Should I Interfere?

"Introductions" between new and resident kitty have gone well...after 2 weeks, they are fairly successfully integrated. Only, new (and much smaller) kitty has steamrolled resident kitty. I mostly just let it go when new kitty cuffs resident kitty and chases him a little, even though I'm sad about it.

The problem is that resident kitty was orphaned as a teeny tiny kitty and never was in a batch of kittens where he could 'play fight.' He has NO IDEA how to defend himself. Even though he's much larger, he just shrinks back and hisses, and then runs away, when new kitty cuffs at him. It's sad because resident kitty was always a 'difficult' cat who only liked me, his mommy. It took me a long time to 'break down the walls' and form a relationship with him. I was really pleased when he deigned to start sleeping at the foot of my bed AFTER LIVING HERE AN ENTIRE YEAR (and I've had him since he was a tiny kitten!!). Now, when he curls up in his favorite spot at the foot of the bed, new kitty immediately runs up and chases him off. Or, if he's napping in the sun. Or, if he's eating. Resident kitty can hardly get any peace now. It's not a CONSTANT thing but it's happening enough...I want to interfere by squirting some water from water gun on new kitty when he attacks resident kitty, but I don't want to disturb some territorial thing. I just want resident kitty to live in peace. He doesn't know how to fight or play!! Please help!!

he will learn, as he gets older he will become more assertive. They really have to find their way with each other and a lot of if comes down to jealousy on the part of the resident cat. Start paying more attention to the resident cat in one room away from the other kitten do play time and snuggle time and then let him out to be with the other one-

Hi Julia, I was having a similar problem with integrating Cassie (resident) with Napoleon (new). Napoleon has been socialized with other cats and we think dogs as well (he is just not bothered by anyone or anything). Cassie on the other hand was separated from her mother when she was a baby (barely 2 weeks old) and was socialized with mostly humans. She is extremely addaptable but incredibly shy (only really likes my boyfriend and I). For the first two weeks when we had them basically set to their own devices, we'd by awakened by the hisses and the fights, Cassie would be doing both mostly LOL. Napoleon was really testing his boundaries with her.

I would suggest trying to get them to play with each other, I bought some toys that I can play with them at the same time and they LOVE it and deal with each other a lot better than before. Also, we can sleep through the night without them fighting, which is a blessing! And another thing that you can do, is after having a set playtime with them, feed them afterwards...be sure to put the resident kitty's bowl down FIRST. Over time, the little one will learn that she is the beta and the resident is the alpha. I would encourage it along...

I also (although most behaviorists don't agree) participate in "spray bottle therapy" LOL. I think it's acceptable, as Napoleon has quickly learned, I reach for the spray bottle, he stops doing what he's doing (he DOES NOT like that thing LOL). Good luck with it all, it can be frustrating for the owner but it is oh so worth it

Im not sure if it is question of social weakness in your resident cat.
Many kind and good natured grown up cats are almost submissive to kittens - exactly in the way you describe!

I saw it in our own home. Our kind, shy and big muscular Russian Blue tom and sire received his little son 12 weeks very well. And the son almost took over after a couple of weeks. Food place, sleeping place, biting his father in the tail when father resting... Yes, he even held out in the wrestling matches!
We did wonder and worried: If it is so now, what would be later?
Pity of the shy and kind little friend.

But when the son went fertile he too and grown up - it changed!. The father was still good natured, but now it was clearly evident who was the territory holder, and who was the young tom allowed to be a companion but only if he behaved.
The father remained the territory holder also after he was castrated - and the son was still a fertile tom and sire. And they still best friends.
It was the father who defended and defends the territory against straying cats hissing vigorously at them!


Yes, help the resident some yes, but probably you dont need to make a big fuss about it.

good luck!