Existing cats reacting to new kittens

by Natalie
(Saint Paul, MN)

Hello!

I'm so grateful for your web site and have already learned a lot.

We have two 8-month old torti females (sisters) and just got two 12-week old males (brothers). We're keeping both sets isolated and slowly introducing them to one another. It's not going real well, but we understand this may take time.

Here's my question: the girls are now attacking each other (biting, hissing, smacking). They've never done this before, and I know it has to do with the new arrivals. Do you have any ideas as to why the girls would be attacking one another? Is there anything that we could do to calm them?

Thanks so much!

RESPONSE

Natalie:

Congratulations on your growing cat family!

You don't say but we are assuming the girls have been spayed and that you plan to neuter the boys. If the girls are sexually intact, then there is a completely different issue and our response won't fit.

Cats dislike change and the new boys in town have upset their little world view. Don't worry, they will get over it! Just keep up with the slow introductions.

As to them "fighting" with each other, I suspect this is normal behavior. At 8 months, they are almost adults and practicing aggressive and defensive tactics on each other is how they learn safely. It also helps them to get rid of the stress associated with their changing world.

It often looks to us like they are really trying to hurt each other but they are not. A year from now, it will probably look like they are trying to kill each other! This is especially true of siblings.

Let them keep practicing with each other but be sure you involve them in interactive play time with you. A wand/string toy is especially helpful. Play will help them get rid of pent up energy and practice their hunting skills which will build their confidence and make them less inclined to play rough with each other. And less inclined to pick on the boys!

So enjoy your growing girls as they evolve into grown-up cats! And get ready for when the boys start up!

Hope this helps ease your mind and keep us posted on their progress!

Donna
AKA: House Full Cat Mom