I fed her, bathed her, and dewormed her. She's eating well and playing. She gets along great with my parents, my rabbit and I.
The only problem is that I have another cat. A british shorthair breed which is kinda cold to everyone.
The cat (her name is Miao-Miao) doesn't really like her. They are hissing and meowing at each other. And it's really bad. Although they don't fight or bite. I don't think it's the kitten's fault cause she's warm to everyone. She even plays with my rabbit. :)
So, my question is how do I reassure my cat, Miao-Miao, that she's still loved by us. (She's a rescued cat too. ) And help her accept the kitten as a companion?
I want the kitten to know that she's the younger one and that Miao-Miao's 'in charge'. But I don't want Miao-Miao to bully the kitten.
Please help. Thanks in advance. :)
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Don't change Miao-Miao's routine, or the attention you give to her...when playing with kitten, you can include her but she may just prefer to watch...let them work out the "boss" situation themselves, give the kitten her own place to eat, sleep, etc.. eventually, they will get use to each other and either like each other or tolerate each other. I have an older cat, who tolerates the younger one, but sometimes they do play but the younger one knows who's boss!! I make sure each gets their on attention they also have a brother who is a Pappiion dog..who loves to play with the younger and is scared to death of the older one:)
Don't force contact. Keep them apart for a little while (like keep the kitten in a bedroom or fence off a certain part of your home). And introduce them to each other once a day but keep a close eye on them. When Miao-Miao starts to act hostile, separate them again. As days go by, put them together more frequently. Miao-Miao will get used to the kitten eventually, but a little bit of fighting/hissing/batting every now and then is ok because that's just what cats do. Just as long as they aren't actually hurting eachother.
Unfortunately there is not a whole lot you can do in the way of "kitty relationships". Just make sure you give Miao Miao some alone time with you and make sure she knows she is still loved. But the rest they will work out themselves. It could take a couple of days or it could take a couple of weeks, but don't force them to be in the same room. They will eventually come around.
Cats ALWAYS hiss/growl and meow at each other the first few days they meet! and dont worry, since your other cat, Miao-miao, seems more dominant, the younger kitten will learn her place. and miao-miao may bully the kitten for a little while, until one or the other decides who is boss, and then they usually become best buds after a few months or maybe even weeks(my new kitten hissed and growled at my cat but after a few days they are inseperable already!&play/snuggle each other) :)
Here is a link on how to introduce a kitten to your current cat, and what to expect from them first meeting
Usually you just have to let the cats work it out themselves. If neither is getting injured, you've got time to let them. However, I've had many cats and have found that sometimes they never work it out. You said you wanted Miao-Miao to be in charge, and she may be for a while. Be warned, when the kitten grows up--the worm may turn!
Don't blame it on your first cat, and if they are fighting and start hurting each other then it is the stray, she has come in and has upset the first kitty... think about it. Maybe ask for some advice from your vet.
It's going to take time and don't force them together. Treat them both the same and make sure nothing has changed with your other cat.
IVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY KITTENS ONE WAS OLDER THEN THE OTHER SIMPLY JUST HOLD BOTH OF THEM AND BRING THEM CLOSER TOGETHER TRY THIS LIKE TWO TIMES A DAY AND EVENTUALLY THEY'LL GET USE TO EACH OTHER IF IT DOESN'T WORK IM SORRY.
dont force it, let it happen gradually, they will get used to each other, they may not be the best of friends, but will have to stop fighting
btw good job rescuing two cats its a good thing your doing
Cats have strange personallities, thats all I can say