Older cat
By dvrug52
@dvrug52 (11)
United States
August 27, 2009 5:07pm CST
Well I got my two new kittens and the older cat just hisses and growls, doesn't want anything to do with them at all. I have to keep them in my bedroom. I know it's going to take a while. I try and bring them out so he can smell them, but I'm so afraid he's going to hurt them. I don't dare put them down, I just hold them and let my older cat look and then he growls and hisses. Any suggestion of anything else I can do to make the older cat lighten up!!!!
1 person likes this
1 response
@Care4Pets (176)
• United States
27 Aug 09
Yes, put your kittens down and let all the cats approach each other, BUT only do this when you can supervise them, at least at first...just in case. Older cats often take longer to adjust to new situations. Truthfully, he may never like the kittens, but over time, they will learn to tolerate each other and co-exist. Hissing and growling is a warning sign. Your older cat is simply communicating to the kitten "Stay away from me. I don't like you." For your kittens, this is an important lesson to learn. Even if they get swatted by your cat once or twice, the kittens should quickly learn "Hey, he doesn't want me to bother him." and leave your older cat in peace. I would only break them up if they truly start an "all-out fight". Hopefully, with a week or two of practice and time spent together, your kittens will start getting along with the older cat and you'll be able to leave them alone unsupervised too. Best of luck! :)
@doolydul (47)
• Philippines
28 Aug 09
Yeah I agree with you. It's best if the kittens figure out how to "fit in" or go along with the older cat. We used to have stray kittens all the time back home and our older cats don't like them joining with them at mealtime so they make swatting gestures to scare the little ones away. Fortunately, after a time, like a week maybe, they started to get along pretty well so we ended up having more cats at home. Don't give up!
