Adult Female vs. Male Kitten

by Michelle
(Oklahoma City)

My adult female cat, hisses and hits my 8 week old new male kitten. What does this mean? And she also is stalking him around the house when he is alone for just a second. Should I be worried? And Why is she doing this to him?

Answer by Kate
Hi
no this sounds normal to me. It is all to do with game playing and territory. cats will often use each other as practice prey and she will also be teaching the kitten about hunting etc.

It is unlikely that she will aggressively attack him, even though some of the games can look a little rough. The hissing a is a warning to the kitten to stay away also.

make sure that you have the male cat neutered around 4 to 5 months old as this could cause further problems if left.

I wouldn't worry too much a lot of cat so called aggression is all show and can be caused by fear and uncertainty. your female cat may feel a little nervous with this new comer in the home. This should settle down in time.

best wishes KAte

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