Interacting cat and kitten

[tassja21]

We've had a female cat who is about 7-8 for 2 years and we brought home a female kitten over 5 weeks ago. We read how to introduce them slowly, but the older cat is still hissing, growling and still trying to attack the little one. We have also bought the Feliway diffuser which seems to have stopped the spraying, but how can we get the older cat to accept the kitten. Any ideas PLEASE!!

[showcatbenga]

Sadly, you forgot to consult your first cat before you got the kitten. She was obviously very happy as an only (furry) child! She may never accept the kitten & you may have to 'divide' the house or even consider re-homing the kitten. Some other things that could help are providing many more 'facilities' or 'resources'. More feeding stations, resting places (both high up away from the kitten & low down, with very small entry hole, away from the adult) water bowls & litter trays. Placed all over the house. This may ease the pressure of co-habiting for your adult cat. Good luck.

[josaphine32]

It does take time, try not to push it too far in introducing them, let them do there own thing, we had a problem when our female cat had kittens our Tom was well un happy he used to hiss, wag his tail and go into attack mode, but never hurt them, Your new kitten has her own scent so get a piece of cloth and rub it over old cat then rub it over little cat, then gently later on rub it over big cat so that they smell the same... we got told to do this when ours didnt get on,
hope it helps

[Jugglering]

What a brilliant idea Josaphine..... I will try that with my two wee darlings... Both were adopted at the same time but there have been some serious fisticuffs and hissy fits between them... sometimes they are ok, other times not.... I think neither of them are prepared to back down, hence the fights. I shall try that mutual cloth rubbing and see if it helps. Thanks !