My older cat is stressed by new kitten. How can I help her relax?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I'm trying to introduce my 3 month kitten to my older cat and it's been around three weeks and I think they're used each other's scents. The kitten is completely fine but my older cat keeps hissing and growling if the kitten goes near her. She came really close to her once and my older cat hit her once then ran away. Is there anything I can do to help my older cat relax?

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH 193

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 17th, 2018

There are a number of options for decreasing Bibi Noor's stress level. One option for decreasing stress is to add a Feliway Diffuser ( https://www.feliway.com ) or Comfort Zone Diffuser ( https://www.comfortzone.com/ ) to your house. This is a calming pheromone that will work for a month and may be beneficial for both cats. I have also had luck with Rescue Remedy ( http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pet/ ) which can be added to the water. There are a number of companies that make calming treats such as Composure ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetri-science-composure-feline-bite-sized-chews ). You could also consider calming music specifically for cats ( http://throughadogsear.com/tace/through-a-cats-ear-1-music-for-calming/ ). If you did not do a slow gradual introduction between the cats, I would consider doing that in order to allow them to acclimate to the change. To do this, begin by keeping the cats in separate rooms with a door between them, so that they can smell one another through the crack under the door. After a few days of allowing this type of interaction, switch the cats for half an hour so that they are in the other cat’s environment and allowed to explore and smell. Several days later, allow them to see one another through a screen door or wire crate. If these interactions seem positive, eventually allow them to interact in a supervised area, but be sure that both cats have the option of leaving if they become too stressed. Doing this in conjunction with some stress reduction methods discussed above will hopefully be successful for you, but if Bibi Noor continues to have problems despite a slow, gradual introduction, it may be time to take her to your veterinarian for a physical exam and discussion about possible short term anti-anxiety medication in order to make her more comfortable. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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My older cat is stressed by new kitten. How can I help her relax?

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