Adult Cat Attacking Kitten, Need Help!

Hello all,
Around five weeks ago, I adopted a kitten from my local animal shelter. The shelter told me that he was a little over nine weeks, and I immidiately didn't buy it. They were super tiny, and still being offered KMR. Nonetheless, the only male kitten was extremely malnourished and was being picked on by his siblings, so I took him home. A couple days later, a vet confirmed that the kitten was between three and four weeks old. I bottle fed him for about a week, and then began offering him dry food, and he's grown like a little weed! He's a healthy weight now, and is playful ad can be. Just for fun, I've attached a couple pictures of him- one from the day I got him, and one just a few days ago.
I have had two problems, though, and was wondering if I could get some help.
First of all, I'm having a rough time teaching him to not bite at hands and feet. The bigger he gets, the more painful this issue becomes. I've tried nudging, loud sounds when he bites, playing with only "stick" toys, and even bitter sprays (organic),but nothing has been successful. Should I just be more persistant? Any other ideas?
Second of all, I also have a 3 year old neutered male cat who is as sweet as can be, usually. For some reason, though, I can not get them used to each other. I have had them separated since arrival, and after a few weeks did start attempting to introduce them. At first, my adult cat would just ignore the kitten, but lately things have gotten worst. My kitten will behave like any kitten does, pouncing at tails and ears, but my adult cat won't have it. Initially I assumed it was a dominance issue, but rather than simply biting at the back of the neck, my adult cat stalks the baby, and then attempts to bite at the front of the neck, near the windpipe. Of course, I stop this behavior by separating them, but I don't know what to do. Has anyone experienced this? How did you stop it? Thank you!

Hi juliepennin, Bless you for getting a shelter kitten! Sorry to hear he was separated from his mom at way too young an age. That usually means he missed out on a lot of socializing and learning how to be with other cats and humans.

The biting thing is something you might best make impossible for now. Don’t let him get to your hands. When he is a bit older you can start teaching him by playing with your hand when he’s not too energetic and then making it clear to him (by yelping and withdrawing) when he has hurt you. He will adapt his behaviour. Be patient though and don’t punish him.

Your older cat may not be too happy with this kitten. Try having daily play session with the kitten and only allow the older cat to join as long as he behaves. No aggressive behaviour toward the kitten. With regards to him stalking the kitten and biting his neck. Try not to intervene. Even if the kitten get hurt a little. You have to know how far your older cat will go. If he just lets him go again, then ok. If blood comes out, not ok.

I had two cats of which one attacked the other. Eventually it got better. I used to go over to them when they showed the bad behaviour and would pet each of them on the head, pet, not hurt! And say: “What a little sweetie this (other) cat is, isn’t she?” And would say the same thing to the other cat. Of course they don’t understand what I’m saying but my relaxed (not anxious, stressed) attitude always (to my surprise!!) made them stop and walk away. Try out?

Best of luck, and keep us posted! 

I can answer your first question. If your kitten is biting your feet while you pass by, you can grab a couple of ping pong balls or a stuffed toy to throw to distract it. My kitten had a kickaroo which was great to hand her when she got aggressive. Another thing that worked for me was when she got aggressive just stop what you are doing and walk away and don't engage your kitten for awhile. Some people vocally protest as a cat would or hiss and then ignore him for awhile.  

Thank you both! I will definitely try all of these methods, and I'll keep you posted!

These methods have worked wonders! The baby has almost completely stopped biting! Now, it's just the occasional ankle grab, and a quick "no" stops him immediately! I can't thank you guys enough!! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

So good to hear this! In my experience a '"no" never really works. They get that something is up but they can't understand what, no matter how very clear this word is for us. It may stop the behaviour at that moment but it is not teaching the kitten to alter his behaviour. Maybe when goes for you ankle the next time, just 'fall' to the floor, grab your anke and yelp at bit. To show he has hurt you. Try it out maybe? As he missed out on some socializing this may be something he can actually understand as unwanted behaviour. I'd love to hear if this works! 

Thank you very much, I'll give it a shot!

As of late, his behavior seems to just keep getting worst and worst. I try different ideas, and they work for a day or so, then he doesn't care. I took a video of my two cats interacting, and was hoping to get some insight. I know that Oliver, the kitten, views this as play time, but I fear Winston does not. What do you guys think?

[VIDEO][/VIDEO]

Hi @juliepennin, ...your two cats are adorable.

That interaction, in the video, is totally playing.

I'm actually surprised at how mellow Winston is, after getting a kitten playing 'leap frog', biting at his legs, and trying to bite some more, while Winston enjoys his treats.

Those kitten teeth are super sharp, and Winston does not ever seem to flinch. Oliver is one energetic little guy.

The reason you know it is playing, is the way that Winston uses his back legs, when kicking. He does not kick hard, and is only trying to control Oliver, a bit.

Also, he is teaching Oliver through play sessions, the proper kitten socialization skills.

Oliver is not squealing, or crying, and if Oliver were actually getting hurt, he would not come back to play some more with Winston.

Sometimes, you will notice a bit of vocalization, but as long as Winston lets up, or Oliver stops crying, then you know everything is fine.

Take a lot of videos and photos, because boy, are they ever cute.  

I really do agree. Your older cat has a lot of patience and is gentle. I would be playng with the kitten to expel some of that energy to give your poor cat a break.

M moorspede I make sure to give Winston plenty of breaks from the baby. Other than these little play times, they are separated. [emoji]128522[/emoji]
cat nap Thank you! They're sweet little babies, and it's so relieving to know it's nothing serious!

Update:
Great, unexpected news!
I left for work at around 12 yestaerdat, then went straight to a new years party. From there, I went to work again, and in turn wasn't home for about 36 hours. Imagine my surprise when I got home and saw little Oliver out of his secluded bedroom and sprinting around my apartment. I was terrified,but soon noticed that the two of them are actually getting along. They are cuddling, gently playing, and letting each other be.
I couldn't be more thrilled!

That's great news! I'm so happy for you and your kitties!

Very happy for you and the cats. And I must say this is a great forum for us to get support.

That is a wonderful update! Cuddling...especially is a great sign.

And if little Oliver is learning to be 'laid back' by copying bigger Winston, ...then I'd say he has a pretty good teacher.

Hopefully, little Oliver is picking up some 'signature moves' from Winston, in playing, observing, and just by being with him.

Though, I am sure that they both have their unique personalities.

It's just great when they get along, and gel with each other.

@juliepennin   ...whenever you have the time, feel free to post more photos of your two guys.

I'm sure that little Oliver is growing fast, and keeping Winston pretty fit.    

At last, the problem is entirely seemingly resolved! Cuddles all around!