15yo cat thrives with a companion but lost his mate in February.
He’s aggressive with adult cats but loves kittens. We adopted an orphaned kitten that didn’t make it. He loved that kitten (as he seemed to love all the fosters we’ve had before).
Well, that was painful for me, but a month later and a very needy, clingy cat reminded me I wanted a kitten for HIM not just me.. so we adopted a 10 week old (and healthy) sweet girl.
My 15yo, although non violent, is on day 3 of not having it. He angrily hisses at her and stays away. He won’t eat unless I put her in the other room and won’t even eat his treats (he’s a crazy eater, so this is a big deal.. he NEVER refuses food, even in the presence of fear)..
When I’m showing him her, I’m holding her to help control the situation, because first introductions I put her down and his body language scared me. He cornered her under a chair and aggressively hissed until I took her away.
He attacked my dog years ago and I grabbed him (my dog is 120lbs) to prevent my dog from responding and as a result my cat started biting and scratching me still in the moment... I had bruises, needed stitches and was surprised at the damage done. I Say with complete certainty, my 30+ lbs cat could easily kill this kitten.
I’m going slow, showing the kitten to the resident cat every day, but not interfering with his comfort and routine.
Have I made a mistake? Is there anything I can do to encourage a good friendship?? What are some reasons my cat wouldn’t like this particular kitten??
He’s aggressive with adult cats but loves kittens. We adopted an orphaned kitten that didn’t make it. He loved that kitten (as he seemed to love all the fosters we’ve had before).
Well, that was painful for me, but a month later and a very needy, clingy cat reminded me I wanted a kitten for HIM not just me.. so we adopted a 10 week old (and healthy) sweet girl.
My 15yo, although non violent, is on day 3 of not having it. He angrily hisses at her and stays away. He won’t eat unless I put her in the other room and won’t even eat his treats (he’s a crazy eater, so this is a big deal.. he NEVER refuses food, even in the presence of fear)..
When I’m showing him her, I’m holding her to help control the situation, because first introductions I put her down and his body language scared me. He cornered her under a chair and aggressively hissed until I took her away.
He attacked my dog years ago and I grabbed him (my dog is 120lbs) to prevent my dog from responding and as a result my cat started biting and scratching me still in the moment... I had bruises, needed stitches and was surprised at the damage done. I Say with complete certainty, my 30+ lbs cat could easily kill this kitten.
I’m going slow, showing the kitten to the resident cat every day, but not interfering with his comfort and routine.
Have I made a mistake? Is there anything I can do to encourage a good friendship?? What are some reasons my cat wouldn’t like this particular kitten??
