Is he jealous?

[FindingSanity]

We've had a kitten for about eight months and already have a 2 year old cat. They seem to get on and sleep next to each other. Kitten is often seen grooming the 2 year old also.

The problem is 2 year old seems to have gone very distant with us since Kitty arrived. Normally such a purrer and now I can't remember the last he did. He won't come and sit with us, stays at the furthest end of the living room to us and whenever I go and give him some attention he quickly scoots off and dashes upstairs away. He used to love attention but now shuns it in favour of being left alone.

I'm wondering if this is some sort of jealousy or if he's majorly pissed off at us about something?

[cozietoesie]

Singleton cats often focus on their people - and he doesn't need to any more because he's got a wee chum. Probably a bit of a jolt to you but trust me, it's a lot better than having two cats who are at loggerheads.

Things may change back again over time or the kitten may become a lap cat purrer himself as he gets older. If the older boy seems well, I wouldn't think there's anything to be done about it but just treat them the same as ever. (And give them both nice treats at regular intervals.)

[FindingSanity]

Older one is fine and loves being out but comes back as soon as he's called. He's just gone really distant and doesn't seem to want attention from anyone - us or the children. I thought he was depressed but he seems to be eating ok. A little off the meat but loves his biscuits.

Kitty is a right purrer as soon as he sets eyes on you and circles your legs like anything. He loves attention and settling to sleep right next to you or right behind your head.

Thanks for your reply Cozie. I've been worried about my boy for a while. He and I have always been close so it's a strange feeling with him shunning away.

[cozietoesie]

I'm not knocking your notion that he's being maybe just a little jealous. It can be a heck of an adjustment going from being only cat to being one of two (an adjustment which some cats never make) and while he's been big-hearted enough to be nice to the kit, he may actually be a bit depressed. I'd treat him as normal in the sense that (as far as possible) you used to do before the kitten arrived.

It wouldn't do any harm at all, though, to break out the treats for him as I said above.

Best of luck with him.

[deliasmithy]

Will he come to you for attention? Two of mine don't like being approached at all and want it all on their terms. I also force myself not to make a fuss if she sits on me and act completely calmly etc when all I want to do is stroke her like mad!

[FindingSanity]

Not anymore. That's why I was wondering if he was jealous. He normally loves belly tickles.

[GetStuffezd]

It hurts a bit, doesn't it? I had my boy for about 10 months from a tiny kitten. I was the centre of his world! However, when I got cat number 2 he behaved just as you've described. It was not jealousy - it was just he had a mate to focus on.
As it turned out the new kitty is very confident and demanding, but the boy still sneaks his cuddles in when he can.