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Cat Hitting Kitten With Paw (Should I Be Worried?)

If you have noticed that your kitten is getting hit by your resident’s cat paw, you may be concerned and wondering why, and what you can do about it…

Why is my cat hitting the kitten with its paw?

Curiosity sometimes causes cats to hit kittens with their paw playfully. Energetic, outgoing cats may try playfully interacting with others by swatting or batting. Cats will try getting to know new cats by playing with each other.

They especially do this when introduced to a new cat in their household because they want to discover your kitten’s personality.

Swatting and hitting are common ways cats establish a hierarchy in the cat community. The cat that hits more frequently will take a dominant role in the household. Your older cat will assume the leadership role early if they swat your cat often.

Is it normal for my cat to hit my kitten?

During the initial stages of introducing new cats, it is normal for them to hit your kitten as they become acquainted. Cats will test the waters as they investigate each other’s personalities, trying to understand how the other cat will function in the new environment.

Hitting each other while playing is common for cats and kittens because of curiosity as the two felines get to know each other. This stage is the part of the introductory part of their relationship as they test the waters to see if they will get along. Generally, it is normal for them to play with each other and potentially get aggressive.

Should I allow my cat to hit my kitten?

It is okay to allow your cats to hit each other as long as they are not doing it aggressively. Pay close attention to your cat at the beginning stages of your introduction because, during this time, you can discover the type of relationship your cat will have with your kitten. If they are playful, this indicates your cat will be accepting of your kitten.

Aggressive behavior indicates a less accepting behavior.

Why does my cat slap my kitten?

Swatting and slapping are common ways for cats to communicate. They will do this to get each other’s attention since it is the easiest way aside from meowing.

Cats may slap your kitten when they are jealous they are getting too much attention from you, especially if they are an older cat that has lived alone in your house for a long time. Behavior that does something your cat does not like can entice your cat to slap your kitten.

Does my cat hurt the kitten when it does this?

Your cat probably does not hurt your kitten when they playfully bat them. If resident cats get too aggressive when they hit your kitten, they might accidentally hurt them. It would help if you kept a close eye on your cat to ensure they do not begin hitting your cat too hard and do not begin acting too aggressive with your kitten.

Most cats do not use their claws when hitting their new kitten housemates. Cats that extend their claws while hitting your new kitten are subjecting them to injury. It is dangerous to allow your cat to outstretch their nails while hitting your cat.

How do I know if my cat is playing or acting aggressive?

Hissing, teeth-baring, and clawing are signs that your cat is acting aggressively and not playing. These signs are essential to look for so you can intervene when your cat begins acting too aggressively with your kitten. Intervening can keep your cat from getting out of control with your kitten.

Defensive body language indicates that your cat is in an aggressive mindset. If you do not intervene in your cat’s behavior, resident cats may continue to neglect your cat throughout the rest of their life.

Is it okay to leave my cat with the kitten?

It is okay to leave your cat with your kitten after they have established a positive relationship together. At first, your cat may require significant supervision with your new kitten so they do not get combative and fight.

Supervise your two cats as they spend time together for at least several days before slowly decreasing the amount of supervision. Once your cats can stay together without acting combative, leaving them alone for a short time is okay. The more frequently you leave your cats alone, the longer they can be left unsupervised.

Why is my kitten hitting my resident cat?

Your kitten is probably hitting your resident cat because they are playing with them. As they experiment with their primal side, kittens become more social with older cats. At a young age, kittens are very playful.

They engage a lot with other cats and love to form social relationships.

Kittens might physically interact with resident cats because they are curious about their new housemate and their social environment. Personal interactions can help cats discover each other’s personalities, trying to understand if they will get along.

How long does it take for a cat to accept a new kitten?

The time it takes for a cat to accept a new kitten varies from cat to cat. In some cases, it can take a few days. In other cases, it can take several years for your cat to get used to a new cat in the household.

Age is a significant consideration in how long it takes for your cat to accept a new kitten. The older your cat is, the longer it will take for them to accept a new kitten into the household. Typically, cats over the age of 2 years old have difficult times.

How can I prevent my cat from getting too aggressive with my kitten?

Prevent your cat from getting too aggressive with your kitten by getting them toys to entertain themselves. They will exert energy playing with the toys, losing interest in playing or interacting with your kitten.

Provide your cat with plenty of scratchers to keep their claws sharp but not jagged, so they do not hurt your kitten. Most cats keep their nails retracted while playing, but a cat that does not will quickly injure your kitten.