new cat, old cats hissing at each other

[cat mom 2020]

i have a visitor cat for the next few weeks and he is being seperate because he was growling

my own two cats are hissing and growling at each other (kitten 6 months, and an adult cat) when they usually get along unless the kitten gets too crazy

will they go back to normal?

 

[FeebysOwner]

It is commonly called re-directed aggression - brought on by the 'visiting' cat. They are upset by the cat's presence, and are lashing out at one another because of it. The only thing you can do is keep them as far away as possible from the visiting cat. If this cat is in a closed off room, you might consider further barricading an area around the door so they can't get anywhere near it. Did your uncle also bring the dog? If so, that is likely adding to the issue with your two cats. You and your uncle need to wash your hands in between pet visits, just so you aren't carrying the smell of the visiting cat to your cats, and vice versa.

You can also take towels or blankets that each of your cats have used and rub them on each other to help remind them of each others' scent, which might help them to settle down a bit. You and your uncle might want to do the same to your clothes with each of the corresponding cats.

In addition to the articles that were shared with you in your previous post (thanksgiving and introducing cats | TheCatSite), take a look at this one too.
Re-directed Aggression In Cats – TheCatSite Articles

 

[cat mom 2020]

It is commonly called re-directed aggression - brought on by the 'visiting' cat. They are upset by the cat's presence, and are lashing out at one another because of it. The only thing you can do is keep them as far away as possible from the visiting cat. If this cat is in a closed off room, you might consider further barricading an area around the door so they can't get anywhere near it. Did your uncle also bring the dog? If so, that is likely adding to the issue with your two cats. You and your uncle need to wash your hands in between pet visits, just so you aren't carrying the smell of the visiting cat to your cats, and vice versa.

You can also take towels or blankets that each of your cats have used and rub them on each other to help remind them of each others' scent, which might help them to settle down a bit. You and your uncle might want to do the same to your clothes with each of the corresponding cats.

In addition to the articles that were shared with you in your previous post (thanksgiving and introducing cats | TheCatSite), take a look at this one too.
Re-directed Aggression In Cats – TheCatSite Articles

everyone in the house is making sure to keep them in seperate rooms (my two cats are together)

 

[ArtNJ]

Yes, they will get back to normal on their own. Provided they don't fight because of the stress, which is unlikely, especially with one still being a kitten. So it should be fine.

Glad you took our advice re: isolation. We didn't want to be all pessimistic on you, but its just that we know how these things go.

If there is an escape, and any cats start fighting, use a towel to grab and separate a cat. If you use your hands, you might get scratched up. When cats are super-stressed, they will attack their human if the human gets too close.

Don't be surprised if you can't pet your cats for a bit. Cats stressed by newcomers act like they are on guard duty, so they don't want cuddles from mom. Sometimes its even worse than that -- they might actually lash out at you if you disregard the signals and try to pet them when they are all worked up.

 

[cat mom 2020]

Yes, they will get back to normal on their own. Provided they don't fight because of the stress, which is unlikely, especially with one still being a kitten. So it should be fine.

Glad you took our advice re: isolation. We didn't want to be all pessimistic on you, but its just that we know how these things go.

If there is an escape, and any cats start fighting, use a towel to grab and separate a cat. If you use your hands, you might get scratched up. When cats are super-stressed, they will attack their human if the human gets too close.

Don't be surprised if you can't pet your cats for a bit. Cats stressed by newcomers act like they are on guard duty, so they don't want cuddles from mom. Sometimes its even worse than that -- they might actually lash out at you if you disregard the signals and try to pet them when they are all worked up.

the younger kitten slept with me last night as usual but the older one is hiding so i set up a small area for him with food, water, a bed, and toys so nobody bothers him

the kitten has met the dog though and they are fine with each other (super friendly dog and kitten who loves everyone)

 

[FeebysOwner]

the younger kitten slept with me last night as usual but the older one is hiding so i set up a small area for him with food, water, a bed, and toys so nobody bothers him...the kitten has met the dog though and they are fine with each other (super friendly dog and kitten who loves everyone)

Since the kitten has been exposed to at least the dog, and was possibly close enough to have exchanged scents, it could bring on a reaction with your older cat since the kitten 'smells' differently. Use the towel/blanket idea to rub on your older cat and then rub on the kitten to make the kitten smell more like the older cat. Good to let him have a safe spot of his own too.

This is a temporary situation, so your best bet is to make sure your two cats get along, even if it means keeping the kitten away from the other animals.

 

[ArtNJ]

Kittens are the most adaptable of cats. As your kitten ages, he may lose this ability to just accept new friends.

I agree with the above that the kitten hanging with the dog might be a problem re: bringing the dog smell back with him into the other cats space.