New Cat Claiming Territory

Question
Dear Tabbi -

My wife and I have a female 11 year old tuxedo short hair (Eris).  We had moved into a new condo and (perhaps mistakenly) thought that maybe since we were making some large changes anyhow, that it would be a good time to get a new kitten as well.  We gave Eris about a week to adapt to the new place and she seemed happy and calm with the new environment. This is about her fifth move, so she recovers pretty fast from them.   

The new kitten (Sabrina) is about 4 or 5 months and a black long haired.  She was born to feral parents but has become very domesticated, is very sweet and loves people. We tried keeping them separated for the first day or so, but Sabrina wasn't too happy about being kept in a small room away from people.  So, we introduced them rather quickly and, despite some growling and hissing, they seemed to coexist well enough.  I knew Eris, though she talked tough, was actually very timid and wouldn't be aggressive. Sabrina would always back down if Eris got defensive, and Eris wouldn't give chase and was just happy being left alone.  After about a day or so, Eris wouldn't growl at Sabrina's smell and by the end of the first week, Eris didn't seem to mind the Sabrina so long as she didn't get too close.  

So, now its about three weeks later and, while Sabrina and Eris aren't the best of friends, they get along okay.  During the day, Eris has one spot on the couch which she usually keeps to and Sabrina can walk pretty close to Eris and actually lay down near her without Eris growling.  They get fed together without incident and Eris still has no problem getting up to look out the window or use the litter box.  Sabrina already acts like she owns the place.   

The only developing concern I have is at night.  More and more Sabrina seems to be claiming our bedroom and Eris has become wary about going there at night.  Also, Sabrina will chase Eris in the early morning, I assume when Eris tries to come upstairs (where the bedroom is).  While we hear some hissing and angry meows from Eris, the incident passes quickly and Eris returns to her spot on the couch and Sabrina is usually distracted with something else.

I feel bad for my older cat being run out from the bedroom (since she would usually sleep with us) and was wondering what you would recommend.  Both cats are spayed.  Sabrina seems to have made herself at home and I don't think she's being so much aggressive as she is playful.  Eris is pretty timid and, despite some agitation and the occasional low grow, hasn't been aggressive as much defensive and has only swatted at Sabrina a few times(always without claws).  Is there a way I can convince Sabrina to share the bedroom?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Answer
Jeff,

That is good that you have made as much progress as you have with the two. Eris is approximately 60 years old in human years and Sabrina is a teenager. Usually older cats don't take to change as well as a younger cat does.

Having just one kitten makes it more difficult with an older cat. Kittens like to play and have a lot of energy which an older cat doesn't and the younger cat will try to play with an older cat which can cause stress and even health and behavior problems, while it can frustrate and depress the younger cat. It's always best to get 2 kittens when there is a large age difference in the two cats so the younger cat will have a friend to play kitty games with and be companionship. You may want to consider another kitten about Sabrina's age and temperament.

One way to have both cats in the bedroom at night is to get Sabrina used to sleeping in a large cat/dog carrier (room for food and litterbox) at night that is put by your bed. She may holler for a while, but if you TOTALLY ignore her (that can be difficult I know) she will stop trying to get your attention. Then Eris (who is your main priority) can sleep safely on the bed.

Another option is play with Sabrina before you go to bed. A pet laser light is an excellent interactive toy (you can get them at PetSmart, Petco, etc.). A good play session before bedtime will tire her out, which is essential for a good nights sleep for all.

Give Sabrina a can of catfood after you play with her, just before you go to bed. That way her tummy is full, she is tired, and she will have more of a chance of sleeping through the night and not bothering Eris. Leaving a bowl of dry food out at night will help too. If she gets the munchies, she won't have to try to wake you and it will tide her over until morning.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about older cats will make things easier for the cat and for you. Since you have an older cat, for future reference I am including some very good links about elderly cats:
(Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm


Tabbi