6 Month Old Male Bullying 3 Week Old Kitten

Question
We just rescued a very young Black and Silver kitten who is a male, and appears to be a tabby breed. We have a 6 month old male cat who is a pedigree orange and white tabby who was also a rescue.

The 6 month old male was from a home with cats and dogs. Got along fine. After intorducing the two to each other, the kitten of 3 weeks was very interested in the old man and the old man appeared to be ok for two minutes and then changed his mind.

We separated them in different rooms for a bit and then re-introduced them. A hissing and growling stand-off ensued for two and a half hours, each standing their ground....but the kitten backing down each time.

Overnight, a territory battle for the master bedroom and the master's bed happened (again, hissing and growling).

I put them in the living room together to let them settle their differences on their own versus interfering. I've raised many cats and dogs in my life, and know this by heart.

Prior to the bed-time stand off, the 6 month old tried to shopw submissiveness by getting on the couch by the kitten, and layed on his side while reaching out a paw and used gentle touch to try a form of acceptance. No dice, the kitten was ready to kill him!

But it ended peacefully. However, all day today, the old man has been stalking and terrorizing the kitten....slapping him in the face without provocation, and just being a real jerk. Today was a bad day for them. The old man tried to protect another room and it's possessions from the exploring kitten...again just a hissing and growling / stalking stand off.

The kitten and the old man keep trying what looks to be offers of peace, but they quickly end up in these stand off's. The old man is really distant from all of us today with an occaisional period of allowing petting / affection, but VERY moody. Like he's ticked about this new little guy and at us for allowing him here.

Any advice to help them at a smooth process? Do I continue letting them do this? and for how long? I have never had an animal reject another in my house till now. I understand the dominance and protection game happening, but am also wanting to protect the small guy. The older cat will usually tire of this in the end and walk away, or just quietly stand his ground with a hard stare in the very end.

Answer
Hi. The important thing is that your older cat knows he is still loved and not being replaced by this young 'whippersnapper' in your affections.

He is probably stressed about this and is upset at you for bringing the kitten into 'his' house. He is probably also upset at the kitten for not backing down and  challenging the older cats dominance and territory.

As long as there is no fur flying, blood being shed, or ears pinned back by the older cat it is normal. Sometimes it takes months for things to work out. Most male cats do not like kittens. It could be because of their size or their smells. Some of my male cats hated kittens and would hiss, growl, and slap if they came too close (but not hurt them) and would do this until the kittens 'grew up', then they would start to play with them.

The kitten is very young and may be trying to seek comfort and replace mama with the older cat which he doesn't understand. It is going to depend on your older cat on how long it takes. Rarely, some cats never adjust. I had one move to a neighbor's house because of kittens. But at least your cat is interacting so it should be OK.

Keep an eye on the baby that the older cat is not being too rough, or if the baby is tired and can't get away.

Feeding them together helps and also interactive play. Get a pet laser light or pull something like a shoestring around for both of them to chase. When they focus on playing they tend to forget their differences and that helps with the bonding.

Give your older cat LOTS of love and attention. Give him special kitty treats (food is a good bribe) and reassurance that he is still number one.