Older cat hiding from new kitten – what to do next

Things don’t always start off on the right foot when you try and introduce a new kitten to an older resident cat. Here’s what you should do next if you sense some conflict between the two kitties. Just know that it’s quite normal for an older resident cat to behave this way and the situation usually will resolve itself over time.

Give lots of love to the older cat

Cats can display jealous behaviors. Don’t make your old cat feel forgotten among the excitement of introducing a new kitten to your home. Think of it this way. The older resident cat was the king or queen of the house until a new kitten came along and disrupts its stature in the family. Giving some treats to the new kitten? Make sure the older cat is given the same. New kitten is enjoying some lap time? Don’t forget your older cat if it enjoys a cuddle!

Keep them separated

It may help to keep the older cat and new kitten separated while they get used to each other’s scent. It may, in any case, help to keep the new kitten confined in a smaller room while it acclimatizes to its new home. While keeping them separated, have the cats feed on opposite sides of the door so they can get a better whiff of each other’s scent.

Use a pheromone diffuser

Pheromone diffusers can help a great deal in “stressful” situations like this. We would recommend setting up a Feliway diffuser in the house while the cats get used to each other’s presence.

While rare, the unfortunate reality is that cats won’t always tolerate one another’s presence. This can happen due to a difference in personality and energy level. Imagine an energetic kitty constantly trying to play with a grouchy old cat. Continue to give it time and, with a bit of luck, your older resident cat will no longer hiss and hide from the new kitten!