New kitten in a house where a older cat use to live.

I'm having a hard time. My cat use to live here in this house but then moved away with my ex. I recently got a new kitten. Now my Ex needs to bring the cat back because she can't take her.  Now the old cat is back but there is a new kitten in here and she is not happy. What do I do? I feel bad putting the old cat up but she is hissing an growling at the kitten. What do I do?

Hello - I'm sorry to hear about your dilemma.   It sounds frustrating and difficult for everyone.  Cats are not as well evolved for group living as dogs and people are; even cats that rub along together well in a house like to have their own separate territory within it.  You can help by watching carefully to figure out whether the territories are for each cat, and putting each cats' resources on their own territory.  Valued resources for cats include food bowls, toileting sites (or doors to get to an outdoor toileting site) and water.  If a cat has to walk across anothers' terrotory to get to these things, ruptions often arise.  Therefore, carefully thinking through the positions of bowls, beds etc can be very important.   However, rehoming may be necessary and if this is the case, then kittens are easier and more happily rehomed than older cats.

I think that, as humans, we have tendencies to label one animal as a bully and one as the innocent; however in reality, cats' boundary issues are as complex. Cats rarely choose to live together - the old cat came home and found another cat using her space.  Through her eyes, she is not being amoral; she is simply defending her valued resource, her territory, from an uninvited invader.

Interestingly i think youd do better if you researched this for yourself - eg going back to the original sources of information etc.   perhaps try visiting our blog and the icatcare website for a wider range of information.

Introducing a new cat into a household with an existing cat can be challenging, especially when there's a history of the old cat living elsewhere and returning. Here are some steps you can take to help ease the transition and reduce tension between the cats: 1. **Slow and Controlled Introduction**: Keep the new kitten separated from the old cat initially. Provide separate living spaces with food, water, litter boxes, and comfortable resting areas for each cat. Allow them to become accustomed to each other's scent by swapping bedding or toys between the two spaces. 2. **Gradual Interaction**: After a few days of separation, start allowing supervised interactions between the cats. Use a baby gate or door cracked open slightly to allow visual contact while still maintaining a physical barrier. This allows them to see and smell each other without direct confrontation. 3. **Positive Reinforcement**: Reward both cats with treats, praise, and affection whenever they exhibit calm behavior around each other. Encourage positive interactions by engaging in playtime with both cats simultaneously using separate toys. 4. **Scent Exchange**: Rub a cloth or towel on each cat's cheeks (where scent glands are located) and then swap the cloths between the cats' living spaces. This helps them associate each other's scent with positive experiences. 5. **Patience and Time**: Understand that it may take some time for the cats to adjust to each other's presence. Be patient and avoid forcing interactions or punishing either cat for displaying territorial behavior. 6. **Provide Vertical Space**: Cats feel more secure when they have vertical space to escape to. Install cat trees, shelves, or perches in your home to give both cats opportunities to climb and retreat if they feel stressed. 7. **Seek Professional Help if Needed**: If the aggression persists or escalates despite your efforts, consider consulting with a veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist for further guidance and assistance. Remember, every cat is unique, and the adjustment period may vary. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most cats can learn to coexist peacefully over time.

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