Cats don't get along...any advice?

[KM2004]

I just got a new kitten. My other cat, who's a year old hates my new cat. She's hissing at him, making grunting noises whenever she see's him, and swats at him when he's close.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is it just a lost cause? We asked someone at the pet adoption place who said that it'll take 2-3 months for them to adjust to each other...but does anyone else have pets that just don't get along, regardless of how long they've been together? Anyone have tips on how to get them to get along?

Lola, our 1 year old, has always been less than affectionate with her parents so I'm thinking she'll stay this way (mean) for a long long time.

 

[Planogirl]

We've had several cats and they almost always carry on like this at first. The older one is likely making it clear that she's the boss and she may do so for a while. Give it some time and you'll likely see an improvement. That doesn't mean that she still won't hiss but she'll do so with much less seriousness.

Give her lots of attention too. I think that helps keep the jealousy under control.

Congrats on your new pet!

 

[poohandwendy]

How long have you had the kitten?? It really does take a while for the older cat to adjust. Our cat acted the same way with our kitten for a few weeks, now they play together. But even still, the odler cat is done when she is DONE and will let the kitten know it.

Give it time...good luck! Beautiful cats, btw!

 

[2MuchOhana]

It's not hopeless or a lost cause yet. Give it a little bit of time. It is possible they won't be the best of friends; but most cats are pretty tolerant.

When we took in Oliver our other two were not too thrilled. He has been with us for a couple of months now. Hayley pretty much ignores him. Charley, who was the most upset can be seen giving Oliver a bath! They play together quite often. In fact, Charley misses Oliver today. Poor little guy had his little surgery today; and doing very well.

Hope everything works out well with your little fur babies!

Jodi

 

[shortbun]

patience. They will mellow. Careful in male/female situations-
males tend to dominate females. I had a cat stay so skiiny
once because the male wasn't letting her eat. I had to feed
her separately. Since then-it's all males or all females for us.

 

[chyam]

I can relate to this one........I got a new addition in Sept. (Sophie) she was 1 1/12 her and Mouse 4 just didn't get along, it has gotten better though and there still is a little hissing they are learning to tolerate one another. Sophie get's along great with Binky (my siggy). I think it is much easier to introduce a kitten into the fold than an adult cat. So I don't see your problem lasting very long..............Mouse does not still get along with one of my males, in fact there has been some awful fights so now I keep them separated by a glass door. I do see a pattern here and I think it is Mouse she just does not like anyone including me! She will sleep on my bed all day but when I go to bed she leaves!
Good luck with the new kitten and as long as there is no real cat fights going on just some vocalization they will be fine, just as someone else said the older one is letting the little one know who exactly is the queen of the roost.

 

[Antonia]

My parents have all kinds of cat issues. Cat #1 has to eat on the front porch and Cat#2 on the back porch. Miss Betty lives in the woods across the street and only comes home to eat. A mean boy cat named "Yucky" patrols the garage and on and on. When they go on vacation I am in charge of feeding all these crazy cats and they always write down their names and descriptions so I'll know who is who.

This is why I'm glad I have a dog.

 

[HisEllyNelly]

Awww they will be fine, just give them time to adjust. I added on a new kitty about a year and a half ago and wow did they hate each other. Now, they arent the best of friends and will occasionally get into a swatting match, but no one gets hurt and I think its just one cat reminding the other who is in charge.

 

[gr8tpanther]

Give it time. The little kitten will either learn to stay away, or charm the old cat.

 

[Cruise04]

We have this issue but it's a bit different. Our cat FREAKS OUT when she's the roaming neighborhood cats - and they are on the other side of the window!!!! To the point that she has taken out one screen that we have had to replace. And another time she was climbing the couch, which was against a wall that doesn't have a window, trying to figure out how to get outside because she saw the cat turn the corner of the house and she knew it was on that side of the house. We'd love and have thought about getting another one so that she has company during the day but we always think about how freaked out she gets when she sees these other cats. Now dogs, she doesn't mind and doesn't freak out. But a dog is not a good fit for us because we are not home a lot.

Good luck!

 

[ericamanda01]

This is not a problem at all, it's actually normal. We have several cats and when we brought home the new baby the oldest was less than thrilled! Here we are over a year later and they have an understanding, don't bother me and I won't bother you. They will cuddle up and sleep next to eachother but I think that's from just being to tired to find another place to sleep. So don't worry and congradulations on the new addition!