Erna needs some help concerning her two kittens - they are always fighting! She would like to know how to make them better friends.

Question: 

Hi Glynne!

We adopted two kittens from a welfare organization today and they are from different litters. They are both female, but the one is approx 6 weeks old and the other is approx 8. The 6 week old is naturally a bit miserable and I give her a lot of cuddling and attention which she loves! The 8 week old walks around as though she owns the place and it’s obvious that she was already well socialised with people when we got her.

She is however very nasty and aggressive towards the little one, growling, hissing and batting her in the face (we do not force them to socialise, the small one tries to play). My question is: is there any way in which we can make them friends faster or easier?

Thank you for your time

Erna

Hi Erna
I think time will help, or perhaps you have a personality clash there which is common in animals.

Just a couple of points to help stop your kittens fighting:
• Always make sure there is never any competition over food.
• Do protect the little one from abuse from her elder sister.
• Do not put up with the hissing and batting – do what ever it takes to discourage and stop her from doing it.
• The older kitten must understand, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you do not approve nor will you tolerate her nasty behaviour.
• Shouting, scolding or talking will only reinforce the behaviour and actions speak louder than words.
• You could try a quick, unexpected noise deterrent; a quick, unexpected flick on the nose or a quick, unexpected squirt with a water pistol.
• Notice, ‘quick’ and ‘unexpected’ are the operative words if you are to be successful.

Good luck and be in charge.
Glynne