One cat not adjusting to new kitten--the other no problem

jack31 · Jun 26, 2009

So Pepper has been in the house for two weeks today and Harley and her are getting along very well. They are adorable to watch.

Jack just can't seem to get over her. He continues to hiss, spit and growl at her as well as smack at her.

During the day and while we sleep she is put in her safe room. But for about an hour in the morning and 5 hours in the evening during the week days she is out playing. During the weekends she is pretty much out all day and only in her safe room while we sleep.

Is there anything I can do to help Jack with this?

I think I may buy some feliway and see if it helps him.

Leslie

kermit kat · Jun 26, 2009

Hi,

The Feliway may help to calm Jack down.

A couple of other suggestions: Try rubbing a cat friendly lotion on your hands and then on all three cats. This will make it so they all smell the same.

Also, make sure you give Jack some extra time and attention so he doesn't feel left out or his position in the household threatened.

If possible, separate them by a baby gate or other "see through" barrier so they can get close to each other with out feeling threatened. They can sniff each other and watch each other and get to know each other.

It sounds as if Jack is threatened by the addition of a new cat. You need to work with him to show him that you still love him and that there is enough love and attention for all three kitties.

Good luck and let us know how it progresses!

cheylink · Jun 26, 2009

Originally Posted by Kermit Kat

Hi,

The Feliway may help to calm Jack down.

A couple of other suggestions: Try rubbing a cat friendly lotion on your hands and then on all three cats. This will make it so they all smell the same.

Also, make sure you give Jack some extra time and attention so he doesn't feel left out or his position in the household threatened.

If possible, separate them by a baby gate or other "see through" barrier so they can get close to each other with out feeling threatened. They can sniff each other and watch each other and get to know each other.

It sounds as if Jack is threatened by the addition of a new cat. You need to work with him to show him that you still love him and that there is enough love and attention for all three kitties.

Good luck and let us know how it progresses!

I agree with above...How was Jack and Harley's relationship prior to the new kitten? Jack may also feel threatened by Harley and the kitten's new relationship as well. I would definitely try Feliway, it can do miracles sometimes! Hissing and swatting is normal, it's a dominant behavior, he wants his space. But I would definitely keep watching the interaction, obviously you want to avoid it progressing.

jack31 · Jun 26, 2009

Jack was the first in the house, then Harley. He hissed for a few days with Harley but got over it pretty quick. They were by no means fast friends they just stuck to themselves. Harley has been here a year, they play and occasionally nap close to each other--but don't groom each other etc. Jack is very dominant and Harley very submissive.

I will make sure to play extra with Jack--he loves to play fetch, although he usually initiates this, he hasn't since Pepper came inside, so I'll get his favorite fetch toy out and see how it goes.

I'll look for a good deal on feliway and purchase one--perhaps it will help.

I so want him to get along with her, she longs to play with him, like she is with Harley--he is being a very good surrogate parent to her!

Leslie

One cat not adjusting to new kitten--the other no problem

jack31

TCS Member

Thread starter

kermit kat

TCS Member

cheylink

TCS Member

jack31

TCS Member

Thread starter

Latest Posts

Connect with us