Resident 7 month old girl acting aggressively toward new 6 month old boy
Hi - we have a 7 month old gray kitty named Gracie who we adopted at about 3 months. Her sister died of FIP a few weeks ago, and Gracie had her spay operation 2 weeks ago. Because she loves to play all the time and seems frustrated without another cat, we decided to adopt another kitten (Mikey, neutered male, 6 months old, somewhat smaller than Gracie, his own brother died of FIP a few weeks ago as well. Both current kitties are very healthy). Mikey loves to play as well. We kept him in a separate room and on the second day Gracie darted in when my husband came in the room. I was playing with Mikey and engaged the two of them in play. Gracie and Mikey hissed at each other when they came too close but generally seemed interested in playing too, so we kept allowing them contact (just a few minutes at a time). We had a few more successful instances of this, but then when we left the door open and Mikey started coming out of the room, Gracie attacked him (nobody hurt, but it was definitely scary). Put Mikey back in his room and re-read guidelines for introducing cats. Kept him in room for a week, 2:1 ratio of attention for Gracie, kept things calm. Helped them play 'paws under the door' and they both seemed to enjoy it. Did some room exchanges and everything seemed to be good again. Husband built a nice screen with a ball latch (had to push pretty hard to open the door), and no sooner were our backs turned than Gracie made a flying run at the screen door, pushed it open, and went after Mikey again! Luckily he was in the closet in his bed that consists of a blanket under a small chair, covered with a blanket, so it was hard for Gracie to get to him, but again it was rather aggressive. Husband grabbed her up and took her out of the room, where she proceeded to act like everything was just fine. Mikey, however, seems traumatized. Did eat some snacks but doesn't want to come out of the closet. We have secured the screen door better. RESPONSE: Of course there is hope! Actually, their behavior seems very normal. Gracie was playing nicely with the other cats because she knew them. Mikey is a stranger and she is scared. She doesn't know what to expect from him so she acts agressive before he can "get" her. She has been through a lot in the past few months and is still unsure of herself. Mikey is in the same boat but withdraws instead of becoming agressive. Just different temperments. Play with them together, give them treats when they are together, and let them work things out for themselves. They are both young. They will figure things out their own way. We have had kittens as young as 6 weeks act agressive toward another kitten they just met. We usually just let them duke it out. After a while, they often become best friends. Worst case, they tolerate each other. These two young ones have been through a lot in their short lives. It is only natural that they would be suspicious of one another. Feed them seperately so there is no competition for food but play with them together, leave the door open, and try not to get anxious when they test each other's boundries. Continuing to isolate them from each other will make the adjustment harder. (We only isolate until cleared by the vet then we close our eyes and pray! So far, we have had bullying but no blood drawn) Slow introductions are ideal but we find that it doesn't stop agression. Living together and working things out for themselves has actually been the better method for young ones. It is likely that you are more upset than the kittens are. Give them a chance to get to know one another and see how it goes. I suspect they will get along just fine! Donna = House Full Cats Mom Click here to read or post comments. |
