Cat Chat Feline Forum

Hi

Looking for some advice....

2 weeks ago I introduced a new kitten to my resident 12 y.o. male cat and 5 y.o. female cat. My older male cat has always been very laid back and not even any hissing and my 5 y.o. female cat was doing as I expected - hissing and posturing - but even within a week all was going great - with no hissing from female and some playing and even even grooming from both to kitten while kitten can be still which is not for long!

My concern is that both my older cats have stopped sitting on my lap at night and just don't seem themselves with me. They are definitely still getting used to the new kitten and I did expect things to be strange for a bit but normally it's a fight every night for my lap whereas they have been lying on their own beds watching kitten. I'm trying to give them as much attention as I can so they don't feel left out but they definitely seem a bit strange.

This is the first time I've had 3 cats and hoping I haven't upset the two older ones to the extent I change their behaviour.

Any advice, suggestions would be appreciated. I don't leave the kitten with them unattended as he doesn't sleep in same room as yet.

Thanks
Deborah

Hi and welcome - and I'd say you're doing great - and so are the cats

Only problem - they're so absorbed in their new 'child' that they're neglecting you! Sounds like they've so taken to kitten that you're (literally) taking a back seat...which is great catwise of course but it does feel odd when they change their habits like this.

I really don't feel you need to worry about them feeling left out - cats are communal creatures and your two older ones sound to be delighted at the addition to their community. When the novelty wears off a little they may be back - but patterns often do change when another cat joins the household.

Well done you for making the introductions so stress-free; despite cats being communal it doesn't always work out so well as this. All the very best

Thank you for your reply. I think my worry is more that they are not completely relaxed as I still get lots of attention when kitten is in his safe room but when kitten is in room they seem slightly tense - and so not relaxed enough to be laying on my lap. It's more them feeling tense and a bit strange that I'm worried about?

Thanks

Ah I see - well, two weeks is early days of course but they've all got off to a very good start and it could simply be that when kitten's around they are more focused on him. I know what you mean though - the atmosphere changes or should I say the 'vibes' and everything feels unsettled. (I used to breed Siamese and after all the planning and cherishing and waiting for kittens, when the litter arrived, was I delighted? Well, yes, but terrified too lol! Four or five new lives in the house took some getting used to!)

I think you're wise to give them some 'older cat time' in kitten's absence but, honestly, after two weeks, I really think things are going swimmingly - it's lovely that they will play with kitten and groom him already. I think it's a matter of time but, you all are doing really well by the sound - please keep updating

Thank you. Yes, I think you are right - I'm just picking up on the changed vibes. I need to chill a bit and give them more time

I will keep you updated.

Deborah

Spysuzseym wrote:I'm just picking up on the changed vibes. I need to chill a bit
Deborah

You'd be surprised just how sensitive cats are to our (human) emotions. You've hit the nail on the head there when you say you need to chill we're always so worried and anxious about our cats when things like new intro's happen and they pick up on the vibe so in turn can become anxious as well and then things can just spiral. Try and continue your life as you did before you got the kitten and see if things change - I'd be curious