Q: My spayed female kitten is in isolation from my resident cat until she recovers from an illness. Recently, the cats were clawing on opposite sides of the door, and the kitten sprayed! I don't want this to happen when I introduce the two cats. What do I do?
Feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like a Cat, says:
It's not common for a young cat to spray but this kitty was clearly fearful. Spraying is not just done to mark territory, it is a highly complex form of communication and a young kitty who is just beginning to understand how her body works can certainly use spraying behavior when in a threatened position.
You're going to have to use lots of TLC when doing this introduction. Go at a snail's pace and keep things as positive, casual and secure for both cats as possible.
Best,
Pam Johnson-Bennett, CABC
IAABC-Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
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