Question:
Hi,
I'm writting in hopes of getting some insight into the play habits of my cats. I have a 1 yr. 3mth. old Nutered male and have recently adopted a six week old male Kitten. They new addition is very active and loves to run and jump on my older cat. My older cat plays along but I think some times he might be angry rather than simply just playing along. How can I tell when their play is aggression and separate them and not just good kitten fun? :(

Answer:
Unless they are drawing blood, I would be inclined to just let them work out their dominance issues alone. Bet you've got your hands full! I had a three-month old rescue here last week and he teased my old tom unmercifully. But he knew when to back off from those fat, flying paws!

PS. Making sure they are all eventually neutered might even things out a bit relationship-wise and avoid or reduce territorial spraying (yikes).

Answer:
Also becareful with the older male. Some males hate having male kittens around, and may hurt, or even kill them if they seem to be a threat. This mainly happens if there is a female cat around. I have had it happen everytime one of my cats had kittens, when I was younger. It would only happen to male kittens and if we had a female. But I don't think you will have a problem with this. Keep it in mind for future refference though. I do agree to let the cats be as long as there is no blood. They are probably just playing. If not, the little one will learn when to back off and leave your other cat alone. It is in their nature to play and fight with each other.

Answer:
I have this very problem...I just brought in a 1 yr old male to a house full of girls, Windy 2yr 6m, and Smoke 2 yr 1m...and man does the fur fly around here! Buddy (the new guy) was outside most of the time before I took him and I often saw him hangin with the local strays...and he is still very much kitten like... he is hyper, bossy, unpredictable and loves to nip ya! He has all of us girls on our toes (me included- I've had a few swipes and bites). He and Windy go at it all the time, and sometimes very aggressively, when this happens I just give them both a quick squirt with a water bottle. For the most part I let them be, cause sooner or later they will have to figure out who's gonna be boss! (Lord knows it's not gonna be me!!! )

Answer:
Some males hate having male kittens around, and may hurt, or even kill them if they seem to be a threat.
Yes, this can happen with tiny babies. I don't know under what circumstances you got this kitten, but at 6 weeks it should still be with it's mother (who would not allow a tomcat near it) and not playing with adult tomcats.

A 6 week old kitten can be very easily killed or hurt by an adult cat, even accidentally, or by a fit of annoyance from the older cat.

I would not allow them to play until the kitten is older - at least 8 - 10 weeks old.

Answer:
When we introduced Noel our female to our male,Pumpkin,Noel was just a kit,and let me tell ya all heck broke loose..I kept her in the kennel for some quiet time and it let Pumpkin check her out safely..but when she was let loose,he would growl and hiss and swat at her...

We spent LOTS of time with the older cat,stroking him,treat giving and praising him.

There were times when I wanted to step in...as a kitten I did all I could to protect her,but as she got older she taught him that she just wasnt gonna stand for his guff anymore..

They get along great now..they may have a tussle now and again,and a swat here and there,but for the most part they arent aggressive towards each other..

I think that once they realize that the kitten is here to stay..they get used to it,and they enjoy having a companion around,at least I think that WE HOPE that is what will happen!

Answer: