HELP: Older Cat's Behavior Toward New Younger Cat

[dstsprite]

Help! Help! Help! I've had my oldest cat, Buddy, since he was a kitten. He is now 7 years old and has been the only pet in my home. About 3 months ago, I brought home a kitten, who is now about 7 months old. At first, Buddy didn't really like the new kitten, but after a few weeks, they seemed to become friends. The problem is this: On occasion, Buddy will hiss and swat at (sometimes making contact) the kitten for no apparent reason. They'll both be lounging on the bed with me and all of a sudden, Buddy will just attack the kitten out of the blue. The kitten runs away from him. After a while, they'll be friends again (e.g. grooming each other, eating together, lounging outside together). Within the next day or two, Buddy will attack him again. I don't understand why he does this? Can someone please tell me why and what, if anything, I can do? Thanks.

[RDR]

I've seen this a lot with our families cats mainly for them its because they have to many. I'm pretty positive this is a jealousy thing. Have you noticed that they only do this around you? Or have they done it when your in the other room.

Other reasons... Well you could just have a cat who is like that. My fiances grandma has a cat named Salem. He is a huge black fixed male cat. Occasionally he will run up to there dogs and just smack them. He doesn't ever really hurt them, its just one of his quirks.

Not really sure how to stop it, but if he isn't hurting the other cat I wouldn't worry to much

[dstsprite]

Hi, thanks for responding. I sort of felt like it was a jealousy thing (like you said). I'm gonna see if Buddy, the older cat, acts this way when I'm not in the room but can still see them interacting.

Also, when you mentioned Salem, I had to laugh. Buddy is also huge and fixed and male! However, he's an orange tabby.

Again, thanks for your input.

[**Sapphire**]

My older female & male cats will occasionally do this to our youngest kitten. I think sometimes it's due to jealousy & also maybe a bit of showing dominance.

Like Buddy is showing he's the older cat, he's the king of the house. If he isn't hurting the kitten I think everythin will be OK. I think just like in human relationships, the animals have their little "spats".