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New kitten issues

post #1 of 10
6/8/10 at 12:06pm
Thread Starter 
I have a male and female cat who are about 16 and a 3yr old female cat. I just brought home a male kitten.

The male cat is tolerating it until the kitten jumps at him then he growls. The females growl/hiss at him. The 3yr old female seems interested in what the kitten is doing, but won't let him come near her.

The older cats are going about their regular routine only get upset when the kitten gets too close.

How long for them to adapt? Is it a good sign the older cats are still behaving normally when the kitten isn't bugging them?
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post #2 of 10
6/8/10 at 5:03pm
It sounds to me like it's going really well. It's hard to say how long it will take though. That just depends on personalities. Kit still hasn't forgiven me for bringing Seti home and it's been 3 years but she wasn't nearly as calm as your cats about him. In fact, she tried to kill him. She's wound a bit tight. For you could just be a week or so.
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post #3 of 10
6/9/10 at 8:53am
Thread Starter 
thanks for the reply. I think I brought the kitten out too soon (after only a day or so). I am going to try to give the cats more alone space to see if that helps with the growling.
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post #4 of 10
6/9/10 at 2:00pm
If all they're doing is grumbling a bit when the kitten gets too close, that's pretty good. It sounds like they're not happy with the change, but don't think the kitten is any real threat. Add some feliway diffusers to help with the older kitties and if you want use some bach's rescue remedy in their water.

Otherwise, just give it time and make sure the adult kitties get plenty of attention.
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post #5 of 10
6/9/10 at 2:08pm
What I've read (and have done) is to always tell the resident kitties that the new kitty is for them, that they're still and always will be #1 in your heart, and always always feed them first, greet them first, brush them first, play with the first, etc. I know it may seem silly, but I'm a big believer in, at least until they sort out their own hierarchy. And, done forget, especially with your older cats, it's like bringing a screaming two year old into a senior citizen's home - they may love the baby, but not the non-stop playing and energy.
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post #6 of 10
6/9/10 at 2:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darlili View Post
What I've read (and have done) is to always tell the resident kitties that the new kitty is for them, that they're still and always will be #1 in your heart, and always always feed them first, greet them first, brush them first, play with the first, etc. I know it may seem silly, but I'm a big believer in, at least until they sort out their own hierarchy. And, done forget, especially with your older cats, it's like bringing a screaming two year old into a senior citizen's home - they may love the baby, but not the non-stop playing and energy.
Great advice! I did that with all my new cats and don't know if that did the trick but it sure didn't hurt either. I think growling is an okay response. They don't have words so they have to communicate somehow.

I think some time apart is good right now. I think you are right about giving them some more space at this point. they probably need a break sometimes from the frisky kitty.

Congrats on new kitty-cat!
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post #7 of 10
6/14/10 at 4:51am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the advice! I am keeping the kitten in a separate room when I am gone during the day and at night. I got a Feliway, dont know if that will help.

I'll have to try the 1st greet trick. I have been trying to give them each alone time with me, but I know I have been getting to the baby 1st when I come home.
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post #8 of 10
6/14/10 at 5:29am
Growling is a normal reaction. If they are not trying to beat the kitten up, they aren't likely to. After all they are all used to other cats. I'm sure in a couple of weeks everyone will be adjusted.

Make sure you have enough litter boxes, with four cats you need five boxes.

The feliway plug in diffusers will help if you have enough for the amount of space (one diffuser is good for about 400 sq feet)
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post #9 of 10
6/17/10 at 10:17am
Thread Starter 
The little one keeps jumping the others which leads them to growl and swat him

I am trying to catch the little one before he does this but it is tough!
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post #10 of 10
6/17/10 at 10:49am
This is normal kitten behavior. He wants to play!

Growling and swatting is teaching him proper manners, as long as it goes no further than that, let them be. Any mother cat would do the same, just make sure claws are being kept in and keep claws trimmed.

To give the older cat some peace, rather than trying to stop him, distract him with interactive play from you. The three year old will probably begin playing with the kitten fairly quickly. Keep them separated when you are not home to supervise, for a while longer.
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