Is this the way it should go? re-posted)
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Is this the way it should go? re-posted)
| Fri, 06-25-2004 - 11:38am |
I have a quick update/questions on the whole new kitten in the house w/ the older spoiled cat. As some of you may remember, I recently added a new 8 wk old (now she's 10 wks) female abby into the house where Hunter, the resident cat ( a 2 1/2 yo male abby) has been spoiled rotten w/ full run of the house. They seem to be doing ok, most of the time. Hunter is still standoff-ish to my DH and me. He really will not accept affection from me, except for cubbard love (he accepts more from DH) and he really doesn't seem to want to play either - especially if newbie is in the vicinity. When he tries to play w/ something she runs right over and takes the toy! If I do pet him, the newbie comes running over, as she cannot be left out.
Could it be some jealousy over mommy time? That is when the stalking/ aggressions usually start (that I witness anyway). Hunter is not always the aggressor, mind you. The newbie is quite aggressive, and will often provoke him.
They both sleep in the bed with us (but not next to each other), use each others box, and will even eat off the same plate (I think Hunter does it out of dominance.. could that be right?) When I feed Hunter (he gets fed first) he automatically jumps down and eats the newbies food, as soon as it gets set down. They both just eat off the plate, without any fighting and then the newbie goes and eats off his plate!
I guees now that you have some of the background my questions are really: Should I be concerned when they do fight, or just continue to let them duke it out? Is this a normal progression? Is it normal for Hunter to shy away from her at times, but be the aggressor at others (and vice-a-versa)?
I'm sorry this is so long and convoluted, this is my first experience with cat introductions. Thanks- any advice will be greatly appreciated! Justine
Could it be some jealousy over mommy time? That is when the stalking/ aggressions usually start (that I witness anyway). Hunter is not always the aggressor, mind you. The newbie is quite aggressive, and will often provoke him.
They both sleep in the bed with us (but not next to each other), use each others box, and will even eat off the same plate (I think Hunter does it out of dominance.. could that be right?) When I feed Hunter (he gets fed first) he automatically jumps down and eats the newbies food, as soon as it gets set down. They both just eat off the plate, without any fighting and then the newbie goes and eats off his plate!
I guees now that you have some of the background my questions are really: Should I be concerned when they do fight, or just continue to let them duke it out? Is this a normal progression? Is it normal for Hunter to shy away from her at times, but be the aggressor at others (and vice-a-versa)?
I'm sorry this is so long and convoluted, this is my first experience with cat introductions. Thanks- any advice will be greatly appreciated! Justine

In my opinion, I would want to be present for all encounters, especially if they are fighting until she is big enough to hold her own weight.
Thats a comon problem when introducting new cats.
Well, Cl-lcni has it right. Whenever I have a newbie, I make sure the current house cats get PLENTY of lap-time with me. I also make sure the newbie has lap time, you just have to seperate everybody while the lapee has some cuddle, which can be difficult, as everybody loves a cuddle!
On fighting, hate to say it, but I usually let mine duke it out. I only intervene when I hear blood curdling screams - nobody's ever been hurt, just nasty because they got knocked over. However, if your new one isn't of a size to defend against the others, definately break up fights until bigger.
Justine