Older cats not accepting new kittens

I have had 2 new MC kittens for about 3 months.

My existing MC cats are 3 years old. The female has never been over friendly to us or to the other cat. She keeps herself to herself, although has rare moments of being really affectionate. The male cat has been the perfect cat so far; really friendly, talkative, always near you, always calm and playful.

When the kittens arrived we introduced them gradually to the others, and continued to give masses of time to the older cats. However, the male cat hissed and growled right from the start. The female avoided them unless they came too close when she would hiss. Since then the female cat has stayed out a lot more and is less affectionate towards us. Somedays she hardly shows up at all, except for food. She has lost a bit of weight. I am not too worried about her, although things could be better.

The male cat is my biggest worry. He is obviously jealous. He was used to being the centre of attention, and despite us being as attentive and loving towards him as we have always been, he is now a really unhappy cat. He has become angry and aggressive. He will attack the kittens if they come too close. He also turns his aggression on us. He growls and scratches if you get too close. I have actually been scared of him, although tried not to show him this. When the kittens are not around he can be fine, but rarely as lovable as he used to be.

The kittens were both neutered 2 weeks ago. I had thought when they were no longer tomcats he might accept them more.This has not happened.

I have tried Feliway, for the last 5 weeks. Both the plug in one, and a spray. The vet has put him on Zyklene for the past 2 weeks, but I have yet to see a huge difference.

If anyone has been through this I would appreciate some advice. I really love all my cats so much, but feel I am living in a war zone at times.


catkrazy

Hi Catkrazy - I have exactly the same problem. I have three older Maine Coons and got a new kitten in June. The two eldest (nearly 5) have accepted him no problem. The three year old (Alfie) has now been nicknamed "The Grinch" because he is constantly hissing and spitting at the kitten. The kitten was neutered this week and Alfie has been on Zylkene for three weeks but to no avail. I've used Zylkene previously for him with good effect but somehow it seems to be no longer working :-( I've also tried Feliway, in plug in and spray form - no help. Any advice would also be gratefull received by myself too :stressed:

Hi Wendy,

OOh dear! Its not an easy situation is it? Trying to keep all the cats happy and making them all feel loved and important is hard work.

The last two days have not been so bad. They all ate together in the kitchen earlier. All on the same level as well. I usually have the two young ones on the floor , the moody male on on the work surface and the tabby girl on top of the cupboards( !! ). Sometimes, if its not raining, two of them eat outside the door on the patio.

So that is progress!


I think Tequila, the ginger hissing beast needs his own space. I am thinking of getting him some sort of cat igloo/hooded bed/kennel type thing where he can retreat to. I am not sure where it will go though. Brandy, my female tabby has her own place above the cupboards in the utility part of the kitchen. She has a quilt up there for a bed. She escapes up there and feels it is her place.

I am not sure if the Zylkene is going to work. I read up on it. I thought it was some sort of cat Prozac, but it is actually a food substance based on milk. I have about a weeks worth left and then back to the vet, so maybe if he continues with the aggression he might need something stronger.

let me know how you are getting on !

All the best, catkrazy

Catkrazy you've got the right idea. Have you ever had the chance to watch a tv show called My Cat From Hell? In the states it is on the Animal Planet channel. You can find bits online. Jackson Galaxy is a cat behaviorist and host of the show. During the show he has informative ideas and tricks to help any situation. From an episode I learned that some cats are tree dwellers and some are bush dwellers. He showed that it helps when the tree dwellers has the high perch and the bush dweller has a bed, box, etc. to feel coxy in. From what I remember it also showed that engaging the cats together in play helps them realize the other cat is helping to capture the prey (toy). Also it is recommended to have one extra box for mulitple cats. So for 4 cats it is recommended to have 5 litter boxes. I wish you the best in getting your kitties to love each other as much as you do!

P.S. I'll have a test of my own in a few days as my 4 month old will meet my brother-in-law's 1.5 year old.

Well, its more-or-less business as usual here. Hissing, swiping, general cat punch-ups 24-7 :stressed: They have plenty of beds - high and low, access to a cat-proof garden with lots of space to hide and climb and more toys than you can shake a stick at, things that whirl round, things that move about, you name it - they've got one. I think things will quieten down over time. Oscar had his snip a week ago and once he has a bath he might get a different, more acceptable smell. I think its really a battle for supremecy. Alfie thinks he's King of The Kingdom, whilst Oscar just wants to rough and tumble him, thus making him look undiginified :smile: If I think back to when Alfie came home he was just as irritating to the older two so I suppose this is just pay-back time