Male cat/new kiten

Question
Hi Jessica, I have a neutered male house cat approx 2.5 years old. I tried another grown male also altered but the new cat sprayed everythingin sight....EVERYTHING! I found a new home for him about 1 year ago.  I thought a young female kitten might be a better choice so I picked a 6 week old (runt) from a family of barn kittens. She is very tiny and I have to keep her from him most of the time. I watch closely what my male does and he does clean her up then proceeds to roll her over and put a jaw lock on her.  I wait just a few seconds but he won't let go until I raise my voice at him. Minnie(the kitten) hides from him. It's been less than a week and I just keep her in a cage when I can't be there to supervise. Could he possibly think she is a small animal to catch and eat? he seems confused on how to treat the baby.  Any suggestions? I really want this to work.  Thanks.Debbie

Answer
Hi Debbie.  Actually, you'll be happy to know this is a common and normal behavior.  A male will assert his dominance over other cats if he feels his position may be threatened, by biting them on the scruff of the neck, and sometimes mounting them.  Sometimes the male will drag a kitten around by the scruff.  Generally, there is no harm done, and you should try to allow a reasonable amount of this behavior to go on so they can establish who stands where.  However, if the kitten cries or struggles, or if you notice irritation on the skin, definitely intervene and separate them.

You should see a natural resolution to the behavior within the next few weeks, as the two of them come to an agreement upon their positions on the totem pole.