Quick Answer
Yes, cats can get jealous when a new cat is introduced to the home. Cats are territorial animals and can see a new cat as competition for resources like food, attention, and favored sleeping spots. Signs of jealousy in cats include hostility like hissing or swatting at the new cat, changes in litter box habits, attention-seeking behaviors, or withdrawn behavior like hiding. To ease the transition, gradually introduce the new cat, provide separate resources, and give your resident cat extra love and attention. With time and patience, cats can usually learn to accept a new feline housemate.
Do cats get territorial over their owners?
Cats can become possessive over their owners and jealous when they feel their bond is threatened. Cats form strong social attachments to their human caregivers and depend on them for food, shelter, affection, and security. So when a new person or animal enters the home and seems to monopolize the owner’s attention, the cat may act out to reestablish the relationship. Signs of jealousy over the owner include demanding attention, rubbing on the owner, aggression toward the rival, urinating on the owner’s bed, or withdrawing from interaction. To help ease the transition, make sure to set aside quality one-on-one time with your cat every day.
Why do cats get jealous of new kittens?
There are a few key reasons why an existing cat may be jealous of a new kitten joining the household:
Loss of attention
Your cat is used to being the sole focus of your affection and playtime. A new kitten demands a lot of hands-on care, which may leave your cat feeling ignored and jealous. Make sure to devote regular solo cuddles and play to your adult cat so they don’t feel displaced.
Territory invasion
Your home is your cat’s familiar territory. A new kitten explores territory that your cat views as theirs and encroaches on favored sleeping, feeding, or playing spots. This territorial “invasion” can upset your resident cat. Provide separate resources in different areas to give each cat their own space.
Change in routine
Cats thrive on routine. Adding a new kitten disrupts your cat’s schedule and environment. Gradual change is key – introduce the kitten slowly so your cat can adjust. Keep feeding, playtime, and litter box cleaning routines as consistent as possible.
Safety concerns
Kittens don’t understand social cues and can unwittingly annoy an older cat with their boisterous behavior. Your cat may be fearful or defensive if the kitten startles or provokes them. Always supervise interactions, provide escape routes, and let the cats set their own pace getting acquainted.
How do I introduce a new kitten to my jealous cat?
Here are some tips for carefully introducing a new kitten to an existing cat to minimize jealousy and territorial issues:
– Set up a separate “safe room” with food, litter box, toys, and hiding places for the new kitten. Only allow supervised interactions at first.
– Switch the cats’ blankets or beds so they become accustomed to each other’s scent.
– Make positive associations by giving treats when the cats are calm around each other.
– Distract your jealous cat with playtime when the kitten is free-roaming.
– Give your existing cat priority access to favored sleeping spots and resources.
– Consider using a pet gate to allow the cats to see each other before directly interacting.
– Catify your home with perches, cat trees, and hiding spots to decrease competition over territory.
– Use pheromone diffusers to help both cats relax.
– Be patient – it can take weeks or months for an existing cat to fully accept a kitten. Go slowly.
How do I stop my older cat from attacking my new kitten?
To curb aggressive behavior from your older feline towards a new kitten:
– Keep the kitten in a separate room and only allow contact when supervised. Use gates/barriers.
– Distract and redirect your older cat with toys or treats when agitated by the kitten’s presence.
– Ensure your older cat has plenty of solo playtime and affection daily.
– Provide escape routes and high perches so the kitten can retreat safely if chased.
– Consider temporary anxiety medication prescribed by your vet for the aggressive cat.
– Use calming pheromone products on both cats.
– If aggression persists, re-introduce the cats more slowly, keeping them fully separated if needed.
– Never punish the aggressive cat – this can worsen anxiety and tension. Be patient.
How long does it take for a cat to adjust to a new kitten?
It typically takes 2 weeks to 2 months for an existing cat to adjust to a new kitten, but it depends on the cats’ personalities and your introduction techniques. Go slowly and be guided by each cat’s comfort level. Some cats take readily to a newcomer right away, while more territorial or anxious cats may need several weeks or months to fully acclimate and accept a kitten into their space and social group. Be patient, provide separate resources, and give your existing cat plenty of one-on-one attention.
Why does my new kitten hiss at my older cat?
Here are some common reasons why a new kitten may hiss at an existing older cat:
– Fear due to unfamiliar territory and environment
– Feeling overwhelmed by your older cat’s presence
– Defensive response if your older cat is aggressive or assertive
– Warning signal when approached while eating or playing
– Perceives your older cat as a threat
– Your older cat startled or intimidated them
– Competition over resources like food bowl or toys
– Asserting space over desirable spots like a sunbeam
Kitten hissing is typically an instinctive defense mechanism – not true aggression. As the kitten gains confidence and your cats become better acquainted under supervision, the fearful hissing should subside.
Why does my cat keep attacking my new kitten?
There are several reasons why an adult cat may continually attack or be aggressive towards a new kitten:
– Fear and defensiveness – the kitten’s presence is threatening
– Prey drive – the kitten’s movements may trigger your cat’s hunting instincts
– Territorialism – defending territory and resources from an “intruder”
– Redirected aggression – stress about the newcomer is taken out on the kitten
– Warning the kitten to back off or give them space
– Establishing dominance and setting boundaries
– Protecting their relationship with you – jealousy over attention
– Change in routine causing stress and uncertainty
Aggression usually stems from fear, stress or underlying anxiety about the new arrival. Go slowly with introductions, provide ample territory and resources, and be sure to lavish attention on your adult cat so they don’t feel displaced. Consult your vet for additional guidance if aggression persists.
How can I make my older cat more comfortable with a new kitten?
– Give your older cat priority access to favored sleeping areas and resources, especially at first
– Maintain your older cat’s routine as much as possible after the kitten’s arrival
– Set up pleasant hiding places and cat trees/perches for your older cat to retreat to
– Provide interactive playtime daily with your older cat alone
– Consider using calming pheromone diffusers for both cats
– Allow only supervised, gradual interaction between the cats at first
– Distract/redirect your older cat when anxious about the kitten
– Ensure your older cat still receives regular one-on-one affection
– Give treats and praise when your older cat is tolerant or gentle with the kitten
– Add extra litter boxes in different locations to provide options
– Allow your older cat to set the pace and acclimate at their own comfort level
Why does my older cat keep attacking my older cat?
There are some potential reasons why an older resident cat may continually attack or be aggressive towards another cat they previously lived with peacefully:
– Underlying medical issue causing pain or discomfort, putting them on edge
– Stress or anxiety due to changes in the home environment or routine
– Introduction of a new pet, person, or baby that they perceive as a threat
– Territorial dispute over resources like food bowls, litter boxes, favored lounging spots, etc.
– Redirected aggression stemming from seeing an outdoor cat through a window
– Decline in tolerance levels due to aging
– Lack of gentle handling from parents if cats were adopted as kittens
– Trauma or frightening incident that altered their coexistence
– One cat seeking more attention or asserting dominance
While some feline conflict is normal, ongoing serious aggression issues signal something is wrong and the cats’ quality of life is impacted. Consult your vet and an animal behaviorist to identify the root cause and implement treatment plans to restore harmony.
Conclusion
Jealousy and territorial behaviors are common but understandable reactions when introducing a new cat to a resident feline. While challenging, with patience, proper precautions, and plenty of TLC for your existing cat, cats can usually learn to accept newcomers and coexist peacefully. Go slowly with introductions, provide separate resources, give your current cat priority access to favored areas, and devote regular one-on-one playtime. With time, most cats will become more comfortable and tolerant of a new feline housemate. If aggression persists, be sure to consult your veterinarian. With the right techniques tailored to your cats, a multi-cat home can thrive.
| Behavior | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Hissing/growling at new cat | Aggression due to perceived threat |
| Swatting at or chasing new cat | Asserting territory/dominance |
| Urinating outside litter box | Marking territory in response to stress |
| Excessive attention-seeking | Jealousy over lost attention from owner |
| Withdrawing/hiding | Anxious or fearful reaction |
| Aggression toward owner | Acting out due to owner bond disruption |
| Blocking access to resources | Guarding items like food bowls |
| Frequent indoor urine marking | Scent marking due to stress |
| Phase | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Initial Separation | – Keep new cat confined to a separate room with own food, water, litter box, toys, scratcher, bed, and hiding places |
| – Allow cats to smell each other through door cracks | |
| – Rotate blankets between rooms so cats get used to each other’s scents | |
| First Meetings | – Allow short, supervised meetings between the cats |
| – Distract/redirect any tense moments with toys or treats | |
| – Praise calm, friendly behavior | |
| Increasing Contact | – Gradually extend interaction time between the cats |
| – Provide escape routes if needed | |
| – Maintain separate key resources like litter boxes | |
| Full Integration | – Allow cats to freely interact and share space |
| – Monitor body language for any tension | |
| – Give cats individual affection and playtime |