Normal behavior with a new cat?

justicat

justicat

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My new kitten Fritz seems to be adjusting very well to his new home with me and my two other cats! He and Stella get along great and romp and play all over the house; however my cat Ollie is less than thrilled. He does not physically attack Fritz (and he's had plenty of opportunity to do so) but he still hisses and growls at him every time Fritz gets too close. During the day when I'm at work, I leave Fritz alone in the restroom so he'll be safe. I've had him three nights so far - is there anything I can do to help smooth things out with him and Ollie?
 
BonitaBaby

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Try Feliway spray. If it works for Ollie, spray it around the rooms on stuff daily and get a Feliway plug-in diffuser. Spray the spray daily until the diffuser starts doing its job. It could take up to 3-4 weeks for the diffuser to work. If Feliway works on Ollie, the pheromones might make him calm and not hiss or growl at the new cat.

If it works, keep replacing the plug-in about every 3.5 weeks. That's usually when I have to change mine.  Even though there's still a little bit at the bottom, my cat starts lightly biting my hand multiple times. Then, I know it's time to change it out. They are on sale on amazon.com for a great price compared to the store retail price. I use Comfort Zone with Feliway as I think it's cheaper but still works for my cat.
 
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justicat

justicat

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I have both Ollie and the other resident cat in Sentry brand calming collars...not super sure if those work or not. I have no experience with Feliway but am very interested in trying it, so I'll look into ordering it on Amazon. Thank you for the suggestion. :)
I'm also going out of town tonight for Thanksgiving. I'm leaving around seven or so tonight and won't be back until maybe nine or ten tomorrow night. Not too sure what to do with new kitten Fritz. I can't just leave him in the bathroom by himself for over 24 hours. :/ what do y'all suggest? Should I just let him out into the rest of the apartment with the other two cats until I come home? He'd at least be entertained and have company, not bored and lonely. Should I load him in the cat carrier, drive two hours with him and place him in an all new setting? I kinda like the idea of just letting him out into the apartment and seeing how it goes when I come home tomorrow...
 
bigperm20

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Justicat said:
I have both Ollie and the other resident cat in Sentry brand calming collars...not super sure if those work or not. I have no experience with Feliway but am very interested in trying it, so I'll look into ordering it on Amazon. Thank you for the suggestion. :)
I'm also going out of town tonight for Thanksgiving. I'm leaving around seven or so tonight and won't be back until maybe nine or ten tomorrow night. Not too sure what to do with new kitten Fritz. I can't just leave him in the bathroom by himself for over 24 hours. :/ what do y'all suggest? Should I just let him out into the rest of the apartment with the other two cats until I come home? He'd at least be entertained and have company, not bored and lonely. Should I load him in the cat carrier, drive two hours with him and place him in an all new setting? I kinda like the idea of just letting him out into the apartment and seeing how it goes when I come home tomorrow...
Click to expand...

There are a ton of articles on this,site regarding New kitten integration. The search function is your friend:D

Since they are not fighting and it appears that you didn't segregate the new cat totally when first brought home, I would just let them all mingle together while you are gone.
 
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justicat

justicat

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I did search but did not find any answers catered to my questions, so I'm thankful to have the helpful people of this website! :)

They're not fighting but with all of Ollie's growling and hissing and odd sniffing noises he's making toward Fritz I'm hesitant. Fritz was laying on my lap last night and Ollie decided he wanted to join, and he ended up smacking Fritz in his poor little kitty face! I'm not sure If he used his claws or not as I didn't see any blood or sign of injury.
Fritz also has a way of annoying Ollie and batting at his tail. Typical kitten I suppose. I just don't know if I'd come home to a blood bath if I left Fritz with the other cats while I'm away.
 
bigperm20

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Justicat said:
I did search but did not find any answers catered to my questions, so I'm thankful to have the helpful people of this website! :)

They're not fighting but with all of Ollie's growling and hissing and odd sniffing noises he's making toward Fritz I'm hesitant. Fritz was laying on my lap last night and Ollie decided he wanted to join, and he ended up smacking Fritz in his poor little kitty face! I'm not sure If he used his claws or not as I didn't see any blood or sign of injury.
Fritz also has a way of annoying Ollie and batting at his tail. Typical kitten I suppose. I just don't know if I'd come home to a blood bath if I left Fritz with the other cats while I'm away.
Click to expand...
Honestly if you're that worried you can always start the introductions again.

There is an article on introducing new cats under the heading "articles". Then drill down to "Introductions".
 
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matts mom

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Some sniffing and growling is very normal in the first little while. It's amazing how quickly the other cat accepted the kitten-introductions can be slow and stubborn with some cats. 

Keeping them Ollie and the kitten separated is a very good idea, when you can't directly supervise-it might help to separate them completely for a week while he gets use to the kitten's scent if you can. He  just needs some time to get used to the idea of a new face in his home.

We're on day three of introducing a new cat ourselves, and Matt is interested in her right up until he catches a glimpse of her- then it's hiss and growl. We keep her in a 'safe room' but the big trouble-maker can open doors
.....We've resorted to a fly-screen in the door fram to keep him out lol. Good thing she's still in the hiding phase of her own introductions, because it makes it easier on Matt- he can't find her!
 
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