Why do cats get jealous of new kittens?
This is especially likely to occur when an older cat is used to being the sole cat in a house, only to be introduced to a new kitten. Aside from being territorial, one of the other reasons why a cat might become jealous of a new kitten is because it sees the new addition as a threat to its position in the household hierarchy.
Why is my Cat jealous of my computer?
Simple things like your cell phone, a video game, or a hobby can also be triggers. Poor socialization as a kitten may lead a cat to become codependent on you and display signs of jealousy at times. A sudden change in daily routine, including your cat’s feeding schedule, can cause behavioral issues such as jealousy.
What’s the best way to help an older cat?
Perhaps the easiest way to help your cat to establish its place in the hierarchy is by feeding the older cat first, before you feed your kitten. You might also do it in other ways, such as by ensuring that any time your cat and kitten are competing for attention, you stroke the older cat first – at least until the jealous behaviour subsides.
What to look out for in a kitten?
Firstly, it is important that you look out for any signs of aggression and step in before your cat can cause any harm to your new kitten. Signs to look out for here include hissing, spitting, dilated pupils and pinned back ears. For this reason, in the early stages, you need to supervise any time the two cats spend together.
This is especially likely to occur when an older cat is used to being the sole cat in a house, only to be introduced to a new kitten. Aside from being territorial, one of the other reasons why a cat might become jealous of a new kitten is because it sees the new addition as a threat to its position in the household hierarchy.
Is it normal for an older cat to have a kitten?
This is completely normal and as long as it is just hissing and swatting, do your best to not interfere. Your older cat is establishing its role as the dominant cat in the household and the kitten is being taught where its boundaries as the new cat are. Don’t give up if the first encounters are not positive.
Perhaps the easiest way to help your cat to establish its place in the hierarchy is by feeding the older cat first, before you feed your kitten. You might also do it in other ways, such as by ensuring that any time your cat and kitten are competing for attention, you stroke the older cat first – at least until the jealous behaviour subsides.
Simple things like your cell phone, a video game, or a hobby can also be triggers. Poor socialization as a kitten may lead a cat to become codependent on you and display signs of jealousy at times. A sudden change in daily routine, including your cat’s feeding schedule, can cause behavioral issues such as jealousy.