I have adopted a kitten - my cat isn't happy

[Stickytoffeepudding6]

I feel sick writing this.

I have adopted a kitten today and she hissed at my cat. My cat then hissed back and became upset.

I put the kitten in another room. My cat then struck me when I tried to comfort her.

She's proceeded to become really unhappy. I'm so upset I've upset my cat.

What do I do?

read jackson galaxy's advice on introducing two cats

I've had my "kitten" 7 years and there's still daily punchups as he thinks he's the boss and is full of beans but the much older girls don't appreciate his verve for life and clump him round the ear when he's too much! They do get on very well/tolerate each other 98% of the time. For him it's probably a bit like a teenager living with maiden aunts 😹

I've always introduced kittens to adults right away (under very close supervision) and we've never had an issue at all.

However, apparently two female cats are actually the worst combination in terms of how likely they are to get along and that's the one mix we've never tried before - we've only ever had one female cat and have introduced males to her (and males to other males).

Despite what PP said upthread, some cats do become instant best friends (two of ours did, both males) but for others it can take weeks/months and for some it just never happens. I personally think it's mostly luck and personality rather than anything specific that the owners do!

They just need time OP, all isn't lost at this point. The kitten was just frightened and the cat's nose was out of joint

Very very normal behaviour. You need to introduce them slowly.

When I introduced our kitten to my 1 year old cat she was pissed. I felt bad for upsetting her. The (male) kitten was fine, but boy was my girl maaad.

We introduced them very slowly (smell first, by rubbing blankets and swapping them and through a closed door so they can sense eachother but not see) and eventually they were fine.

They co habit, touch noses and eat together now. No cuddles with eachother, but both happy, very affectionate with us and calm in eachothers presence.

Feliway plug ins are also good.

This is a great resource: www.jacksongalaxy.com/blogs/news/the-dos-and-donts-of-introducing-cats

My two still play fight but little cat has been the boss from day one. They lick and groom each other too and big cat never did that with his own brother.

This happened me, sadly they never became friends but (mostly) tolerate each other.

This happened to us.

Unfortunately the old cat never got on with the kitten. She died after 4 years (in old age!) but I'd never do the old cat and kitten blend again because ours hated it.

That's it, friends in adversity!

My cats hate one another. Can't walk past each other without spitting, hissing or attacking. Never groom each other and in the last two years we have one photo where they fell asleep within a foot of each other. Tried Felliway but it made no difference.

They are mother and daughter. We rescued them when the youngest was 6 weeks old and still feeding and it was so gorgeous. Then the hate set in.

I really hope this works out for you as it didn't for us despite following all the advice. I wont tell you how it ended but I still live with the guilt today. Hope you have a happier outcome and glad it worked out for others.

Please don't all come for me because I've had a horrendous 24 hours.

I gave the kitten back. My cat was too distressed and started experiencing breathing issues. She has a condition which can be life threatening when stressed, so I made a quick decision to return the kitten.

I acted under stress and upset. I was rash and do in some way regret my decision. However, my girl comes first and I couldn't see her like that.

Not making excuses but I have mental health issues and I currently have covid so feel very ill.

I've been shouted at by two different members today of the rescue team.

Well, they can fuck right off, can't they?

Under your individual circumstances you did the right thing. No one has the right to shout at you or make you feel bad. You were under a lot of stress.

You've been shouted at! That's not on. I realise they're probably disappointed at the kitten being returned, but not all adoptions are successful. Honestly.

sending you love. You did what you thought was best, and you were probably right. I am sorry it didn't work out, but I think you have saved me from making the same mistake, and probably other people too - so I hope that knowledge is of some comfort to you

💐

Thanks so much. Really means alot.

I know it sounds pathetic but I'm a bit heartbroken over it. I know I only had him a few hours. But I just fell smitten with him.

My girl cornered me in our bedroom and was sat in the doorway. When I got up she tried to either attack me or prevent me from leaving the room. My legs are cut to pieces.

I think she thought she was keeping me from harm/a threat so was protecting me.

I didn't have any toys or treats on me to distract her. I'm not good in stressful situations, I go to pieces. So I made it worse as I became upset which would have made her worst.

I've had flu all week so feel awful. No sleep. I'm due on time of the month too so today has just been awful.

My girl is happy though and that's all that matters. Plus she's got new toys now.

I'm donating his food when it arrives to the rescue.

She has never ever been like this before. Just once in the vets when she had a needle.

Me and DP are TTC so I'm panicking now about what she would be like when baby arrives eventually.

But they can smell your baby and it won't be an overnight thing. She will get used to during pregnancy and I'm going to start working on it now with her.

Jackson Galaxy

They will get used to eachother trust me I have had multiple cats

Probably best decision and he will find another home

Very sorry you got yelled at op, that's very unfair. I also had to return a cat who was causing too much distress to my original cat who seemed to have a panic attack. We had them together almost a month and i felt terrible as the new cat was sweet (and had been through a lot) but a poor match and a poor introduction. (Long story)

Just wanted to mention that a baby will be totally different, don't worry!

Well that escalated quickly

I was going to ask if it was male.

That probably wouldn’t have worked regardless, OP. Young male cats tend to be obnoxious towards other cats and if you try to introduce one to an adult female they will often bully her relentlessly. It’s sad seeing the female cat that was there first reduced to a nervous shell of her former self that gets tormented whenever she shows herself.

You made the right choice.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. I managed to get some sleep last night so feel bit more clear and I do think it was right decision