What should I do with my older cat?

Question

Should I reprimand my older cat for hissing, spitting, growling, etc at a new kitten that I brought home?

Answer 1

He'll eventually stop. My older cat did that when I brought home the kitten. Now they're older(one is 2, the other is 1) and they get along fine. They like to roughhouse though!

Answer 2

No. It does that to make certain the new kitten knows its place.

Answer 3

the cat just needs to get use to the other kitten. its just a matter of time.

Answer 4

No. It takes an adjustment period for a cat who's used to living on their own, to accept a new animal in the household.

Answer 5

No, because he is afraid that you are going to replace him, and if you treat him any worse than usual, you will confirm his fears, he will be very unhappy and this will last forever.  Try to keep the cats separated for some time.  When I got two kittens a month apart, they only hissed at each other for a day and then became friends.  In the past when I had a 6-year-old cat and brought home a kitten, it took him about two months to accept the new family addition, afterwards they were friends.  Just try keeping them relatively separate so they get used to their smell, their presence, and treat them equally so the old cat is not afraid he is "losing ground."  Good luck!

Answer 6

if the big cat doesn't hurt the little cat then i wouldn't worry too much. give the big cat time to except the little one and encourage bonding between them. let the cat know that you are not happy with its actions toward the little cat, but don't like punish it or anything...

Answer 7

I dont know if you should reprimand your older cat. He/she is displaying their anger at their territory being invaded by a new comer. Just like dogs, cats have a hierarchy. Your older cat is showing the new kitty who is boss, basically. It will take the older cat getting used to having someone new in the home. He/she may just avoid the new kitten or may display the hissing and etc you are seeing.

If I may suggest, look for a Cat forum and ask your question there. Other cat keepers can probably tell you techniques they used to get their cats well acquainted and well adjusted to each other. I wish you the best.  

Answer 8

someone i now gave it to a better home so you could or at least try to wait for the older one to get used to it.

Answer 9

You will be smart to keep them apart till they can get used to each others smells between and under doors.. GOOD LUCK!  

Answer 10

If she hasn't actually attacked it yet, then there is still hope. Always be there when they are going to be together so that if anything does happen you could step in. After awhile the older cat will probably begin to tolerate the new kitten.