First cat not affectionate to me anymore, only the new kitten - who claimed me...

baniqueen

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Lizzie, a tabby girl (then ca. 7 months old) approached me on the street in August. (original owner found; resigned; so I kept her.) She acted like she's been with me all along from the first moment - she instantly felt home, followed me around or was purring in my arms as i did stuff around the house or sat on my lap purring as i worked, slept hugging my arm the first night - and even later, most of the time slept with me on the bed. I kept her mainly inside, sometimes outside. End of october I adopted Kira, a 2-months-old half-siamese tabby girl, and we let them be together right away. There was quite some hissing from the little one's side the first 1.5 weeks, even when Lizzie already licked her, she moved away/was ready to attack. By the end of the second week they became friends. Now 1.5 months passed, they get along fine, lick each other and play. However, Kira growls every time she eats. Lizzie doesn't even dare approach her food while in the same space; and she doesn't wanna be on the bed anymore - if I put her there on my lap, she escapes. I guess, Kira claimed me and the bed - however, I don't notice her even caring that Lizzie's there. We took Kira on the bed the first night, maybe that's how we messed it up... And when it's just me & Lizzie in the room, she starts looking for Kira. It seems to me Lizzie who used to be my baby, now only prefers Kira, while Kira prefers me. What a purrific triangle situation... Any ideas, how can I get my always-purring Lizzie back / regulate the Kira-domination? :)
 

orientals

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Hi baniqueen, Bringing in a second cat changes everthing. Cats live exclusievely in a pecking order, so this needs to be established because it determines access to the best sleeping spots, food, you.

This process takes a while, months. Also cats don't reach social adulthood until they're two years old. So things may shift for a while.

I would intervene as little as possible, as they seem to be okay together, let them work it out. Lizzie is likely still reeling from all of it but I am sure she will a absolutely return to her old self!

Meanwhile you can boost her confidance by having a daily play session with her and Kira where Lizzie gets to catch the 'prey' (toy) often. She needs to assert her position and you can help her by making her feel good. It won't help to do anything that will make Kira not feel good.

Keep us posted and let's see a pic :)
 
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