Two male kittens from different litters

We got a 7 wk old kitten 3 days ago and another kitten, which we do no know how old he is, 2 days ago.  The second kitten is definitely older, is a little more than twice the size of the 7 wk old.  They are both black and both male.  The older kitten is a Manx (stub tail).  The older kitten is growling and swiping at the younger kitten.  Not bad, but it is concerning.  It has only been a few days.  The older kitten does not seek out the little guy, but the little guy really wants to be friends so keeps trying to snuggle with the older one.  He actually succeeded last night when the older one was already asleep.  Should I be concerned.  Is there anything that I can do to help the older one accept the little one?  They are both great with our big and little dog.

I forgot to mention that the older kitten is a rescue.  The family that rescued him didn't know his age.

Thought you might like to see a pic of the sneaky snuggle session.  :-)

Use scent swapping?   Here, the older ones onto the younger.

Also,  talk sweetly to both when both are nearby, and double so if the older happens to be nice, or at least neutral, to the younger.

Try to get them into play simultaneously, with you as they play leader.  You can use the dogs to it too, if they like to play.   As both kittens are friends with the dogs.

Say use such a Da Bird, or similiar...

It will surely be better with time, even if you dont do much.

Good luck!

What is scent swapping and how do you do it?

autumn1103 said:

What is scent swapping and how do you do it?

Click to expand...

Welcome to the site

Scent swapping - you take a towel or blanket and rub it all over one kitten ( especially the around the cheeks/sides of face ) Then rub the same blanket all over the other kitten, then over the first kitten again and keep repeating.

This makes both the kitten's smell of each other. Cats recognise each other by scent not looks like us humans. So making them smell of each other's scent will help them except each other

I uad 2 little guys who got along perfectly . But I have a princess and a male peasant n shes swipping so I clipped their nails . Its been 2 days and theyre playing better.

I wouldn't be concerned as long as there isn't any blood or extreme yelling. A little hissing or growling or making "a move" is the kittens way or letting the other one know he's going to far. The little one sounds enthusiastic and wants to play, the older one is annoyed and shows it that way. He isn't looking for the younger one, and the younger one isn't scared or avoiding the older one. Let them be, don't split them up, and the younger one will soon learn he should take it a little more easy.

If, however, you see any blood, then you should take action. Before it's not needed, else they'll never learn how to react to the other.

If you want them to like eachother sooner, you can use Feliway, it's a scent that'll make them both feel more at ease and it's said to help between 2 newly introduced cats that don't like eachother. However, I don't think that's the case here. They are just getting used to eachother.

Here's a link to an article about introducing cats to each other which explains some of the things people have suggested and a few more things you can try too:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

Gorgeous little boys. 

It's possible that the older kitten is teaching the younger one.that he is alpha male.

Scent swapping worked like a dream. Within 24 hours they became the best of friends and are now completely inseparable.

Thank you for this update.   Well done you!      Long may their friendship continue.