Why are my resident cats fighting after a new kitten arrived?

Question

I have two 1yr old cats, and I brought home a kitten today to introduce to them. I was fairly sure my one cat would be pretty okay with it, and that my other one would be relatively upset. I let the two cats smell the kitten in it's kennel and then put the kitten in it's own closed room. Now my one resident is hissing and growling at my other resident cat! I separated them to hopefully calm her down, but now I'm worried that I will need to reintroduce my resident cats! Help! Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 10 lbs

Ana M, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cats. It sounds like your resident cat is stressed by the arrival of the new kitten. He is taking out this stress/anxiety out on your other resident cat. I would keep everyone separate for 24 hours. Then you can reintroduce your two resident cats. You will have to go slow with the kitten. Once your two original cats are used to each other again, continue introducing the kitten gradually. Wear clothing that you have held the kitten in and blankets the kitten has slept on to start. The introduce to kitten to one cat at a time. I hope this information helps!

Why are my resident cats fighting after a new kitten arrived?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?

Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?

My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?

Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?

My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?

My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?

Share