Cat and kitten aren't getting along yet!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2003
Cat and kitten aren't getting along yet!
4
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 12:24am
I'm having problems with my cat and new kitten, and I need advice! My cat is 3 1/2 years old and our new kitten is 15 weeks old. We got her when she was 9 wks. old. We slowly introduced the two of them, and our cat would chase her under furniture and hiss and growl at her Our kitten was terrified of her! We would soon separate them and put the cat outside. Right now we keep our kitten in a large pantry area with her food and litter box at one part of the house. My cat sleeps with me. I feel SO bad b/c I want our kitten to sleep with me, too, but she can't yet b/c of my cat. My cat stalks her everytime they're in the house together. She hisses, growls, chases her, etc. When I have to separate them, I try to pick up the kitten first. If I can't, I try to get my cat and she is so mad at the time, she has scratched and bitten me. This is totally unlike her! When our kitten goes to our backyard, and our cat happens to find her way back there, they will basically sit near each other and just stare. My cat doesn't chase her too much in the backyard. However, when I try to pick the kitten up, my cat moves toward us like she doesn't want me to get the kitten, and she is almost upset that I pick her up and disturb their stare-down. We are frustrated b/c my cat doesn't seem to be warming up to her.

What else can be done? Will they just eventually get along? How can I make my cat like her more? The kitten seems fine towards her- she really wants her to play with her. I have no experience in introducing cats to each other, and need advice. I know we should put them together more, but I have to end up separating them b/c our cat just terrorizes her and she can't even play. We play musical cats- move one to a bedroom and shut the door so the other can play; move her outside and let the other one out of her room, etc. It goes on and on! Our cat had a pretty gentle disposition until the kitten came along, and she hardly acts like herself around the kitten. I feel so bad for the kitten- I want her to sleep in the same bed, and be able to wander around the house when the cat is out, too.

Please help! Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 7:47am
Did you try our intro method that is on the website?
Cat =^..^=
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 9:08am
I think cat woman has good advice and good luck,hope it gets better for you and them!

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 3:24pm

It may take many months for your cat to get used to the kitten.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 9:19pm
Poor kitten! I'd be tempted to adopt the kitten a kitten for a playmate and let the older cat have 2 kittens to glare at. It may take a long while, but things will work out. While you are home I would let the kitten have free run of the house. Just a thought. donna