Bullying/Aggression

Question
Hey there!

I just recently added a kitten to the family and my older cat is having issues.  My older cat is a two and a half year old male who is very playful and high energy.  We were feeling bad leaving him home all day by himself so we decided to get a kitten.  The kitten is 12 weeks old and is a male.  Both cats are fixed.

We introduced both cats to each other slowly over a period of a week, but we are having aggression issues with the older cat.  The older cat stalks and chases the younger one around the house.  At first we thought they were just playing, but after observing their behavior it is definitely one-sided aggression as the kitten runs around in fear and is frequently cornered.  Also, the older cat likes to corner the kitten at the bottom or top of the stairs hissing whenever the kitten comes close.  Lastly, the older cat corners the kitten when he is using the litter box as well.

We play with both cats a lot and have been showing both of them a lot of love, but their behavior is not getting any better, it is getting worse/more aggressive.

Please Help!

Answer
Ryan,

You have had these two for only a week or so? So, I think you are expecting them to get along too quickly.  Also, I would provide another litter pan, temporarily, so that the kitten has a couple of options.  Some cats are very, very territorial about litter pans.

Anyway, I have two rules about how cats get along with each other.  (1) There should be NO human interference (as human interference is always counterproductive and tends to prolong the getting acquainted process).  (2) We mere humans have no idea of how cats determine how they will inter-react to each other.

You must also keep in mind that cats are not people and we tend to attribute human feelings and emotions to them, which is not a good thing to do.

Cats also play very roughly with each other.  If you ever watched how roughly tiny kittens play, you would be appalled.

So, I would suggest getting another litter pan and leaving them to their own devices.  At 12 weeks, the new kitten can take care of itself.  If they are playing chase, no matter what happens when one catches the other, this is a sign that they are getting along.

Playing with both cats is a good thing and will certainly help things.  I think you need to be more patient and ignore any "discussions" the two may have.  Look for positive signs like chasing each other, eating out of the same food dishes, mutual grooming, etc.

Please keep me apprised of the situation.

Best regards... Norm.