Will a new kitten cause my older cat to spray?

Question

Our older neutered male used to spray in the house but stopped doing so when the other cats died. If we get a kitten, is the problem likely to resume?He happily coexists with a dog by the way and is very loving and friendly.

Answer 1

It just depends on how stressed your new addition may cause.  

One of the ways to lessen the stress on both of the cats and (dog!) is to set up a temporary room for the kitten - put his food, water, litter and a toy or two to entertain him when you aren't in there.  Close the kitten in the room, and let them get to know each other from under the door first.  The sense of smell is go great in cats and dogs, they don't need to be right up on each other.  They will get used to the smell of the new kitten, and the kitten will get used to the existing cat and dog.  Slowly introduce the kitten to each existing pet by holding the kitten, and someone else watching the other in case of fighting.  Slowly expand the kitten's area.

This makes everyone calmer and happier.  Oh, and don't close in the either of the existing animals in the room with the kitten, it will stress out the kitten because he won't have a "safe" zone.

Good luck with your new addition! This is work whether you get a kitten or puppy.

Answer 2

If he sprayed after he was neutered, there's a chance he might.  If he was neutered after the other cats died, there's a good chance he won't.