Old Cat jealous with new kitten

Hello.. How can I my old cat not feel jealous with new kitten anymore?

Hi!

What do you mean when you say jealous? Can you describe to us the behaviors your cat is experiencing?

Can you also tell us how old your cat is, how old your kitten is, and when you got the kitten?

Finally, how did you introduce these two?

Welcome to the Cat Site!

Hello tulosai.. Thank you for replying.. I just think my old cat is being jealous with my new kitty because he suddenly changed his attitude. Before he loves to eat a lot but now he will just smell and lick his food and leave. If I approach him, It seems that he doesn't want me anymore, and move in a different place away from me. He also doesn't want to sleep with me in bed anymore. All the things we used to do before like snuggling and cuddle in bed seems that he is not interested and just ignore me instead. Do you think he is really jealous?

My old cat is turning 3 years old in July. And my new kitty I just got on June 3.

TO be honest, I dont have any idea on the correct way of introducing new cats to the household until I reseach in google and came to this website. What I did is introduce them immediately as soon as we came in from the door. Which I perfectly understand now that it is incorrect. There's nothing much reaction from my old cat. Being very kind and sweet, he just sniff the kitten and lick him immediately so I thought he already accepted it. I only notice the changed of his attitude probably after 3-4 days from the day they met.

Hi again!

The most important thing you said to me is about the eating- is he not eating hardly at all? Like, when he smells and licks his food, does he come back? How long has this been going on for? A cat not eating is very very serious and can be a sign of a medical problem.  It also is its own medical problem.  I think it is possible he is sick and this is why his behavior has changed.  I don't mean to alarm you, but if he has not been eating for more than a few days, he urgently needs to see a vet.

Other than these behaviors, is his interaction with the kitten okay? Does he still seem to have accepted him? Is he playing as much as he used to? Is his use of the litterbox normal? Is he sleeping an unusual amount?

Sorry for all the questions. I definitely hope you can get to the bottom of this for your kitty.

He smells, lick and leave when he is eating alone. When I tried to put his food in my hand- thats when he eats. Every time Im feeding him, he wants his food in my hand and eat a little than usual. What causes this behavior? Could it be that he wants to have more attention? Or do I really have a vet check on him? His eating, but its not that much as usual. He also sleeps normal.

What I have observe is he's getting a long perfectly fine with the new kitty now. They're playing and sometimes seeing them sleeping together. I just wanted to figure out why he eat less now and frequently ignoring me.

This could be a health issue or it could be stress.  A kitty needs to eat at least 15 calories per pound of their weight per day to avoid something called fatty liver disease which is extremely serious.  I know it's difficult to be figuring out the amount of calories he is eating but only eating a little bit here and there probably isn't enough.   If he doesn't start eating something closer to normally by tomorrow I would think a vet visit is needed.

What about for an adult cat, How much calories do they need?

I appreciate all your advises.. Thank you..

I would separate the cats by putting the kitten in a small room away from your cat with food litter and water.  This may de-stress your cat and allow him to eat. And it will give you a chance to do a proper introduction.

But as others have suggested, even if this is stress induced it can easily become a medical issue as well if your cat doesnt start eating again very very soon.

The last time I moved, my kitties pretty much lost their appetite for a few days.  Stress can really take a toll on their tummies!  It took a week for normal eating patterns to be reestablished.  As long as kitty isn't obese and is eating at least half of his normal intake, he should be fine for about a week.  If his appetite hasn't improved by then, he will need an evaluation.  If he loses his appetite altogether, drools, vomits, loses weight, or becomes dehydrated (gently pull up skin between shoulder blades, it should snap back immediately), you need to get him to the emergency clinic ASAP.

If you can look into his mouth, make sure there aren't any obstructions, tooth issues or ulcers present.  

Just a thought, but maybe having such a kind, loving nature, he's going through the motions of developing a relationship with kitten, yet is still in the initial stages of accepting it.  The kitten could be initiating play and cuddles and perhaps he's going along to get along at the moment.  That's probably a long-shot, but the one thing I know for sure about cats is that they'll always surprise you.  

Could you sit with him when he eats and stroke/talk to him?  It might help transition him back to eating off a plate.  I would add an incentive like tuna juice or crumbled treats on top of the food...for now.  I always keep special treats on hand for when my IBD kitty wants to pick at her food.  It's a very, very short-term solution.  You really want to see his appetite improving over the next few days.

I like the suggestion to separate and reintroduce them.  You'd have to make sure kitty gets the lion's share of attention, however.  He needs reassurance that he's still king of your heart!    You can also try any combination of the following: Composure liquid added to food, Rescue Remedy for Pets, Spirit Essences, Comfort Zone spray, Feliway diffusers.  

Best wishes to both of you!

Thank you for that.. I just wanted to confirm something. If I pull up skin b/n shoulder blades and it snap back immediately, is that normal? What is normal when you do that??

Also what are these? Composure liquid added to food, Rescue Remedy for Pets, Spirit Essences, Comfort Zone spray, Feliway diffusers? I just wnated to further understand..

I really love my cats but I just got aware of responsible cat parenting recently when I lost my old cats mother. I thought its enough to just feed and pet them. So I wanted to know what I need to do so I can take care of them and they'll be healthy and will have a long life..

Feliway mimics the pheromones that a kitty has when they are happy and secure.   They make a huge difference for some kitties other kitties don't seem to notice them.  Feliway can't do any harm and it can help.  The others are herbal type remedies that can help calm a kitty.

It's not a real good indication but the skin snapping right back means the kitty isn't dehydrated.  

You do need to work on getting him eating again.  I had an IBD kitty that was actually a little underweight go into fatty liver.  Separating the kitties and a feliway diffuser may definitely help.

Ngeew18 said:

Thank you for that.. I just wanted to confirm something. If I pull up skin b/n shoulder blades and it snap back immediately, is that normal? What is normal when you do that??

Also what are these? Composure liquid added to food, Rescue Remedy for Pets, Spirit Essences, Comfort Zone spray, Feliway diffusers? I just wnated to further understand..

I really love my cats but I just got aware of responsible cat parenting recently when I lost my old cats mother. I thought its enough to just feed and pet them. So I wanted to know what I need to do so I can take care of them and they'll be healthy and will have a long life..

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Sorry I wasn't clear about testing for dehydration!  What Denice said 

All the products I listed can be found in the "pet supplies" section of Amazon, barring the Spirit Essences, which are a Jackson Galaxy product and have to be purchased through his site.  I have no idea if the Essences are helpful or not...my mother's into all that hippy-dippy stuff and had a care package sent that's specially designed for feral cats.  I tried rubbing Stress Stopper on Vivi (my 5 yr. old) and she gave me a look that said in no uncertain terms that I'd better never try that again.  Maybe it will work better on the feral kittens I'm taking care of   

As far as what cats need to be happy and secure, they're extremely social animals and not only require food and petting, you have to build a relationship with them.  Cats will go off on their own and pay you little mind if that's what you want, but it isn't what's best for their mental or physical health.  Talk to them (you can read aloud to them if conversing with your cat makes you uncomfortable), engage them in play, tell kitty Whadda Good Boy He Is! while doling out some lovin', etc.  Lower your head and let them head butt you; look them in the eye softly, then turn your head away while gently brushing it along them from kitty forehead to hindquarters (only works if they're in an elevated position, like on a counter).  You have to learn how to speak their language so you can say, "You're my family" in a way they'll understand.    Vivi even loves getting kisses    

Wand toys are a great way to bond.  I don't know how you feel about Amazon, but once again I have to refer to their pet section because, simply put, it is the best!  If you look at what's "new and popular' you'll find tons of great interactive toys that have been cat-tested and approved.  Da Bird and Cat Catcher are huge hits in my household.  

I like to say that you get out of your relationship with your cat what you're willing to put into it.  If you treat them like your bestie, they'll become your shadow and follow you around, "talk" to you, enjoy cuddling up with you.  They aren't like dogs in that they won't work for your love- which is more like a codependent relationship, though I'm not knocking dogs in the least!- they'll reciprocate what's given, as in a relationship between equals.  

I hope kitty feels better very soon   

Thank you all for all those info.. Its very informative..
Actually my old cat really loves to head butt me every now and then. Or when Im about to wake up, we cuddle and loves to be my pillow for a while..

I actually tried to order feliway in Amazon. But seems that there is a problem. They cannot send the product in my country, Philippines. Im having an error. Im not so sure if the products are also sold to the pet shops here.

Even though you did apparently do introductions incorrectly (I say that with respect), it sounds as if the two are getting along extremely well so I would not make any changes as far as they are concerned. Leave things the way they are going for now. It is very possible that your adult cat has accepted the kitten but still is quite stressed about the new family member. Make sure, certain, that you are giving the 3 year old cat lots and lots of extra attention even if that means bringing him to your bed to snuggle and sleep. Continue the hand feeding if that is how you are able to get food into him at the moment. Do you free-feed? or schedule feed? Does the kitten bombard your cat during feeding or push him out of his bowl? There are many, many canned food available to help entice a picky eater to eat. I am thinking this is just your cat's way of showing that he is a bit stressed but separating them after they have already been together, and are getting along famously, may cause more issues and stress, IMO. So best to keep things the same and try to comfort your three year old with extra special treats, special canned foods and playtime. Hopefully in another week he will return to his usual self. If he does not, then a vet check is important.

Kittens should eat about 25 or more calories per pound. Adult cats should eat at least 15 or more calories per pound (more for weight gain). IF he is not eating at all, then this is extremely dangerous and needs the vet and needs to be syringe fed. BUT, he is eating from your hand so continue that right now as it seems he needs the security. Keep us posted !!!!

Feralvr said:

Even though you did apparently do introductions incorrectly

(I say that with respect), it sounds as if the two are getting along extremely well so I would not make any changes as far as they are concerned. Leave things the way they are going for now. It is very possible that your adult cat has accepted the kitten but still is quite stressed about the new family member. Make sure, certain, that you are giving the 3 year old cat lots and lots of extra attention even if that means bringing him to your bed to snuggle and sleep. Continue the hand feeding if that is how you are able to get food into him at the moment. Do you free-feed? or schedule feed? Does the kitten bombard your cat during feeding or push him out of his bowl? There are many, many canned food available to help entice a picky eater to eat. I am thinking this is just your cat's way of showing that he is a bit stressed but separating them after they have already been together, and are getting along famously, may cause more issues and stress, IMO. So best to keep things the same and try to comfort your three year old with extra special treats, special canned foods and playtime. Hopefully in another week he will return to his usual self. If he does not, then a vet check is important.


Kittens should eat about 25 or more calories per pound. Adult cats should eat at least 15 or more calories per pound (more for weight gain). IF he is not eating at all, then this is extremely dangerous and needs the vet and needs to be syringe fed. BUT, he is eating from your hand so continue that right now as it seems he needs the security. Keep us posted !!!!

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Hi there Feralvr!! Your primary picture looks exactly like my 3 year old exept for the mark in the nose. I miss him already.. When I have time, I will also share their pictures here. I cant upload here in the office..



In reference to your question, I am doing schedule feed. Im feeding them before I go to work, and when Im home before I sleep.. I always make sure though that there's enough food for them to go back once in a while.. And kitten is eating in a separate bowl..



My 3 year old cat is really sweet and very loving..I really love him for that. What I have notice now is he already went back to his normal eating habits, and he's also going in bed with me now.. I guess he was just stressed out with the new kitten before.. But now, they are sleeping together and always giving the little kitten a bath. He is really sweet.. What I did is to always talk to him, assure him that he was not replaced and he will always be my #1 baby.. I also did what was advise to give extra time to pet and cuddle with him.. I hope he's not gonna change anymore because its making me really nervous.. Thank you so much for the advises.. Your babies are adorable.

Ngeew18 said:

My 3 year old cat is really sweet and very loving..I really love him for that. What I have notice now is he already went back to his normal eating habits, and he's also going in bed with me now.. I guess he was just stressed out with the new kitten before.. But now, they are sleeping together and always giving the little kitten a bath. He is really sweet.. What I did is to always talk to him, assure him that he was not replaced and he will always be my #1 baby.. I also did what was advise to give extra time to pet and cuddle with him.. I hope he's not gonna change anymore because its making me really nervous.. Thank you so much for the advises.. Your babies are adorable.

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OH this IS WONDERFUL news and a great update. I love this when it happens. I kinda figured that your three year old was just going through the motions of adjusting to the new addition to the family. Time, love and patience does wonders and a little extra attention and doting. Very happy and enjoy your new little family all together. I think things will only get better and you won't have to worry. This is all good and I can't see things going the other way. Kittens are usually very easy to bring in because they are so easy going and pretty flexible.

p.s. Would LOVE to see some pictures. ix:

It needs time. An old cat already feels like the king/queen of the castle and having another pet make her feel like she has a competitor for the crown (so to say XD) Don't worry, she'll warm up to the kiten... eventually. Check out this situation

My boyfriend is unaware of the babies sleeping with him.. haha ^^


My old cat accepted the new kitty atlast.. I see them playing and bathing each other once a while.. Thanks everyone..

How gorgeous..

Thank you for sharing.