My new male kitten has made my middle cat seriously upset. help!

Question
Hi!

A few months ago I bought a 6 week old male kitten. He was bought mainly to keep my middle cat (4) company. My oldest cat (6) is lazy and just likes cuddles where my middle cat loved to play and would try and play with the eldest.

The introductions were fine, and they even started to play ball with each other. But over the last month, the middle cat just seems to have become distressed by the kitten. She cries when he goes near her, and often she will walk up to him, cry and run away, even if he's asleep!! He does try to wrestle with her but she growls, cries and runs away. But a month before they would play wrestle quite happily. This is what she used to try and do to the elder cat. She doesn't like to play as often now with us either and has just turned moody.

I don't know if I should try feliway, keeping them apart or what. I'm at my wits end now, I can't stand to see my middle cat so depressed.

Please help.

Lins.

Answer
Hi Lindsay,

How old is the kitten now?  It sounds as though he is playing too rough for her and she's had enough of it.  I have seen some cats terrorize others and not know when to quit, they can be relentless and it can begin to take a toll.  You need to watch him and see if this is what is happening.  If it is you need to step in with a firm NO! and a time out, seperation would be a good idea as well to give your girl some time to herself where she doesn't have to worry.  

Let me know how it's going,

Natoma