I have just introduced a new kitten into our household. Sootie is a black smoke female British Shorthair (12 weeks old). I have two other cats: Noo Noo the fluffy grey neutered male moggy (5 years old) and Frida the seal spotted speyed Tonkinese (5 months old).
Noo (who has no territorial instinct whatsoever) is nonplussed, as he spends most of his time outside and as long as the foodbowl is attended is generally happy. I got Frida as a companion for Noo, who had a bad upbringing (until I adopted him at 4 months of age). He has become a lot happier since Frida arrived - coming inside more and being more relaxed - but he doesn't provide Frida with the close and youthful companionship that she needs. Hence the kitten.
But Frida thinks that she is my baby and has been aggressive from the word go. I made the initial mistake of placing Sootie in a room that has a chair in it that Frida likes to sit on. Frida is no fool and I had to introduce them sooner than I would have liked. Sootie has since been moved to the downstairs bedroom which is neutral territory. I sleep with her downstairs so that Frida can retain her kingpin position in our bed with my partner, but this is not suitable long-term.
Frida hisses and growls at Sootie. I tried the tactic of putting Sootie in a cage so that Frida and Noo could adjust to her presence. I also rubbed their scents all over one another before I did this, and continue to do it. I feed all of them together, talk soothingly and blink and smile reassuringly. I pay extra attention to Frida. Sootie can now come out of the cage (which is better because she was vocally unhappy about being in it, which just stressed everyone out more) but I wouldn't leave her alone with Frida, who prowls and growls and will lash out if she feels the need.
What else can I do?
I don't want to ruin the special relationship that I have with Frida, and I don't want Sootie to remain the underdog forever. Sootie is a sprightly little thing and I believe that the girls have a lot in common and could be best mates if Frida lets go of the aggression. Noo couldn't care less but is sick of Frida's growling and, being the non-confrontational cat that he is, disappears outside.
Although these are early days (day 3 to be precise) and some progress has been made I would appreciate advice. I am intuitive, patient, and get on well with cats. If I had not recognised the loneliness in Frida (and I was right about Noo) I would not have got another kitten.
Sootie is having a nap on my knee. Frida has taken over the cage (the funny little girl has always loved the carry-cage) and is having a nap in that. Noo is out and about. So for now, all is peaceful - but puds don't nap forever!
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your replies.
Pudlover, Frida, Sootie and Noo Noo
Noo (who has no territorial instinct whatsoever) is nonplussed, as he spends most of his time outside and as long as the foodbowl is attended is generally happy. I got Frida as a companion for Noo, who had a bad upbringing (until I adopted him at 4 months of age). He has become a lot happier since Frida arrived - coming inside more and being more relaxed - but he doesn't provide Frida with the close and youthful companionship that she needs. Hence the kitten.
But Frida thinks that she is my baby and has been aggressive from the word go. I made the initial mistake of placing Sootie in a room that has a chair in it that Frida likes to sit on. Frida is no fool and I had to introduce them sooner than I would have liked. Sootie has since been moved to the downstairs bedroom which is neutral territory. I sleep with her downstairs so that Frida can retain her kingpin position in our bed with my partner, but this is not suitable long-term.
Frida hisses and growls at Sootie. I tried the tactic of putting Sootie in a cage so that Frida and Noo could adjust to her presence. I also rubbed their scents all over one another before I did this, and continue to do it. I feed all of them together, talk soothingly and blink and smile reassuringly. I pay extra attention to Frida. Sootie can now come out of the cage (which is better because she was vocally unhappy about being in it, which just stressed everyone out more) but I wouldn't leave her alone with Frida, who prowls and growls and will lash out if she feels the need.
What else can I do?
I don't want to ruin the special relationship that I have with Frida, and I don't want Sootie to remain the underdog forever. Sootie is a sprightly little thing and I believe that the girls have a lot in common and could be best mates if Frida lets go of the aggression. Noo couldn't care less but is sick of Frida's growling and, being the non-confrontational cat that he is, disappears outside.
Although these are early days (day 3 to be precise) and some progress has been made I would appreciate advice. I am intuitive, patient, and get on well with cats. If I had not recognised the loneliness in Frida (and I was right about Noo) I would not have got another kitten.
Sootie is having a nap on my knee. Frida has taken over the cage (the funny little girl has always loved the carry-cage) and is having a nap in that. Noo is out and about. So for now, all is peaceful - but puds don't nap forever!
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your replies.
Pudlover, Frida, Sootie and Noo Noo
