanks
Trina, Champu, and now, Langston

[Traci]

Please see my Kitten Care Pages for complete kitten care information. Ideally, you need to get your kitten examined by your vet, possibly dewormed, etc, your vet will tell you her general health status and will discuss nutrition issues with you, along with proper time for spaying and vaccinations.

You have to give it time for Champu and Langston to learn how to accept one another. This will not happen overnight, it takes time and patience. Introduce them slowly, for short periods of time, engage them together in playtime, toys, and supervise at all times. Champu will probably not hurt Langston, but it's important that you intervene when claws are extended, bites and punctures from teeth and claws can cause infection, so you need to prevent that. It is natural for Champu to hiss and growl and you should expect that for a little while longer. But as she learns to adapt to Langston, she will probably bond to her and they will become close companions. See Debbie's Feline Health Links for more information on new introductions.

Please get Langston to your vet for an exam, and if Champu is not spayed yet, you need to get an appointment for her too, if she is not spayed, she may display extended agression toward her new little sibling.

[trinaj]

Champu has already been spayed and has all of her shots. I had her spayed at 6 months. I'm just worried, I guess. You really don't think that Champu will hurt Langston?

[Traci]

Well I don't think she will use claws and teeth if that is what worries you. She too is still fairly young, and inquisitive of Langston, probably more curious than anything. As long as you take time to introduce them and supervise, both will learn their limits and what is acceptable and what is not acceptable behavior. Again, it's normal for some hissing and growling, a few swipes here and there, but when you are actively and persistently involved, those things diminish quickly as they learn to accept one another. Supervision is important right now because Champu has the advantage of being bigger and stronger. Langston is only 6 weeks old, so you have to ensure that Champu is not rough on her (pouncing, roughing it with her on the floor, etc). You can easily make the distinction between playfighting and agressiveness.

The more involved you are with introducing them and involving them together with playtime and toys, the quicker they will learn to accept each other. Both kitties also need your undivided attention at other times too, though, so take the time to give each affection away from the other.