they just wont get along...

Question
I've had my stray for almost five years now.  She owns the place; she is spade; she thinks she's human.  When my sister moved in, she found a small kitten a week later.  Since the older cat carries around a beanie baby in her mouth from room-to-room, we thought she might adjust to the kitten, nurture and care for it.  NO SUCH LUCK.  the baby kitten wants to play; the big cat attacks her.  can we do something about it?  perhaps we introduced them wrong; we really figured they'd either take or at least learn to get along.  we were sorely mistaken.  any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Chelsea and the great news is this can easily be helped right away!

Here are a few questions that would help me clarify more long term acceptance.

How long has your sister and this cat been in your place?  How long do you think they will be there?  How old is the kitten?  Almost ready for spaying/neutering?  Will they both be INDOOR only cats?

Ok, first the best way to introduce a new cat into another cats "home territory" is to have the kitten live in another bedroom (with your sister?), and have it's own food, fresh water dish and litter box for about 1-2 weeks.  After this, leave all the dishes and items still in the room, but when you all are home try cracking the door and set them spent limited time in contact under supervision.

What will happen when the kitten spends a few weeks behind a door in your house, your older cat should get more curious than "hissy" (though at first expect this), then they can adjust to each others smells under the door before actually meeting.

Make sure petting both of them alot to help transfer each others scents.  Toys for each separate at first is great too.

I always have seen the 1st REAL step in bringing our 4 rescues at various times, after they have been more slowly introduced with plenty of play time just me and one on one.  They have learned to take turns now, and other than one pampered, queen who's finally learned shes part of "the fab four" gang : -) I can also say that given a few years, these two could potentially wind up curl in a ball on someones bed!

About the 3rd week, if they are getting along under supervison you can put their food in separate dishes but in the same area, same for the water.  

Bless you for caring enough for both these loved ones to take the time to help them form a bondable, healthy relationship.

Great kitty moms to you both and I'd love to here how they are getting on the next couple weeks ok?

DebbieC