Existing cat and new kittens

[whatohwhattodo]

We have an existing cat of 15 and after losing our other one last year we took the plunge and got two kittens early August.

we kept them in one room for around 3 weeks and have gone very slow on introductions but now when we are home they all have access to the whole house (unless we are out)

our existing cat seems scared of them - it is getting slightly better in that he doesn’t run away now unless they come really close but it’s really sad to hear as he sort of cry’s when they come too close. One of the kittens in particular is so interested in him and just wants to meet him so sometimes when he runs away they follow which doesn’t help.

I have a feliway plugged in for him. Is it just a matter of giving him more time?

I think it is, and being mindful of his interactions with the kittens. Whenever we have a new kitten we put the kitten in a big dog cage for a little while each day for the first day or two and let the other cat(s) sniff them through the bars and get used to their scent. Then we let the kitten have access to the front room but let the other cat(s) come into the room and sniff around when they are ready, usually keeping the kitten on our lap. It's harder that you have two but just monitor their interactions and reassure your older cat. Don't let the kittens chase him - distract them if they do. Cats take a while but they usually sort things out between themselves eventually.

We tried the dog cage and it didn’t work - he just walked away! Same with letting them in a room etc.
Problem was the room we kept them in he never really went in anyway - hence why we picked it so not to make him feel pushed out. He spent 80% of his time on my bed anyway pre kittens, made it hard to mix them as I didn’t want to do it on his space and he hardly ever came to rest of the house.

We do get the one kitten back every time she chases him.

I think you may need to accept that at 15, he’s never going to be particularly accepting of two hyperactive kittens wanting to play and bounce all over him.

So while you can give him all the time and space in the world, the best outcome may only be grudging acceptance.

A 15 year old cat is going to feel very vulnerable. They likely can’t jump and crouch like they used to. It’s an age that a lot of indoor/outdoor cats needs a litter tray again as they feel too vulnerable to go to the toilet outside anymore. So, they need a place they can go to be away from the kittens completely ideally.

We cage our kittens at night (two dog crates joined together with a wire tunnel between them) so the cats can get a break. I’m sure it will settle but in my experience, it takes months not weeks. It settles after kittens have been neutered and can go outside. Just resist the urge to interfere in any way. The first time cats have to deal with kittens takes the longest. We’ve never had too much of a problem long term - and we do it a lot as I’ve got a reputation of not saying no to a feral kitten or three that’s been found without a Mum cat.

@HangingAroundUpsideDown that’s interesting on the litter tray - on the rare occasions he goes outside he will come into use the litter tray.

we do lock them away at night and when we are out - we tried having it open one night and just got woken up by him being upset.

he also has litter tray, food and water in my room so everything he needs - it’s two floors up. The kittens actually very rarely go up there. They prefer to play in the kitchen.

Sounds a fab setup. Everytime we have kittens, I go through a “what have I done, I’ve ruined my cats’ lives” phase! Enjoy your kittens. Let your cat enjoy being irritated by the kittens and it will all be fine. Cats are called the most adaptable mammals for a reason.