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Big cat bites kitten
Hello!
I have a 3 year old neutered cat, who is really sweet but spends a lot of time alone. I just adopted a 9 week old kitten to make him company, and he has been with us for two weeks. He is really playful and full of energy. The two of them get along fine (no hissing or other bad things) and play together, eat together, etc. The only problem is that the older cat follows the kitten around a lot and almost everytime that the older one catches the kitten, he will bite him, to the point that the kitten will complain with meows (I think in pain). This happens all the time, and we tried feliway, beaphar calming spot on, etc, nothing works. Is this normal? How can I change this behaviour? I can't leave them alone like this, it is too dangerous.
I have a 3 year old neutered cat, who is really sweet but spends a lot of time alone. I just adopted a 9 week old kitten to make him company, and he has been with us for two weeks. He is really playful and full of energy. The two of them get along fine (no hissing or other bad things) and play together, eat together, etc. The only problem is that the older cat follows the kitten around a lot and almost everytime that the older one catches the kitten, he will bite him, to the point that the kitten will complain with meows (I think in pain). This happens all the time, and we tried feliway, beaphar calming spot on, etc, nothing works. Is this normal? How can I change this behaviour? I can't leave them alone like this, it is too dangerous.
Hi AKC_75,
Thanks for your answer. I am giving them time, no worries :) I read a lot about cat behaviour and talk with my vet. I watch Jackson Galaxy, but I don't follow all of his advices religiously, I try to adapt. However I do follow some stuff (like play therapy, etc...) :)
My cats are getting better. At this moment they are in the same room with the occasional bitting (not that many, which is great) , Beethoven is in his throne (the top of his cat tree) and baby Summer is playing around. They eat together, and when they are separated they start meowing to go to the other one. It seems that things are getting better, I just hope that the biting will be gone soon :)
Thanks for your answer. I am giving them time, no worries :) I read a lot about cat behaviour and talk with my vet. I watch Jackson Galaxy, but I don't follow all of his advices religiously, I try to adapt. However I do follow some stuff (like play therapy, etc...) :)
My cats are getting better. At this moment they are in the same room with the occasional bitting (not that many, which is great) , Beethoven is in his throne (the top of his cat tree) and baby Summer is playing around. They eat together, and when they are separated they start meowing to go to the other one. It seems that things are getting better, I just hope that the biting will be gone soon :)
Let me clarify...
I did not mean to insinuate that anyone gave bad or ill-fated advice. I hope no one took it that way. Its just that if u applied it ALL, ALL AT ONCE...
I just think yall need to remember that Jackson is called in to see the most extreme cases. (The one where he fed the older cat first....the younger one was not a baby still and she had major attitude.) And I do not believe this case is severe, let alone, extreme.
U just got the kitten. Give them time.....in 5 yrs if there is bloodshed, THEN I might get concerned.
I did not mean to insinuate that anyone gave bad or ill-fated advice. I hope no one took it that way. Its just that if u applied it ALL, ALL AT ONCE...
I just think yall need to remember that Jackson is called in to see the most extreme cases. (The one where he fed the older cat first....the younger one was not a baby still and she had major attitude.) And I do not believe this case is severe, let alone, extreme.
U just got the kitten. Give them time.....in 5 yrs if there is bloodshed, THEN I might get concerned.
I, too, wattch My Cat From Hell religiously and one thing he continually gripes about is ppl taking bits of info from the shows and trying to apply them when they have no clue what is even going on...and...he says EACH CASE IS DIFFERENT!!!! So, please please please be careful with your advice.
That being said...my tidbit is this. Violence with cats involves growling. If there is no growling then I would "assume" (I say that cause I am not there to witness it myself.) the others are right about the pecking order thing and I would not be so freaked.
Now, that being said...again I say, I would not neccessarily take every step that every person suggests. It is different situations. Yes, supervise them that it does not get violent....but at the same time, they are animals and to a degree you have to let them figure out the "rules" they have for each other.
That being said...my tidbit is this. Violence with cats involves growling. If there is no growling then I would "assume" (I say that cause I am not there to witness it myself.) the others are right about the pecking order thing and I would not be so freaked.
Now, that being said...again I say, I would not neccessarily take every step that every person suggests. It is different situations. Yes, supervise them that it does not get violent....but at the same time, they are animals and to a degree you have to let them figure out the "rules" they have for each other.
Hi FurballsMom!
Many thanks for your answer! No worries, I will get him neutered asap, it has been on my plans since I got him. But he is still too small (2 months now), so I have to wait a bit more (but it is booked already ;) ).
Indeed I am already doing the feeding, playing, petting to the older one first.
I am following all the good things, I hope :)
Many thanks for your answer! No worries, I will get him neutered asap, it has been on my plans since I got him. But he is still too small (2 months now), so I have to wait a bit more (but it is booked already ;) ).
Indeed I am already doing the feeding, playing, petting to the older one first.
I am following all the good things, I hope :)
Definitely still get the baby neutered. The sooner the better in this case, because it may prevent that first surge of male hormones in the younger cat that comes when cats are only a few months old. Do it as soon as possible. Don't wait.
One thing I've seen from Jackson Galaxy, if you haven't already done so, is ALWAYS feed the older cat FIRST and in sight of the younger cat--since they're already fed together. He had a show where he did this. I think it was two females. Still all cats are territorial, but males are even more territorial than females. Always feed the older cat first, because it shows that you recognize and respect the pecking order. It definitely matters to cats about who gets fed first--more than it does to us. Also, in the same show, he demonstrated that it matters who gets pet first. So, ALWAYS pet the older cat first. And, the same thing when it comes to play time. ALWAYS play with the older cat first. It's not me saying this, by the way, because I watch My Cat From Hell, too. These are the very things that Jackson Galaxy said in the episode I'm referring to. He said to always do these cat things with the older cat first for the reason I already stated. It will help the older cat have confidence that he's still the top cat in the pecking order, and it will help prevent the younger one from getting any ideas about trying to dominate the older cat as the younger cat becomes an adult.
And, I can't emphasize enough that the younger male cat must also be neutered and neutered now in order to prevent that first surge of male hormones that will happen in all male cats that aren't neutered. In this case, timing is actually crucial, as it will help keep the peace.
One thing I've seen from Jackson Galaxy, if you haven't already done so, is ALWAYS feed the older cat FIRST and in sight of the younger cat--since they're already fed together. He had a show where he did this. I think it was two females. Still all cats are territorial, but males are even more territorial than females. Always feed the older cat first, because it shows that you recognize and respect the pecking order. It definitely matters to cats about who gets fed first--more than it does to us. Also, in the same show, he demonstrated that it matters who gets pet first. So, ALWAYS pet the older cat first. And, the same thing when it comes to play time. ALWAYS play with the older cat first. It's not me saying this, by the way, because I watch My Cat From Hell, too. These are the very things that Jackson Galaxy said in the episode I'm referring to. He said to always do these cat things with the older cat first for the reason I already stated. It will help the older cat have confidence that he's still the top cat in the pecking order, and it will help prevent the younger one from getting any ideas about trying to dominate the older cat as the younger cat becomes an adult.
And, I can't emphasize enough that the younger male cat must also be neutered and neutered now in order to prevent that first surge of male hormones that will happen in all male cats that aren't neutered. In this case, timing is actually crucial, as it will help keep the peace.
Hi zodiacqueen!
They are separated at all times, except when we are at home and watching :) My older cat bites the little one everywhere, but I always try to avoid the neck or becoming too rough for the baby. However, I see that when the baby meows ("hey, you are hurting me"), the older one stops a little bit.
I have 3 litter boxes, and my older one is neutered, so I hope territory marking won't happen :)
Many thanks for your answer!
They are separated at all times, except when we are at home and watching :) My older cat bites the little one everywhere, but I always try to avoid the neck or becoming too rough for the baby. However, I see that when the baby meows ("hey, you are hurting me"), the older one stops a little bit.
I have 3 litter boxes, and my older one is neutered, so I hope territory marking won't happen :)
Many thanks for your answer!
Hi CML2014!
Many thanks for your answer :) I am indeed a big fan of Jackson Galaxy, but I never had someone call my older cat Cat Daddy ahahah, so I really enjoyed it :)
I read a lot of cat behavior books, but sometimes there are these small things that are missing there, like this I-don't-know-if-biting-or-fighting. I do see now that they seem a little bit better (they even eat from the same plate now, at the same time, although they have separate ones), but the biting continues, so I will keep an eye on it.
Thanks again!
Many thanks for your answer :) I am indeed a big fan of Jackson Galaxy, but I never had someone call my older cat Cat Daddy ahahah, so I really enjoyed it :)
I read a lot of cat behavior books, but sometimes there are these small things that are missing there, like this I-don't-know-if-biting-or-fighting. I do see now that they seem a little bit better (they even eat from the same plate now, at the same time, although they have separate ones), but the biting continues, so I will keep an eye on it.
Thanks again!
That was a great answer by CML!!
I just wanted to add that your older cat is trying to establish dominance-letting the kitten know that it is HIS house. This battle for dominance must happen and happens in any household, it is natural. You must make sure that your older cat is not biting the little one's neck. Now, that is dangerous! I think the cats should be kept separate when no one is home and at night when you go to sleep. They will need supervision until things resolve. I have a feeling that this will resolve and they will be the best of buddies!!
I would also like to suggest getting at least 2 litter boxes. They usually say get a litter box for each cat plus one extra box-of course, that would be 3 boxes. Otherwise, you might have another problem of the cats(probably the older one) going outside the box to establish territory.
Good luck! Come on back with an update!
I just wanted to add that your older cat is trying to establish dominance-letting the kitten know that it is HIS house. This battle for dominance must happen and happens in any household, it is natural. You must make sure that your older cat is not biting the little one's neck. Now, that is dangerous! I think the cats should be kept separate when no one is home and at night when you go to sleep. They will need supervision until things resolve. I have a feeling that this will resolve and they will be the best of buddies!!
I would also like to suggest getting at least 2 litter boxes. They usually say get a litter box for each cat plus one extra box-of course, that would be 3 boxes. Otherwise, you might have another problem of the cats(probably the older one) going outside the box to establish territory.
Good luck! Come on back with an update!
Hi T,
Here there is actually a guy on T.V. that knows everything about cat behavior and he is called "Cat Daddy" so I cannot take the credit for that
Name. It is pretty cool thugh.
Anyway, I am hoping others will chime in on your post. I think this may be because they are both male cats. Daddy is very territorial and wants to make sure the little man is not crossing boundaries he has set. So when you see him place him on his back with the his mouth, He is teaching the new kitty to be submissive to him--He is the boss. I think once your little guy gets neutered it may make all the difference.
Two males in the same house is a challenge at first because dominance, status , and territory is theirs by nature. Hopefully this will change, but if you can call your vet, maybe he will have some ideas. Do not give up on the little guy. Perhaps Daddy will do all the teaching, and the little man will not be so Mean to you too.
Keep us posted--You sound like you have done all the right things in socializing them. You seem to know cats, so keep doing what you are doing. Perhaps a book on Cat Behavior??
Wish you got the Cat Daddy show where you are. He is amazing with behavior issues in cats!
Best Wishes to all,
CML
Here there is actually a guy on T.V. that knows everything about cat behavior and he is called "Cat Daddy" so I cannot take the credit for that
Name. It is pretty cool thugh.
Anyway, I am hoping others will chime in on your post. I think this may be because they are both male cats. Daddy is very territorial and wants to make sure the little man is not crossing boundaries he has set. So when you see him place him on his back with the his mouth, He is teaching the new kitty to be submissive to him--He is the boss. I think once your little guy gets neutered it may make all the difference.
Two males in the same house is a challenge at first because dominance, status , and territory is theirs by nature. Hopefully this will change, but if you can call your vet, maybe he will have some ideas. Do not give up on the little guy. Perhaps Daddy will do all the teaching, and the little man will not be so Mean to you too.
Keep us posted--You sound like you have done all the right things in socializing them. You seem to know cats, so keep doing what you are doing. Perhaps a book on Cat Behavior??
Wish you got the Cat Daddy show where you are. He is amazing with behavior issues in cats!
Best Wishes to all,
CML
Hi!
Thank you for your answer :)
I did allow them to get to know each other slowly (first trough smell, then swapping places), they did not see each other immediately.
Sometimes I notice that the kitten bites Cat Daddy (thanks for the nickname ahaha, I really enjoyed it!), but other times is the older one that goes after the kitten (even if he is quiet or not doing anything). So, it can be discipline but other times it doesn't really have a reason.
He does the thing of paw to the nose (claws retracted, he doesn't hurt him), but the bites seem really violent... This morning, for example, the older one bit the kitten in the neck (the inside part, not the part where they get transported), and the kitten just didn't move while under his teeth. After, the kitten run away, but 2 seconds later he came back, so I don't think he felt threatened. They are separated during the day, they only see each other when I arrive home. I try to make their interaction as positive as possible (I only play with them when they are together, I feed them together...)
I'll try to get a video here, so everybody can have a look.
Thanks!
PS: Sorry about my English, I'm not native.
Thank you for your answer :)
I did allow them to get to know each other slowly (first trough smell, then swapping places), they did not see each other immediately.
Sometimes I notice that the kitten bites Cat Daddy (thanks for the nickname ahaha, I really enjoyed it!), but other times is the older one that goes after the kitten (even if he is quiet or not doing anything). So, it can be discipline but other times it doesn't really have a reason.
He does the thing of paw to the nose (claws retracted, he doesn't hurt him), but the bites seem really violent... This morning, for example, the older one bit the kitten in the neck (the inside part, not the part where they get transported), and the kitten just didn't move while under his teeth. After, the kitten run away, but 2 seconds later he came back, so I don't think he felt threatened. They are separated during the day, they only see each other when I arrive home. I try to make their interaction as positive as possible (I only play with them when they are together, I feed them together...)
I'll try to get a video here, so everybody can have a look.
Thanks!
PS: Sorry about my English, I'm not native.
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Did you allow any time for the two of them to be separated and get used to each other before you allowed them to be in the same room , supervised of course?
Mother cats will discipline their kittens with little bites--never breaking skin or a paw to the nose. Has the little one been doing something the big one does not feel is appropriate? If so this could be all it is.
Until you find out if it is a disciplinary action, I would NOT leave them alone in the SAME room, but I think it would be ok with the kitten in his own are with food ,water ,litter box and a place to hide and sleep, with toys.
Kind of like his own Apartment. Let the big cat have the house and if you allow them to play together always make sure you have a little box of sorts that the kitten can feel he can retreat and hide if things get a little squirrely!
I am sure others here will chime in with their ideas.
Keep us posted on Kat Daddy and the little one, K?
CML