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New kitten stressing older cats? Vomiting, hiding. How to help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 11 years and 3 months old | 16 lbs

I have 3 cats. One of which has been with us for almost 2 months. He's 4 months old. Lately my older cat (Tony-11 yrs old) has been throwing up. Pablo (the 4 month old) is always trying to jump on him and wrestle with him but Tony doesn't like it. He always runs away. It also seems like Pablo is trying to establish dominance. He bugs the other 2 when they eat. I'm wondering if the older 2 are just stressed. Khaleesi (3 yrs old) is always hiding. If it is stress how can I help?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on September 19th, 2017

It's probably more of a case of a rambunctious kitten than one trying to establish dominance (a very outdated theory). A few things you can try include giving kitten some extra play time to wear him out, making sure your older cats have places to hide and get away from the kitten (such as high up perches or separate rooms), making sure everyone has their own access to food, water, and litter, and using a pheromone diffuser or collar. Pheromone diffusers help by releasing a calming pheromone and are great for inter-cat stress and issues.
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