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- Jan 7, 2025
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Four to five months ago, we adopted a 7-month-old male kitten to be a friend for our 2-year-old resident female cat. Here's where we stand:
Behavior
He's a wonderful companion when alone, but his high energy leads to pouncing and rough play with our resident cat, resulting in fights. His intentions aren't malicious; he just wants to play, but she doesn't, leading to conflicts. Our resident cat is fine with him as long as he leaves her alone. Despite being charming with family and strangers, he won't leave our older cat alone when they're in the same room.
Behaviorist Intervention
We've been working with a cat behaviorist for 2-3 months, employing slow reintroduction techniques, including clicker training and controlled exposure through baby gates. Last night, we reached a significant milestone where the behaviorist said we can start to take barriers down and begin with a "cat party". Essentially our living room was filled with their favorite things in hopes they would pay more attention to those things instead of each other.
Initially, it went well with both cats eating from the same plate without issues. However, it quickly escalated into fights, which we managed to redirect with treats and toys, only for another fight to start minutes after until eventually our behaviorist said to break it up and put the kitten back into his room.
Although the behaviorist said he's seen worse interactions with cats that are now friends, he suggested harness training to control the kitten's pouncing in future interactions but didn't offer clear next steps. We've exhausted all recommended methods, yet there's seemingly little improvement in their dynamic. This feels like a last resort, leaving us feeling quite hopeless. I would do anything to keep this kitten but it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Kitten's Adjustment
Outside of interactions with our resident cat, the kitten is constantly happy, playful, and curious, adjusting well to our home.
Current Setup
We've confined the kitten to our small guest room to manage interactions. Swapping their locations offers some relief and ability for him to get his ya-ya's out, but neither cat enjoys the guest room, and the constant management is exhausting for us. We also use pheromone diffusers and collars.
Our Concerns:
Ideally, we'd love to keep him; we love him dearly and don't want to lose him. However, we're seeking advice. We want him to have a home where he can roam freely without causing stress to another cat.
I'd appreciate any advice, or suggestions on any additional strategies we might not have tried.
Behavior
He's a wonderful companion when alone, but his high energy leads to pouncing and rough play with our resident cat, resulting in fights. His intentions aren't malicious; he just wants to play, but she doesn't, leading to conflicts. Our resident cat is fine with him as long as he leaves her alone. Despite being charming with family and strangers, he won't leave our older cat alone when they're in the same room.
Behaviorist Intervention
We've been working with a cat behaviorist for 2-3 months, employing slow reintroduction techniques, including clicker training and controlled exposure through baby gates. Last night, we reached a significant milestone where the behaviorist said we can start to take barriers down and begin with a "cat party". Essentially our living room was filled with their favorite things in hopes they would pay more attention to those things instead of each other.
Initially, it went well with both cats eating from the same plate without issues. However, it quickly escalated into fights, which we managed to redirect with treats and toys, only for another fight to start minutes after until eventually our behaviorist said to break it up and put the kitten back into his room.
Although the behaviorist said he's seen worse interactions with cats that are now friends, he suggested harness training to control the kitten's pouncing in future interactions but didn't offer clear next steps. We've exhausted all recommended methods, yet there's seemingly little improvement in their dynamic. This feels like a last resort, leaving us feeling quite hopeless. I would do anything to keep this kitten but it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Kitten's Adjustment
Outside of interactions with our resident cat, the kitten is constantly happy, playful, and curious, adjusting well to our home.
Current Setup
We've confined the kitten to our small guest room to manage interactions. Swapping their locations offers some relief and ability for him to get his ya-ya's out, but neither cat enjoys the guest room, and the constant management is exhausting for us. We also use pheromone diffusers and collars.
Our Concerns:
- Are we at the point where rehoming might be the best option for everyone's well-being?
- How do you know when you've given it enough time?
Ideally, we'd love to keep him; we love him dearly and don't want to lose him. However, we're seeking advice. We want him to have a home where he can roam freely without causing stress to another cat.
I'd appreciate any advice, or suggestions on any additional strategies we might not have tried.
)
Agreed. If you really, really want to keep the kitten, wait it out. Remember how much energy you had as a kid? It’s that. He needs to burn it out and the best medicine is patience…and yeah, maybe lots of cat trees. There are even cat wall shelves you can get…maybe a super high one would give your elder cat some space.
