Hello, I am new to this forum and have been reading everything I can about kitten behavior. 3 nights ago I took in 2 kittens. The older one, Kyo, is 6-7 weeks old, and the baby, Yuki, is 3-4 weeks and tiny. Both were found abandoned and I couldn’t say no. Kyo is a super active, goofy snuggle bug. He’s eating kitten food like a champ and uses the litter box.
Yuki is a different story. I’ve been bottle feeding him, it’s been a struggle for both of us but it’s working. He’s gaining weight, becoming more active, and is starting to get brave and explore the house which is adorable. The problem is that Kyo keeps attacking him. I know kittens play rough but because of their size difference I’m worried that Yuki is going to get hurt…he’s just so little. I’ve read a bunch of posts on this subject but have to ask, is it possible Kyo thinks Yuki is prey or is he just doing what he would naturally do with litter mates? They’re never alone unsupervised and my son and I try to referee them but we’re both worried about little Yuki. It’s probably obvious to everyone that we’re first time pet parents. They’ve had a rough start in life and I want to do everything as “right” as possible for them and not interfere with their natural development.
Kyo has toys and loves to pounce and do the bunny leg thing when he catches his cheese on a stick or taco cat toys, and he is getting better at not “attacking” human hands and feet : ) My concern is that he’ll try to “bunny leg” Yuki before we can stop him…do kittens even do that? I feel like they don’t but have no frame of reference so I’m asking you all. For anyone wondering, yes I realize I sound crazy.
Yuki is a different story. I’ve been bottle feeding him, it’s been a struggle for both of us but it’s working. He’s gaining weight, becoming more active, and is starting to get brave and explore the house which is adorable. The problem is that Kyo keeps attacking him. I know kittens play rough but because of their size difference I’m worried that Yuki is going to get hurt…he’s just so little. I’ve read a bunch of posts on this subject but have to ask, is it possible Kyo thinks Yuki is prey or is he just doing what he would naturally do with litter mates? They’re never alone unsupervised and my son and I try to referee them but we’re both worried about little Yuki. It’s probably obvious to everyone that we’re first time pet parents. They’ve had a rough start in life and I want to do everything as “right” as possible for them and not interfere with their natural development.
Kyo has toys and loves to pounce and do the bunny leg thing when he catches his cheese on a stick or taco cat toys, and he is getting better at not “attacking” human hands and feet : ) My concern is that he’ll try to “bunny leg” Yuki before we can stop him…do kittens even do that? I feel like they don’t but have no frame of reference so I’m asking you all. For anyone wondering, yes I realize I sound crazy.