What do you do when your older cat doesn't like your new kitten?

If either party appears aggressive, fearful or just unsure, don't force the interaction. Separate them again and continue with scent swapping. Cat and/or kitten may vary with their reactions; from curious to unconcerned, playful to nervous. Make sure both have plenty of space and the ability to retreat if necessary.
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How do you get an older cat to tolerate a kitten?

How to introduce a kitten to an adult cat
  1. Prepare for your new arrival. Make sure you have enough bowls, scratching posts and litter trays. ...
  2. Get them used to the scent of a new family member. ...
  3. Face-to-face introduction. ...
  4. Sharing space. ...
  5. Living in harmony.
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How long does it take a cat to get used to a new kitten?

It can take several weeks to several months for a cat to get used to a new kitten—and even longer for them to become "friends." Some cats will learn to tolerate a newcomer, but may never be interested in playing or napping together. In other cases, the cat will take to the kitten right away.
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Will my older cat always hate my kitten?

While older cats will occasionally take to a new kitten right away, they typically need a little time to adjust to the changes. Sometimes cats never fully accept a new kitten but will simply coexist, keeping to themselves away from the other cat in the house.
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Why is my cat so mean to my new kitten?

Cats usually deal with "intruders" by trying to avoid them, and only display overt aggression as a last resort. Your cat should have a safe place to get away from the new kitten until they have gotten comfortable with each other. Provide your older cat with areas outside the kitten's reach where only it can go.
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My Cat HATES my New Kitten - Help? How to Introduce Cats!



Do cats get jealous of new kittens?

It may be the arrival of a new family member, such as a newborn baby or pet. Simple things like your cell phone, a video game, or a hobby can also be triggers. Poor socialization as a kitten may lead a cat to become codependent on you and display signs of jealousy at times.
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How long will older cat hiss at kitten?

Introducing two cats can be difficult without any form of hissing or tension. In most cases, the hissing will only persist for a few weeks. Cats will quickly adapt to their new normal and realize that their new roommate is in fact a friend.
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Can cats get depressed with new kitten?

Too many times families will notice signs of depression after getting a kitten in their old cat. They feel like their territory has been invaded which manifests as your older cat becoming more withdrawn, hissing at the new arrival, and even physical changes such as weight loss due to a loss of appetite.
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How do I get my cat to stop hissing at my new cat?

Jealousy is a normal reaction. Don't yell, scold or punish your current cat for hissing at the newcomer. When he acts nice—or at least nonthreatening—to the new cat, praise him and give treats. If fighting breaks out or either cat is highly stressed, separate them for a few more days.
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Why does my older cat hiss at my kitten?

If a kitten is jumping on a cat or trying to entice them to play when they aren't feeling like it, hissing is a common result. Sometimes, older cats hiss at kittens just to establish dominance. The cat is letting the newcomer know that they're the boss.
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Why does my cat not like the new kitten?

If your cat hasn't been used to living with others, he may find it very hard to cope with a new kitten. If your cat is continually lashing out at your new kitten, then the kitten's welfare will be undermined, and he may become submissive and try to avoid your cat at all costs.
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How do you know if a cat is jealous of a kitten?

Signs of Jealousy in Cats
  1. Physically coming between you and the object they are jealous of.
  2. Hissing and growling.
  3. Swatting at an object.
  4. Scratching.
  5. Biting.
  6. Urinating/marking territory.
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How do you tell if your cat will accept a kitten?

Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you're able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten that's hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates.
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Why is my cat hissing at my new cat?

Hissing is a distance-increasing behavior. Simply put, it's a warning saying, “Please back off, and do not come any closer.” We want to make sure the new cat and the old cat associate good things with that door and what's on the other side of it. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to do that.
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How do you get two cats to like each other?

How to Get Your Cats to Like Each Other
  1. Make sure each cat has plenty of his or her own space. ...
  2. Don't give the cats catnip. ...
  3. Have plenty of their favorite cat toys around to distract them from fighting.
  4. Make the time they spend together as pleasant as possible.
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Should my second cat be male or female?

There isn't hard proof that gender can make a difference in whether your two cats will get along or not. With that said, there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests you may have fewer issues if one cat is male and the other cat is female (rather than two females or two unneutered males).
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How do I get my cat to accept another cat?

First – Visual contact between cats
  1. Separate physically with screen door or baby gate. ...
  2. Give cats treats so they spend time close to each other or play with a feather to encourage play. ...
  3. When comfortable with each other they will sniff noses, play through the door or rub against the door.
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How do you introduce a kitten to a cat?

Introduce the Cats Slowly

Anticipate keeping the kitten separated for at least a couple days. After the first day or two, give each of your cats an item with the other animal's scent on it, like a blanket, cushion, or fabric toy. Place this item in an area where your cat feels comfortable.
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What is the best way to introduce a cat?

Ask a friend or family member to help you with the introduction. Have one cat and one person on each side of the door, and start the introduction by setting each cat down a few feet away from the screen or gates. When the cats notice each other, say their names and toss treats to them, aiming the treats behind them.
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How do I fix an unsuccessful cat introduction?

How do you even introduce cats?
  1. Begin with the cats entirely separate.
  2. Gradually expose each cat to the scent, sound and sight of the other cat. One sense at a time.
  3. Try to get each cat to associate the presence of the other cat with something positive.
  4. Avoid creating negative associations in these situations.
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What do you do when cats don't get along?

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your cats get along again.
  1. Give Them Their Own Territory. Cats often don't like to share and can become selfish with resources. ...
  2. Visit a Veterinarian. ...
  3. Use Calming Diffusers. ...
  4. Look for Triggers. ...
  5. Reintroduce Your Cats.
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Where should kittens sleep at night?

Place a cardboard box on its side with a thick fleecy blanket inside so that the kitten has somewhere to hide if it feels a little shy or insecure. Position a padded washable cat bed in a quiet area away from the food, water and litter tray areas.
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How do you introduce a kitten to a cat that doesn't like cats?

Separate the kitten into its own area, which is completely cut off from your older cat, for example in a spare room. This may seem counter-productive to getting them more used to each other, but your older cat will need time to settle down and re-establish their comfort level in their own home.
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Do female cats get along better with male or female cats?

Sex simply isn't an accurate predictor of how well a pair of cats will get along. Instead, whether the cats are similar in temperament is more important. Cats that act the same are more likely to get along. The only time this isn't the case is when you're dealing with two active, territorial cats.
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How do you know if your cats don't like each other?

They may freak out a little if they accidentally touch each other. You might also see signs of insecurity in one or both cats. These signs can include hiding, pooping outside the litter box, spraying in inappropriate places outside the box, or becoming extra destructive and even lashing out at you.
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