How can I make my older cat more comfortable?

by Jennifer
(Texas)

I have three cats currently. I started with two (brothers that I got at the same time) and have had these two (Thor and Loki) for almost 5 years.


We introduced a new kitten (found by a friend) about two months ago. For the first two weeks, the kitten (Balder) was kept in his own room without access to the other cats.

After two weeks, I put up three baby gates so Thor and Loki could see/touch Balder. This lasted for at least another two weeks, if not longer.

Once Thor and Loki seemed comfortable (Loki took the longest), I let Balder out of the room to interact. They all three play and cuddle and things seemed largely fine.

Thor, however, now seems depressed and on edge. Balder annoys him because he is so playful. Thor still eats as long as we stand guard and don't allow Balder near him (otherwise he just gives up and walks away).

He will still come cuddle in bed so long as Balder doesn't mess with him. His personality towards us or Loki hasn't changed, but he will definitely seek more places to hide than he used to and sometimes we won't see him all day.

I am very worried for him. Balder has been "integrated" for about a month and a half now and I am concerned this isn't going to change. Is there anything I can do to help ease Thor's stress level and make his life more comfortable?

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Jan 04, 2017
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starstarstarstar 		little things matter
by: bb

I have placed a couple of storage cubes near places where my older cat likes to jump up to nestle. one is near the bed so she can always get up to cuddle with me at night. another is placed near the sofa where she and or she and I like to sit to watch tv etc in the evening. there is a table on the other side of that cube with a space cleared for her to use as access onto the radiator which she used to gravitate to in the winter for heat. This year I also ordered 2 small heating pads or beds which she loves! They are made by K&H and they call them "outdoor" but with the lambswool style cover they are great indoors too. They are sold by chewy.com and no I don't own stock in either, my cat and I just love this product now that she is a senior! when we had another cat in the house I gave him his own bedroom bachelor pad to watch the birds and play. And that way when he was shut up in there enjoying life, she could cuddle with me undisturbed by the more rambunctious youngster LOL and that worked out fine for both of them.
Dec 16, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Update
by: Jenn

Thank you for the feedback so far. It makes me happy to know it will work itself out. He does seem less depressed already. I have been giving him some one on one time. It seems to help.
Dec 16, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		New kitty,
by: Anonymous

Please give them more time. They will be OK. I always had cats and now I have several. It is possible they are not always lovey dovey, but they will become friends. Mine always do!
Dec 16, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		new kitten
by: Spee

I suggest you cuddle the older kitties while sitting. Just you and them. No distractions.Hold them(him) close and just enjoy each others company. They will let you know when 'enough is enough'.Try to make this a daily ritual. Cats love structure and things they can depend on everyday to be the same. If they are playful, play. If not, I think just one on one time should help. We have 3 older cats and we adopted a kitten a year ago. One of our older male cats, Oski, was/is very sensitive and was quite flummoxed by the new kitten. He seeks out our company and we try to do the private time with him daily. Hope this helps.
Dec 16, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		new kitten
by: Anonymous

Thor may be a little uncomfortable with Balder right now because of the kitten's playfulness. Balder will calm down as he gets a little older. I adopted a kitten about 3 1/2 months ago. She was only a week old and had to be fed with an eyedropper. (Her mother abandoned her) My 3 older boys didn't like her much at first either. They are still getting used to her. They often play with her, but there are still times that they don't feel like it. Usually when that happens, they hold her down and give her a good washing! Give it a little more time. Thor will come around!

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