Hi
I recently adopted a 3 month old kitten from a foster home that he shared with 6 other cats, 3 of which were adults. This kitten was found out in the cold alone when he was 4 weeks old. When I first brought him home 2 weeks ago he ate like he was starving.
I also have a 4 year old resident cat that I adopted 2 years ago. She is very gentle and a bit shy. I believe she was abused. She is afraid of pots and pans rattling and does not like me in the kitchen when she eats most of the time. This kitten growls at resident cat. She then looks nervous and backs away from the bowl then leaves the kitchen. Kitten also constantly jumps on her head and bites her tail. She does not like this. They play fight and chase each other; finally after a week of resident kitty hissing and growling and I thought establishing her territory.
Kitten also harasses me while I'm eating and tries to take my food by constantly pawing at me. I normally just take him off couch where I eat and sit him on the floor and say "no." It works for about five minutes.
I guess my question is how long do you think it will be before kitten realizes he does not have to gulp down his food or growl to protect his food? I have no way to separate them unless I put one in the bathroom which is not feasible in the morning as I leave for work. Resident cat seems to think she has to wait for kitten to finish then she goes to eat. I wish he would not disturb resident cat so much. Should I just give it more time? I feel bad that I have disturbed resident cat's routine and quiet home. I think they are bonding and she might enjoy the company while I am gone most days. Sometimes she initiates the play. Sometimes she walks away in apparent irritation. Can I stop kitten from jumping on resident or should I let them work that out? She does let him know who's boss but he keeps coming almost non-stop. We do have plenty of toys and two cat trees.
So many things I did not consider when adopting a kitten. Its been 20 years since I had a kitten and I have never introduced one to a resident cat. Its been pretty stressful for myself and resident cat. Kitten is unbothered by anything! Maybe I am again worrying for nothing. Thoughts or advice appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I recently adopted a 3 month old kitten from a foster home that he shared with 6 other cats, 3 of which were adults. This kitten was found out in the cold alone when he was 4 weeks old. When I first brought him home 2 weeks ago he ate like he was starving.
I also have a 4 year old resident cat that I adopted 2 years ago. She is very gentle and a bit shy. I believe she was abused. She is afraid of pots and pans rattling and does not like me in the kitchen when she eats most of the time. This kitten growls at resident cat. She then looks nervous and backs away from the bowl then leaves the kitchen. Kitten also constantly jumps on her head and bites her tail. She does not like this. They play fight and chase each other; finally after a week of resident kitty hissing and growling and I thought establishing her territory.
Kitten also harasses me while I'm eating and tries to take my food by constantly pawing at me. I normally just take him off couch where I eat and sit him on the floor and say "no." It works for about five minutes.
I guess my question is how long do you think it will be before kitten realizes he does not have to gulp down his food or growl to protect his food? I have no way to separate them unless I put one in the bathroom which is not feasible in the morning as I leave for work. Resident cat seems to think she has to wait for kitten to finish then she goes to eat. I wish he would not disturb resident cat so much. Should I just give it more time? I feel bad that I have disturbed resident cat's routine and quiet home. I think they are bonding and she might enjoy the company while I am gone most days. Sometimes she initiates the play. Sometimes she walks away in apparent irritation. Can I stop kitten from jumping on resident or should I let them work that out? She does let him know who's boss but he keeps coming almost non-stop. We do have plenty of toys and two cat trees.
So many things I did not consider when adopting a kitten. Its been 20 years since I had a kitten and I have never introduced one to a resident cat. Its been pretty stressful for myself and resident cat. Kitten is unbothered by anything! Maybe I am again worrying for nothing. Thoughts or advice appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Last edited:
