We just introduced a new kitten (2 months) to a recently adopted cat (1 year old; we've had him for two months). They're both playful cats on their own. We introduced the cats as has been suggested (kept the kitten in a smaller area with its own litter box and food), contact done bit by bit, lots of positive reinforcement, but we did it rather quickly (over a couple days) as the cats seemed very anxious to meet each other and were not hissing or displaying any aggressive behavior.
Once introduced, they started doing what looks like playing. The kitten runs up to the older cat, and swats at him (with claws retracted), and then the older one chases and pounces. We're positive the older one is playing -- no hissing, claws completely retracted, withdraws after cornering the kitten, etc. He could easily dominate the little guy, but always backs off, or lies down when the kitten starts to get ornery.
It's the kitten we're not sure about. He is often initiating the contact, but sometimes when the bigger one pounces, he rolls onto his back and starts to hiss and sometimes growls a little. He looks like his claws aren't totally out, but it's hard to be sure. His behavior looks more aggressive, but he's much smaller too. He doesn't seem afraid though, as he often retreats under a couch or chair, but then comes right back out moments later to engage the older cat again.
During this past hour, they kept repeating this behavior, but there were also a few times when they'd both lay down and be just fine (at one point, they both crawled under the couch and were side by side facing out).
We're not sure if this is normal young cat playful behavior, or if we should back them off and introduce them more gradually. We've separated them for the evening, but aren't sure what to do next. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Once introduced, they started doing what looks like playing. The kitten runs up to the older cat, and swats at him (with claws retracted), and then the older one chases and pounces. We're positive the older one is playing -- no hissing, claws completely retracted, withdraws after cornering the kitten, etc. He could easily dominate the little guy, but always backs off, or lies down when the kitten starts to get ornery.
It's the kitten we're not sure about. He is often initiating the contact, but sometimes when the bigger one pounces, he rolls onto his back and starts to hiss and sometimes growls a little. He looks like his claws aren't totally out, but it's hard to be sure. His behavior looks more aggressive, but he's much smaller too. He doesn't seem afraid though, as he often retreats under a couch or chair, but then comes right back out moments later to engage the older cat again.
During this past hour, they kept repeating this behavior, but there were also a few times when they'd both lay down and be just fine (at one point, they both crawled under the couch and were side by side facing out).
We're not sure if this is normal young cat playful behavior, or if we should back them off and introduce them more gradually. We've separated them for the evening, but aren't sure what to do next. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.