Some cats immediately adapt to the new kitten. Some take a long time to get used to the new kitten, or may never get used to it completely. A lot depends on how old and socialized your cat is when introduced to new family members.

Although cats’ behavior can sometimes be difficult to understand, observing their wild relatives can provide some insight into why cats sometimes struggle to coexist.

Why Do Cats Reject New Kittens?

Domestic cats are closely related to feral cats. There are many differences between them, but these groups still share some similar traits and instincts, including how they coexist with other felines.

Wild cats, such as bobcats, lynxes, and servals, are usually solitary animals. They are rarely seen, mysterious by nature, and are nocturnal. During the day, they hide in burrows and come out at night to look for food alone.

Feral cats (domestic cats that grow up in the wild) also hunt and sleep alone. However, if humans provide them with food, they may form a group led by a female cat (cat-queen). The group usually consists of related cats. Male cats (tomcats) usually leave the group at a few years of age.

This social hierarchy is different from the social hierarchy of the average domestic cat. This is because domestic cats are usually all neutered, often do not socialize well with other cats, and live in a very isolated environment away from other cats. This can be problematic when you want to bring a new kitten or cat into the home. In addition, feral cats usually live in populations of genetically related cats born into the group. It is not common for unrelated cats to join their ranks, and when they do, they usually live on the outskirts of the group for a few months before they are fully accepted.

Sometimes, it is necessary to give the cat some time to adjust to the new kitten. But if your cat is not well socialized before the age of 3, it may be difficult for him to get along with the new kitten. In fact, some cats are better off being the only cat in the house.

How to Avoid Rejection

When you bring a new kitten home, it’s important to introduce it to your cat slowly. Whether you’ve done this or not, there are a few things you can do to break the ice if the cats don’t get along.

Food Bowls

Make sure the kitten has its own food and water bowl and that the bowl and the cat’s bowl are not in the same place. Feed them in different places so that your cat doesn’t become territorial about their food and your kitten has a chance to eat. If desired, one of the cats can be fed in a separate room and the door can be closed.

Sleeping Area

Provide separate sleeping areas for both cats. Don’t try to give the cat’s old bed or apartment to the new kitten. Your old cat already has these items and will not be kind to kittens who use them without permission.

Observation Area

Cats will usually try to avoid “intruders” and will only show obvious aggression as a last resort. Your cat should have a safe place to stay away from the new kittens until they are used to each other. Provide older cats with some areas that kittens can’t reach and only it can go. For example, a high place may be a good place for your cat to observe the kitten for a while. Additionally, these places can be a great refuge when your cat needs to stay away from aggressive or annoying kittens.

Dustbin

Make sure you have one more bin than the number of cats. This means that if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. There should be no direct line of sight between the boxes in case your old cat and new kitten are in different boxes at the same time.

Pheromone

Buy sprays, wipes, and diffusers that contain special feline pheromones and use them as needed. These pheromones can help cats feel relaxed and safe and may be beneficial for both new and old cats during the introductory phase.

Hospitality

Pet your new kitten while letting your old cat sniff you while you give it his favorite treat. This may help to let your cat know that the smell of a new kitten is not a bad thing. Over time, your older cat may begin to associate kitten scents with treats, making it a positive scent. When you see your kitten and cat interacting amicably, do the same to reinforce their good behavior.

Separate

Cats should not be allowed to stay together unsupervised until they have had several direct interactions without any problems. If you are unable to monitor your cat and kitten and are concerned that one of them will harm the other, make sure they are safely separated. When you’re out for work or sleeping at night, the new kitten can stay in the bathroom with a litter box, bed, and water bowl. This is especially useful if your kitten is not willing to leave your old cat alone.

Hold Calm

Sometimes, something unusual can scare the cat, causing it to show aggression towards the new kitten. Cats are accustomed animals, so don’t make major changes to your home when introducing a new kitten. This includes changes like renovating the kitchen, tearing off carpets, or throwing fireworks parties in the backyard.

Fights Are Not Allowed

While they may want to fight, don’t let your cat do anything other than hiss and slap at the kitten. If you’re worried about an imminent fight, you can distract your cat with loud clapping or a quick squirt of water. If your cat does get into a fight, they should be separated for a while and then slowly get to know each other again over a period of days to weeks.