new kitten aggressive w/ first cat

Question
QUESTION: Our two-year old female lost her same-age male buddy to lymphoma Nov. '07. We introduced a male kitten into the household at Christmas. They have mutual interest and sometimes groom each other and cuddle. The kitten, however, is clearly alpha (which would be okay with female)and is quite aggressive with her - biting, harassing, cornering, even sitting on her head. She sometimes howls like death is near, often runs/retreats, occasionally plays and even instigates, and has a bad case of over-grooming - and now she's on prozac. Can we "train" kitten away from this aggression? Is this just a process of "settling-in?" Will entering adulthood result in cessation of aggression?

ANSWER: PJ,

It sounds like your kitten is just being a kitten, but maybe playing a little rough. If they are cuddling and grooming then they are progessing well. What looks rough play to us is not really rough to cats. As for her howling, I've had cats that were 'wimpy' and would howl like they were being killed if they got slapped or looked at wrong.

Is your male kitten neutered? That could be part of his energetic actions if he's not.

I wouldn't worry too much If fur is not flying, ears are not pinned back flat, or if no blood being shed. If it looks like he is really frightening her and tiring her then get her, hold and pet her to give her a 'time out'.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Tabbi.
Kitten is neutered. We do interrupt when it gets intense. In addition to attempting to soothe young adult cat, which we do, what do you think about giving the 'time-out' to the troublemaker? Closing the kitten into a room for a few minutes when we can interrupt him in the middle of the aggression?
Thanks again, PJ

Answer
PJ,

My opinion is not to close up the 'troublemaker'. Locking him up will confuse him and depress him because he will think he was being a bad kitty and will not understand why he's being punished. He is just being a happy, healthy, energetic kitten.

When he gets feisty with the female, try to distract him with an interactive toy. A pet laser light is an excellent way to keep him occupied (from PetSmart, Petco, etc.) and release energy. He can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, walls, and ceiling. It also is good interactive play between the two of them. They can play together but interactively which gets them more used to other safely. Plus it's fun to watch them.

He is just a baby yet and will settle down when he gets older....hopefully! (smile).

Tabbi