Introducing new kitten to current cat
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newmeowmeow
Introducing new kitten to current cat
I just got a 7 week old kitten and am having trouble introducing her to my 1 year old cat. I've been keeping them in seperate rooms to make the transition easier for both of them and let them have supervised visits. Simba (the 1 year old) seems to be accepting her more than he did the first day and no longer hisses at the kitten. The kitten purrs as soon as she sees him and wants to play with him. However, the biggest problem right now is that Simba seems to view the kitten as a little mouse. He stalks her (in a more aggressive way than playful) and will try to claw and bite her with his full force if I don't take her away. I'm afraid this problem won't go away(if ever) until she has grown considerably in size. It was hard trying to teach Simba not to bite and scratch me, which he still does sometimes when he gets too playful, and the squirt gun solution that his vet recommended did not help much. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi,
It may just take same time for Simba to get used to the new kitty..I'm assuming that you recently got the new kitty and it sometimes takes awhile and plenty of patience.
Jason's sticky on Feline Introductions has alot of great information that you may be able to apply to your situation..here is the link:
http://www.cathelp-online.com/phpBB2/vi ... php?t=3518.
If you need additional information or have questions, please let us know...and keep us posted on how everything is going...okay?
Bests to you...
It may just take same time for Simba to get used to the new kitty..I'm assuming that you recently got the new kitty and it sometimes takes awhile and plenty of patience.
Jason's sticky on Feline Introductions has alot of great information that you may be able to apply to your situation..here is the link:
http://www.cathelp-online.com/phpBB2/vi ... php?t=3518.
If you need additional information or have questions, please let us know...and keep us posted on how everything is going...okay?
Bests to you...
Lisa, Angel Smokey and little Caz
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newmeowmeow
Re: Introducing new kitten to current cat
Thanks for the response. I did a lot of research on the subject before I got the kitten so I know it will take time. I just haven't seen anything relating to the small size of the kitten. Simba seems to be at the point where he accepts the new kitten's (now named Darla) presence, and they both want to interact with each other. Unfortunately, Simba is just too rough with her. She is still very tiny for a kitten that age. Simba was a lot bigger at this time. I guess I'll just keep trying the supervised visits and maybe he will learn to limit the amount of force he uses on her.
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Auntie Debbie
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Re: Introducing new kitten to current cat
You may be able to find something under "Agression", "Attack Cat", "Behavior", and "Introductions" under the Feline section of my website (Debbie's Feline Health) listed under Favorites on the menu on the left side of the board. Hope so anyway.
Sounds like you're doing the introductions right, but somehow you've got to get Simba to stop viewing Darla as a toy. Good luck and keep us posted, ok?
Sounds like you're doing the introductions right, but somehow you've got to get Simba to stop viewing Darla as a toy. Good luck and keep us posted, ok?
Kitty kisses,
Debbie
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"Those we shelter on earth will be our treasures in Heaven." Victor Hugo, I think
Debbie
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"Those we shelter on earth will be our treasures in Heaven." Victor Hugo, I think
Re: Introducing new kitten to current cat
Congrats on your new kitty!
The stalking behavior you are observing is normal. Of course, you want to watch to make sure your cat isn't too rough, but you should let them get aquainted by the rough play. This is normal for cats.
In no time at all, they will be the best of friends.
I have a three year old girl and we got a new kitten a few months ago. Like your cat, my girl hissed at him for the first day. Then she became curious, then she became "aggressive" and pounced on him. I was worried initially, but from talking to the vet and to breeders, I realized that this was normal and an important part of the bonding process.
I say let them go at it. I was told to only intervene if the kitten cries out.
Good luck!
The stalking behavior you are observing is normal. Of course, you want to watch to make sure your cat isn't too rough, but you should let them get aquainted by the rough play. This is normal for cats.
In no time at all, they will be the best of friends.
I have a three year old girl and we got a new kitten a few months ago. Like your cat, my girl hissed at him for the first day. Then she became curious, then she became "aggressive" and pounced on him. I was worried initially, but from talking to the vet and to breeders, I realized that this was normal and an important part of the bonding process.
I say let them go at it. I was told to only intervene if the kitten cries out.
Good luck!
Re: Introducing new kitten to current cat
look for other signs than just crying out, if the hitting/scratching becomes quite aggressive then its time to seperate them. not all felines will respond the same way to aggression.Denise29 wrote:I say let them go at it. I was told to only intervene if the kitten cries out.
ive explained reasons why in the Feline Introductions post at the top of this forum.
Re: Introducing new kitten to current cat
I'm happy to report that after about 5 patient weeks or so Simba and Darla are doing just fine together. Simba has toned down his aggression toward her and they are both roaming around the apartment together. I'll post some pictures in Debbies Cloud when I get them scanned. Thanks for all the help!
Re: Introducing new kitten to current cat
sounds great, thanks for the update. dont be surprised if you notice occational backslides, use timeouts if needed.Christel wrote:I'm happy to report that after about 5 patient weeks or so Simba and Darla are doing just fine together. Simba has toned down his aggression toward her and they are both roaming around the apartment together.