I feel so bad for my kitty. What do I do?

Question

Well we got a kitty about a year ago now when she was just a few weeks old. He is like the happiest, affectionate cat you could ever meet. Anyways, we decided to get another kitty because our family loves animals. The thing is, since we got the new kitty, our old one is very depressed. He feels like he's being replaced and is just not himself. I'm so upset now. What do I do? I've tried to give him all my attention because I figured he felt like he wasn't getting any attention but that didn't help either!

Answer 1

cats are very territorial. dont let the new kitty have the run of the house for a while, limit it to one or 2 rooms of the house until they get use to each other. keep their food and litter boxes separate from one another. only allow supervised visits between the 2 kitties for a while and use an interactive toy to encourage them to engage in playing together.

Answer 2

Giving the interloper any attention isn't going to improve your situation.  Because this is his family and house, the Elder needs to adopt the interloper on his terms.  This is going to be tough esp. because kittens are so darn cute BUT you and your family need to limit the overt affection you give the interloper.  That's fine if he gets on the bed, but no kitten snuggling.  Pay more attention the boss.  Given that they've already met, it may take a week or so.

Remember, the boss feels like he's being replaced and that's only going to make him more unhappy and/or aggressive.

Answer 3

I was in the same situation, my older cat felt replaced and hated the kitten, but after a few weeks he got used to her and now best friends. he went back to normal very soon, but i spent a lot of alone with mommy time with him. just let him know u love him by continuing what your doing and kinda let him do things first such as eating, petting, playing or whatever, then eventually let them do it together at the same time, but if he stops eating, then u may need to give away the kitten, but I'm sure things will be ok soon.  

Answer 4

I have 4 cats, all of them were introduced to the new ones one at a time.  Just like everything else, it takes time.  Continue to treat your "old" cat the way you always have with love and affection.  In time, they will get used to each other.  Unlike people, I dont believe cats can quantify affection.  In other words, I dont believe that cats think you treat one better than the other.  In my experience, my cats are well adjusted and loving.  I give them all love and affection and I treat them all the same.  I have found that time is your best ally and they will eventually come to be comfortable and affectionate.  Remember, your new kitty came into a new house with new owners and a resident "boss" kitty.  Your "old" kitty probably doesnt see the new as competition for affection as much as plain old competition.  Time will heal all and they will become the best of friends if allowed to just interact and get to know each other.

Answer 5

aweee. lol how sad. What you can do is give him MORE attention. just be there for him when ever you can. Throw a kittyball and have a good game and let him know that you still love him as well. Give him all the attention you can give he isn't feeling like himself he'll get over it. Make him feel welcomed to join the family in a good cuddly <3 GOOD LUCK <3

Answer 6

its never a wise decision to get another kitten 12mths down the line when you older cat has basically been the only cat in the house and now his territory is being invaded by someone else,of course he's depressed and mad at you,try as you may you are paying attention to your new kitten and the older one doesn't like it..if you are that upset and want to make it up to your cat and have him back to his old self..re-home the new one..

Answer 7

When I introduced a new cat into my home, I used a few basic rules I read on the internet.

1. Never put a new cat around the old cat for the first time, and expect them to like each other. The best way to introduce a new cat to the home is to give him a space of his own for about a week. Make it a room that doesn't see a whole lot of traffic.

2. Give the old cat a lot of attention. I see that you specified that that was something you're doing already, so stick to it. Play with the old cat with the new one in the same room. Later, try and engage them in playtime together. A simple bell on a long string will do.

3. To associate something positive, give them plenty of treats when they are in the same room together. Don't scold them or make loud noises, or they could associate negativity when they are together.

4. After the cat has been in the home for a week or so, start feeding them together. Again, positive assessment.

I hope these few things help your cats feel comfortable around one another. Don't feel badly, they'll both come around. It takes a lot of time and patience.

Answer 8

You can be happy that he let the new  kitty in .That is his territory, and He  was there alone. Now He has to learn how to share  His  place.  Just love Him very much   and He will get used to it. Good luck! Don't worry He will be ok!

Answer 9

Think about he feels, he was king of the castle and now the cute little kitten is taking the attention away.  I'm sure he will come around, just keep doing what you are doing and give him lots of love and attention, he was there first :)

Answer 10

i have the same problem right now,

my cat tommy feels like he is being replace because we got our new cat lexie... i need help 2

:(

Answer 11

give it time.  The two cats may never get along, or they may become great friends, but as long as both receive love and attention from you all will be well.  They'll learn each other's place in the house and figure out a way to be happy again.  I've seen this take a few minutes, and I've seen it take 6 months, but it always works out eventually.  Try not to be too sad in front of the cat, though, because he'll get cues from your mood.  Try to remember that now 2 cats have a safe loving home (instead of being homeless or euthanized), so that's a really positive thing.  Keep up that positive attitude and they'll both see that everything's going to be alright.