Pet Lovers

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

The Queen (older cat) has basicaaly stayed away from the kitten and the LR where kitty's enclosure is.  Petunia has gone into the kitchen and stuck her face in older cat's food bowl with Queen glaring from a window sill.

They are both in the LR lying 3 feet apart staring at each other both tails twitching like crazy.

I don't think she will hurt Petunia except for a warning bop on the head.  She would do that to the little orange male I had years ago.  He wanted to play and she wanted no part of him.  Maybe Petunia being a girl will be different.  

Lets hope the fur doesn't start flying.  Queenie is 5x bigger than Petunia.

[Meowingkitty]

I have a 1 year old and 4 other kitties. We got the 1 year old when she was only 4 weeks old. Found her in the back yard. We never had any issues with growling, hissing like I was expecting. Maybe because she was so tiny they just accepted it. Everyone seems to like Char.

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

@Meowingkitty   About 2 hrs. ago the older cat took off for the kitchen with Petunia in hot pursuit running like a maniac.  I was waiting for the older cat to turn around and bean her.

I think they could have fun together but 11 yr. old has always been an old soul.  Had toys galore but really never played.

[Love my grandkids]

@CrazyKittyLvr2 That's common for the cat who has been there longer to use what is called "the kitten flattening paw". It's used to teach kittens proper "manners" when dealing with other cats! It's very effective and doesn't lead to flying fur. Hope this helps.

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

@Love my grandkids   Thanks.  I just don't want Petunia to get hurt.  That's my first and most important worry but also I don't want anymore vet bills.

[ScenicMaine]

@CrazyKittyLvr2 

You're being a very protective Mommy, which is a good thing.  Never hurts to notice the personalities, etc.

IMO, cats have very different personalities.  My 2 couldn't be more different, yet they're sisters, 18 yrs. old.  One is more dominant than the other & the other "knows her place."  A few times a year I need to "scruff" Fluffy for picking fights.  I read an online article for disciplining a cat.  So, you gather the back of the neck of "bad kitty", hold their head down to the surface & "hssss" loudly.  Seems to do the job, no harm done.

Often, the older cats don't take too much of an interest in the younger ones.  I guess they have the attitude of "been there, done that."

[Love my grandkids]

@CrazyKittyLvr2 Holding a cat's scruff on the back of the neck lets the cat know YOU are the one in charge. This comes from mama cats carrying their babies by the scruff.

Good to keep an eye on things, you are a wonderful kitty mom!

[MoonieBaby]

Miss Retired- 

I hope you look good in verticle black and white stripes (with a whistle around your neck) You Might Need To Be  Referee to those two!!!

[FancyPhillyshopper]

As a person with multiple cats over many decades (six now--oldest is 14, youngest is almost two) and perpetually introducing kittens, I usually let the kitten "own" a few rooms alone first.

That way the kitten acquires the smell of the house (yes, this is a true thing that exists in the animal world), and the other cats  (and dogs) will not instantly identify her/him as a stranger.

It also helps the kitten to learn the rooms and locations of all food, litter boxes, toys, etc.

I then introduce the other cats, starting with the friendliest ones first, so the shock is minimal to the group.

Kittens bring energy, fun, and joy.  Even older cats will want to play!

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

Well, Petunia got her first thunk on the head from the Queen.  The older one was sitting near a toy and Petunia jumped on said toy and I think she scared Queenie and that big paw shot out and beaned Petunia.

Didnt phase Petunia.  Later she came up behind big cat and swatted at her tail.  Yep, let's poke the bear.  

It's gonna be a long day.  Plus I'm getting a house full of company today.  Fun.