Why is my cat sad after getting a new kitten?

Cat depression after getting a new kitten
Cats are territorial creatures and they use their pheromones to mark their territory. Introducing a new kitten to its territory may leave your cat feeling as though its space has been invaded. They may also miss your undivided attention!

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Do cats get sad when you get a kitten?

Friendly, single adult cats can have trouble adjusting to living with a new kitten. Often times the older cats will appear sad, reclusive, hiss a lot, and sometimes even stop eating or start urinating in strange places if it isn't adjusting well to the new member of the family.

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How long will it take my cat to adjust to a new kitten?

5. Stay Patient Through the Introductions. Many cats can learn to live together, but it's up to you to give them time to get used to the idea. You should expect the introduction process to take no less than a week but could take much longer depending on your cats' temperaments.

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What to do if my cat doesn't like my new kitten?

If either party appears aggressive, fearful or just unsure, don't force the interaction. Separate them again and continue with scent swapping. Cat and/or kitten may vary with their reactions; from curious to unconcerned, playful to nervous. Make sure both have plenty of space and the ability to retreat if necessary.

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Do cats get upset when you get a new cat?

It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who don't become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.

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My Cat HATES my New Kitten - Help? How to Introduce Cats!

21 related questions found

Why is my cat depressed after getting another cat?

Cats are creatures of habit and don't do very well with change. Your furry friend may display signs of anxiety and depression if you bring home a new pet or baby, move to a new home, rearrange the furniture, or if you move the litter box to a new location.

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How do you tell if your cat will accept a kitten?

Look for a cat who doesn't mind sleeping on the couch. Cats who are very playful and confident when they see other cats are more likely to get a long with a kitten or an energetic young adult. The new cat will keep them occupied and will be young enough to adopt the rule structure of the older cat.

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Do cats get jealous of new kittens?

Jealousy over the presence of another cat is very common. All cats have different personalities, and some will be made insecure and display jealousy more easily than others. It is important to watch your cat and observe their cues and triggers.

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Why is my cat mad at me for getting a kitten?

Your cat is not mad in the human sense, but he is feeling somewhat challenged by having another cat in what he perceives as HIS home and people. Give him lots of attention, virtually ignoring the new kitten.

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What happens if you introduce cats too quickly?

Introducing too quickly with little preparation will often lead to cats feeling threatened and scared, which increases the chance of aggressive behaviour being shown. Once cats feel this way about each other, it can be extremely difficult to change their minds.

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How do you know if two cats will never get along?

Cats that have set up separate territories in the house and don't really get along will: Chase or run away from one another and avoid contact. You may notice that one cat consistently leaves the room when one enters. Watch each other intently and may hiss or spit when they meet.

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Do cats change after having kittens?

A slight change in behaviour is normal for your cat after she has given birth, but she will settle after a few weeks. Sometimes your cat's behaviour is a cause for concern and this is when you'll want to give your vet a call.

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Is it better to have two cats of the same gender?

If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige.

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Will my cat stop hissing at my new kitten?

Don't interfere in their interaction unless necessary—Some hissing and growling are normal and will stop as the older cat gets used to the kitten. Step in and separate the cats only when the situation escalates.

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Why do cats react to kitten cries?

The sound of a kitten in distress is something that would melt most people's hearts. But cats have evolved the ability to decipher the emotions behind each adorable whimper. Female cats are so attuned to the sound of an upset kitten that they respond faster to those who are in greater need.

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How do I get my cat to accept a new kitten?

7 Tips to Introduce a Kitten to an Older Cat
  1. Start to prepare before the kitten arrives. ...
  2. Introduce your cats by smell first. ...
  3. Let them see each other. ...
  4. Support a calm, patient introduction. ...
  5. Give treats. ...
  6. Watch how your pets react. ...
  7. Keep to a schedule to minimise stress.

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What genders of cats get along best?

Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.

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What is the single kitten syndrome?

Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.

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Can 2 cats share a litter box?

If you have multiple cats, they may be comfortable enough with each other to share the same litter box. However, there are several reasons, including territorial behavior, why some experts would advise at least one extra litter box in your home.

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Are cats happier with another cat?

Pairs are Happier

Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.

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How do you know if your cat is crying for help?

Signs Of Obvious Distress

Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong.

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How do I calm my cat down after seeing another cat?

Give the cats a reason to like each other.

Providing them with something they love when the other cat is around or when they see the other cat. Typically, this involves giving the cats food or a treat! Play time, as well as grooming (assuming your cat likes to be brushed), can also lead to positive associations.

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How do you know if cat is lonely?

What are the tell-tale signs of a lonely cat?
  1. Decrease in Energy. ...
  2. Destructive Behavior & Litter Box Issues. ...
  3. Clingy or Needy Behavior. ...
  4. Change in Grooming Habits (or lack thereof) ...
  5. Excessive Weight Gain or Loss. ...
  6. Changes in Sleeping Habits.

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What is the best age to introduce a second cat?

After about two years of age, acceptance of another cat can be a bit random, but they will very rarely totally reject another cat in the long-term. After a time even those cats that do not become great friends can still learn to tolerate and live with each other by keeping to their own territory.

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