Trouble Introducing Two Kittens

archerandastrid

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
1
Purraise
0
So I got two kittens and I got the first one about two weeks before the other. The first is Archer, he's 13 weeks old ragdoll/britishshorthair mix, that I rehomed from a family that could no longer take care of him. He wasn't desexed yet. The second kitten Astrid, she's 14 weeks, british shorthair and she is already desexed. I got the second kitten as Archer was showing signs of anxiety when I wasn't around and I didn't have enough energy to keep up with the amount of stimulation he needed (which is surprisingly far more than what Astrid needs!). He is actually quite clingy and stops eating if I'm not within his eye sight.

I spent a few days with a slow introduction (scent swapping, feeding them on either side of separated by doors), but the introductions have soured after they were accidentally let into the same room. Astrid is actually friendly as she attempts to sniff him and tries to play. However, Archer begins with swatting, then biting, the growling. I have to stop him every time I re-introduce them as it continually escalates as she starts hissing, crying, and she is unable to run away. She hasn't been injured yet, thankfully, and I stop them before it gets worse.

He is actually well socialised with people, but I am concerned that he is either territorial (immediately uses her litter box the moment he sees it), or just very possessive despite only have a 2 week head start of being at home! He shows all the signs of aggressive behaviour - tail wagging, forward ears, dilated pupils, growling, and chattering as he looks for her around the house. It's not reciprocal play and he even attempts to attack her when she's either eating or toileting. He goes on the search for her when I return her to the safe room. I've tried fostering positive experiences with snacks and playing with them. I've even got Feliway difffusers up...

I'm really not sure what to do next. Archer is at the vet getting desexed in the morning, but I don't think that's gonna change anything in terms of his behaviour as he is so young. If you have any suggestions, let me know...
 

ArtNJ

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 1, 2017
Messages
5,485
Purraise
6,957
You have to let them work it out. Two kittens that young are going to end up friends, or at least get to full toleration with maybe occassional issues during play, 99% of the time. It might be hard to watch, but its the best way.

A video might be helpful. We can either reassure you, or very unlikely, let you know that maybe this is the very rare case where intervention is needed.
 

Furballsmom

Cat Devotee
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jan 9, 2018
Messages
39,270
Purraise
53,927
Location
Colorado US
Hi! Welcome!!
It could be that, as you mentioned you don't really have the time for, Archer needs more play-time to wear him out, or a kitten buddy with a different, more aggressive personality.
 

FeebysOwner

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 13, 2018
Messages
22,429
Purraise
33,191
Location
Central FL (Born in OH)
Top