Cats Co Existing!

[Barmaid]

I have a 9 year old female who I have had since a kitten. I have (two weeks ago) taken on a 9 week old male kitten. The house has turned to utter bedlam. Despite trying to ensure the older cat gets peace, time, space and treats and that the younger cat also gets plenty of play time, attention and cuddles it is a nightmare. The younger cat chases the older cat who has not (yet) had a go back at him, but turns and runs in the opposite direction (normally with the odd growl or hiss). She now cowers upstairs and won't come near the little one (who can't do anything at less than 100 mph). I'm not hoping that they will ever like each other, but it would be nice if we could achieve some form of harmony in this house. How can i stop the little one attacking the big one so that I can get them to sit in the same room as each other happily? Or should I just accept that upstairs is hers and downstairs is his?!

[Ed Strong]

I only have the one elderly cat so not speaking from experience here but I should think it's like your husband or partner, after being married/living/loving with you quite happily for 9 years suddenly bringing a young lover into the house and expecting you to accept it! Would you choose to live upstairs or down? ;-)

[Barmaid]

Good Point! But when people have a second child, the others learn to adjust eventually!!!!!! Thankfully I understand humans slightly better than I do cats - or these cats at least!!!

[Ed Strong]

The thing is you can reason with (blackmail?) a child into accepting the situation. I don't think a cat is quite so easily won over. My daughter took 2 she-cats from the CPL that were brought in together and they were fine (sleeping curled up together). Then a stray male (now neutered) decided to move in (via the cat flap) and although they all live together I wouldn't say it was harmonious. One female stays upstairs and only comes down for comfort breaks and food. The other female lives downstairs or in the garden and as she was once the dominant one there are lots of hisses and scraps everytime the male and her meet. It's upset the whole equilibrium.

[Ed Strong]

If you can, get hold of a book called Cat Confidential by Vicky Halls. Lots of info in there about how to get cats living amicably together.

[GirlClown]

Hello!
What a worry! But I can imagine how I woud feel if a child came into my hitherto quiet and peaceful environment and ran amok!!
Your little male is showing all the natural sign of being young and playful and only time will calm him down. In the meantime, make sure there's somewhere quiet and comfortable where the older cat can hide - and give her lots of TLC. Whisper to her, too! It's amazing how therapeutic a quiet voice can be to any animal, especially a cat....or am I preaching to the converted?!! :o)

[janeo]

They will settle down eventaully. I had the same problem with my 5 year old cat & a new kitten, but now (7 months later) they are good friends.

[Barmaid]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Cat Confidential is v interesting. House is still bedlam, but we seem to be managing to achieve quiet periods (albeit they last for only 4 minutes). Older cat is still sulking but very cuddly when alone with me and is starting to assert her authority over the kitten, who, slowly is learning.

I have hope!!!!!!!