Twinkle

I asked a question about how to deal with two cats who don't get along that live under the same roof. Here's more info:

These are my human grandparents cats. They got the male cat in September 2007. He's around 4 or 5 years old. They just got the female cat on 5/5/08. She appears to just be around 6 to 9 months old if that. The male cat hisses & growls at her when he sees her. They keep them separated in the house, but we are concerned of what this may be doing to the cats emotional states. Also we worry what could happen if the male cat got ahold of the kitten. The male is neutered, but they haven't got the female spayed yet. They both have all their claws. How long do you think it'll take for him to accept her there? If they did get together, what do you think are the chances of him hurting her instead of just hissing & growling?


Asked by Twinkle on May 9th 2008 in Behavior & Training
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Answers

Izadore (Izzie)

When you introduce a new feline resident to one who is already established in the home, there will be a certain amount of hissing and growling. Since the female is more or less still a kitten, the older cat will "correct" her if she gets into his space. This is nothing to worry about as animals do this in the wild as well. Make sure both cats have their own litter boxes and food bowls. I would not hesitate to get the female spayed as soon as you can. This is kitten season, and should she get outdoors, she could become pregnant. In addition, it will calm her down and she will accept living with another cat much easier and become less agressive. She should be kept separate from the male for at least a week. When you let her out, do not leave the cats unsupervised. I doubt seriously, unless the male cat is always very aggressive with everyone and other cats, that he will not "come around". But he is the resident cat and should be given lots of love and treats by his favorite people.


Izadore (Izzie) answered 2 days, 14 hours ago. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Spirit

I would be worried about the male. Male cats kill kittens, fixed or not. If he has already been vocal about his objections to the kitten - do you really think locking him up like a prisoner is going to do the trick?

If you lock up either cat it should be the kitten and introduce slowly - 15 min, than the next time a half hour, etc.

Meanwhile give your older cat lots of love and attention.


Spirit answered 3 hours, 37 minutes ago. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer