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Why does my older cat growl at kitten during play, then groom her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 6 years and 5 months old | 10 lbs

I have a 13 weeks old female kitten and an older cat who is 6. After a while the cat adjusted and grooms the kitty and they can lay next to eachother touching with no problems. The cat does however growl and hiss still, any time the kitten jumps on her and wants to play. They chase eachother around the house back and forth or the kitten attacks to play and the cat growls and hisses a bit, ears back, BUT no one gets hurt and after a bit the cat will start grooming the kitten. Is this playing/ok?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2019

It is OK behavior but not great. I am worried that this could escalate into a serious fight. I suggest you try using some Feliway diffusers in the house and do some environmental enrichment for them. Those two things should help. ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-MultiCat-Diffuser ) ( thedrakecenter.com/materials/environmental-enrichment-indoor-cats ) ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AejmrLa_Cs4 )

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 27th, 2019

    Kittens can be so much more playful than an adult cat, and I think your older female is reacting appropriately to them. She is letting them know she is done with them by hissing and growling, and as long as she is not attacking them physically or causing wounds, this behavior is normal. She does like them if she will eat and sleep next to them, she just sometimes gets annoyed by them. Just like human siblings do! I think this is normal and appropriate behavior, and nothing for you to worry about. I hope this helps!

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