Why does my new kitten try to nuzzle one resident cat ? ?

Question

Just in the last couple days I've started to let the new kitten, a 6 mos adopted stray, start mingling with my two other cats after 1 1/2 wks. of forced separation. So far the introduction has gone smoother than expected -- more hissing, growling and staredowns and nothing particularly aggressive or physical. But the newcomer will occasionally try to invade the male tabby cat's space by sniffing out his tail or coming up to nuzzle against his nose. The old one will slink away in obvious mental discomfort without provoking the situation. But I'm just wondering WHY the new girl is doing this ? An offer of friendship or a territorial grab at power strategy ? Any ideas ??

Answer 1

Cats live in a world of scents, and major scent glands are the anal glands and glands along the cheek.  She is trying to make a strong identification with him, and he is probably feeling annoyed, and hoping she will go away.  No hostility sort of indicates he is hoping she will disappear and he won't have to deal with her.  Seems like he is handling the new situation very well.  (Oh, growling, hissing and staring is the norm, and I don't consider that really hostility.  Just expressing a cat opinion!)

Your new kitten is simply very curious about this pile of fur with four paws.

Answer 2

Kitty is investigating, smelling and scenting (via rubbing) the older kitty. This is normal. Kittens will do this with older kitties, too.

Older kitties don't like it, as they like their own scent and space. Usually the new kitty will figure out the pecking order in a few weeks (sometimes with a good smack down -- let them figure it out between themselves, as the new comer needs to know her place in the cat house [as long as they're not hurting themselves. If they truly fight each other, it means a much longer introduction period is needed -- some older cats [especially when they were the only cat] really don't know *how* to socialize with another. So give them time.

Answer 3

ur kitty wants to play :) my kitten does that still and hes just turned 1. he lickes my other older cat.

Answer 4

Sounds like someones looking for a date. Are the kitties fixed?

Time is of the essence in these situations. If your not sure take the new one to the vet and see if they can tell. Otherwise you may end up with a litter of kitties..