new kitten & adult cat

luckii00

We have a 5 year old cat (Aurora) , and in early October, we adopted a 4 month old kitten (Dobby) .  We did the introductions slowly, and after a while, Aurora stopped hissing and moaning at Dobby.  They ignored each other for the most part, unless Dobby surprised Aurora, and she would hiss and they would go their separate ways.

Over the past week,  Dobby has been wanting to play more and more with Aurora, who seems uninterested.  He simply won't leave her alone, and she gets upset, hissing at him and last night, she started the moaning again.  We separated them last night.

Dobby is scheduled to get neutered next month, but he will, of course, still be kitten, and still want to play and act like a goof.  Any suggestions on how to help Aurora adjust to him better, or keep him from pestering her?

Dork_Fish

Have you heard of Feliway? They have plug-ins and also calming collars. It may help Aurora feel less stressed. Also, if it's possible, I'd give Aurora time by herself everyday. Whether that means she gets her favorite sunspot in the living room or takes a nap in your bedroom. Whatever you can do to let her have a break. Kittens will be kittens and all of my cats have always worked out their problems but I know my older cat appreciated getting time apart during that transition phase.

starshineamator

Dork_Fish:

Have you heard of Feliway? They have plug-ins and also calming collars. It may help Aurora feel less stressed. Also, if it's possible, I'd give Aurora time by herself everyday. Whether that means she gets her favorite sunspot in the living room or takes a nap in your bedroom. Whatever you can do to let her have a break. Kittens will be kittens and all of my cats have always worked out their problems but I know my older cat appreciated getting time apart during that transition phase.

Feliway is a lifesaver. We adopted a three/four month old kitten this summer and our two older cats (both about age 4) were having a hard time adjusting. I bought the plug in and literally noticed a difference with 20 minutes! When it ran out, I never bought a refill, and they all still get along fine. We make sure to spend time with all of the cats and they still fight, but it is play fighting (though the kitten usually instigates and bugs the adults!), and they spend plenty of time cuddling and licking each other too.  

merkbalerk

Agree that Feliway is great.  It's also important to get in a lot of playtime with the kitten.  If you wear him out, he may be less of a nuisance to the older cat.  I like to make sure the older cat has a safe space, too (cat bed or area of the house), where the older cat can retreat and the kitten is not allowed.  At least initially, I think that having their own areas can help lessen anxiety.

luckii00

Thank you!

 We picked up the Feliway diffuser this past weekend.

 I'm really hoping it helps.  Dobby is starting to get heavier and bigger than Aurora, and it's starting to look that Dobby with be the dominant cat in the house.  He's been "wrestling" with Aurora and trying to pin her, which we do our best to stop immediately because Aurora starts to moan and yowl.

We have been giving Aurora time away from Dobby with us for cuddling and playing.  She has safe places she can get to away from him.  I'm not sure what else to do.