Hi there. I recently got a new kitten 1 week ago. She has had her own room, we have been slowly swapping scents, feeding either side of the door, we sprayed feliway and let them meet through the cat carrier. Today we decided it was time they meet. They were fine for the first 2 or 3 minutes just sniffing eachother and suddenly our older cat pinned her down and bit, scratched and starting bunny kicking the kitten. We obviously intervened and put her back in her safe space. The question is, what stage do I go back to now to start making positive associations. I would obviously allow play fighting but this was more than that.

Would be letting our old cat sniff the kitten through a carrier better? This would allow her to be safe.

Hi there

I have litter buddies so didn't have to go through this but am I right in thinking you have two Bengal kittens now? How old is each?

There is clearly a difference in size whatever, but can I ask if any noises were made, such as hissing, growling, any noises indicating the younger kitten was scared at all and how did the kitten react following this incident?

Bengal play fighting is damned rough which is why I'm asking. Does the kitten have any injuries? I was always stopping my two when we first had them and play fighting is pretty much as you described. If there is no hissing, spitting, growling or noises of fear from the younger kitten, it may well be play. However, with the difference in size right now you can't really let it happen until the younger kitten is in a better position to defend itself.

One week is also no time at all really. I would keep the little one safe in its carrier for a bit longer and go at the pace of the younger kitten. If she wasn't upset by it all or injured, you probably don't need to go back to square one.

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

One is 9/10weeks old and the other is around 6 months so it is a big difference. At first the kitten was oblivious running about but became submissive when the older cat swatted him, and our older cat just took advantage by pinning her down biting and bunny kicked him. They have met again since, and now the little kitten is hissing and hiding well which means he hasn't got beaten up quite as badly, just a few swats and some chasing.The little kitten doesnt seem to phased she is absolute crazy bundle of energy still running around everywhere, I just dont want for her to end up getting hurt because shes small and when the older cat pinned her down it looked quite malicious and not playfighting.

Definitely not friends yet if there is hissing. I think I'd go back a few steps, a week really is no time at all and your older kitten is having its territory invaded and clearly hasn't come to terms with the change just yet!

There is a new feliway plug in called 'friends' available now which apparently is a synthetic copy of a cat appeasement pheromone that a mother cat produces when she has kittens. No idea how effective it is but might be worth a try to help things along a bit.

Lots of positive association like you are doing now, but you need to make sure the older kitten doesn't start bullying the younger one, or that the younger one loses confidence.

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

As for now, it seems to be getting better already. I sat on the floor with them and just stroked our old cat whenever he got near the new kitten and he gets distracted, then give him lots of food and he is in the company of the kitten but more interested in us. I am going to keep doing this for now and work up longer times they can be together. Hopefully the plug in you suggested will help this.

Ouch! Did the breeder actually allow you to take the kitty at 9 weeks? That is way too young for a bengal to leave its mom. And way too young for a new kitten to know what to do around an older kitten. You need to protect the new baby to make sure she doesn't get hurt! Bengals are territorial. Especially males. You've had the other cat for a while and now a new kitty has invaded its space. You have really done ALL the right things. This takes time and patience! So many on here have gone through what you're going through. It has its challenges, but usually the cats become best buddies in a few weeks. You can feed them in the same general area, bring them together and engage each of them in play with a toy. This allows them to be together but have distractions. I think your older cat things the new girl is a toy due to the buddy kicking. However ... supervise them at all times when they are together. You should have at least two litter boxes, beds for each, a tall cat tree they can share, and boxes full of toys! Distraction works wonders.

I don't know if anyone follows posts for updates, but anyway, we have been looking after them supervised and they are getting on well! The little one seems to revel in the playfighting and gives her own back to leo despite her small stature! I think she may rule the roost when she is bigger (considering she is swamped in size by leo at the moment). It is all playing, leo has learnt his limits with her and learnt when to stop when it is too much for her, and she has learnt to scare him off a bit more. She even went for a poo today and leo covered it for her! i think they will be best of buddies in no time.

Yes, we do read the follow ups for updates!!! Happy to hear things are working out. Sounds like your new little girl is feisty an not about to take any crap from your other cat. Good for her. When you find them snuggled up together sleeping, you can relax completely. Not that they won't continue to rough house -- but at least you know they are finally friends.

They have had a few playfights today but it has ended with them snuggling up on the cat tree. Despite the three platforms they decided to both sit on the same one!

Awe, your snow is so pretty. I love her little necklace.

Your kitties are beautiful! Thanks for sharing a picture.