Older Kitten Attacking Younger Kitten

Question
I just brought home a kitten that is 7 weeks old, male (Glenn). I have another kitten at home that is 7 months old, male (Oscar). Oscar is overly aggressive toward Glenn: he will chase him, pounce on him, pin him down, and bite hard on the his throat. Glenn will squeal, but the Oscar will not let go until Glenn struggles free and hides somewhere, or someone intervenes. They have not been left alone together yet, and I don't know what to do, because Oscar is relentless in chasing Glenn.

Answer

dog crate/cat cage Loren,

You have to go through an introduction process, you can't just put a new cat or kitten together with a resident cat or you will have behavior problems.

You have to go through the introduction process slowly. It takes about 2 weeks or more to do it correctly and effectively. You can't rush it or you will have behavior problems that are going to be hard to correct.

When you get a new cat it needs to be kept in one room with food, water, and litter for a few days. That gives the cat a chance to get to know you, gain confidence and trust, and get acclimated to having a new home. Then you let it explore the home gradually, one room at the time. It is too overwhelming to have a whole big house at one time to be in. You can put the cat in a carrier  for short periods of time in a room that has the most traffic so it can get used to the normal people movements in the house and voices. Then as the cat is comfortable with the expanded area, let it go where it wants but still have the safety of it's 'safe' room to run back into. You should NOT add the introduction to the resident cat until the new cat feels secure and comfortable with you and the new home. Then you start the getting acquainted process. Otherwise there are too many new and confusing things going on, and too much to learn and accept all at once.

Or you can use a dog crate. I am attaching a picture of one I use that I got at Petco. It is very helpful for introductions.

I am attaching a couple of links on how to go about the introduction process: (copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

Once they can be together without fighting feed both cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.

Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between the two cats. They both can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.

It just takes time and lots of patience. All will work out.

Tabbi

FYI NOTE: if you live in PA, there is a recall for a possible salmonella problem in dry cat and dog food manufactured by Mars Petcare, including Special Kitty, Pedigree, and Ol'Roy.