Older cat/kitten interaction

[sherrylynne]

My 6 yr old cat scruffs my 9 week old kitten every time she irritates him. He holds her by the scruff while hunching over top of her. She cries every time, but once he releases her, she comes right back at him. He even dragged her across the floor by the scruff one time. In over 40 years of owning cats, this is the first time I have seen this behaviour. I couldn't post this on my phone, but will try to post the video in the responses to this post so you can see what I mean.

 

[sherrylynne]

 

[ArtNJ]

Generally speaking, its much better when a big cat is willing to pin a kitten than when the big cat acts all scared and hissy, because the later can really linger, while the former teaches the kitten boundaries. So hopefully they end up in a better place this way. Also, if the kitten was actually being hurt, as opposed to getting the equivalent of a head noogie, it wouldn't keep seeking attention. Mother cats carry kittens by the scruff, so that isn't a big deal either. So all is well.

I've not personally had the behavior myself either, and it definitely looks shocking. However, I do know you can trust the kitten to tell you if the big cat is crossing lines. If the kitten isn't afraid, you don't need to be.

 

[sherrylynne]

Perfect, thank you. I had assumed since she comes right back and attacks him, she wasn't being hurt.

 

[susanm9006]

Your older cat is doing what a mom cat would do. Providing discipline when the kitten is being annoying. No pain involved just letting the kitten know who is bigger and in charge.

 

[susanm9006]

A question for you. Is he neutered?

 

[sherrylynne]

Yes he is. He was a rescue and came neutered at 3-4m of age

 

[sherrylynne]

And an update I think he wants to keep her.