Why is my older cat acting distant since I got a new kitten?

Cats in general are hard to introduce to each other - they don't generally get along, especially at first. Number one, you may want to consider having Meepo [neutered](https://www.petcoach.co/article/benefits-of-neutering-castrating-male-cats-kittens). That usually lessens the aggression/moodiness and makes them more mellow. Number two, I suggest you get some [Feliway diffusers](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/feliway-30-day-multicat-diffuser-plug-in-starter-kit) for the house. These often work wonders. I don't think his personality will be permanently changed. Finally, in the future, be sure to [introduce new cats](https://www.petcoach.co/article/bringing-home-a-new-cat-or-kitten/) to each other very gradually. This will minimize tension. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is a difficult situation. Now if they truly did not get along well and the other kitty was trying to harm your older kitty, it is probably best to keep them separate. It is not uncommon for them to miss each other for a bit though this will improve very soon. I think you have made the right choice. Good luck!

I would not be too concerned about this behavior unless it becomes consistent. Your older cat may just feel like being alone or your younger cat may just be feeling off. It can be very normal for the cats to have time they want to spend together and times they prefer to be apart. As long as they are not fighting or hurting each other in any way they should be fine. I hope this helps. Thanks for using f pet coach. Best of luck.

Sometimes when you bring a new animal into the house you have to be prepared for the fact that it may effect the personalities of other pets. Usually it is related to stress so you could try buying a pheromone diffuser to reduce this. Otherwise it could just be that she prefers the company of the kitten and this has changed her personality.

It can take quite awhile for adult cats to get used to the idea of having a new cat around. I would expect that Oscar will act more like her usual self with time. In the meantime, you could try confining the new kitten to a room for a period of time each day so that Oscar can spend some time with you alone. You should never force any interaction between Oscar and the kitten, and should make sure there are plenty of escape routes (cats especially like to be able to jump somewhere high) whenever they are together. Finally you may want to consider a pheromone product like Feliway that could help with anxiety. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may in fact be a display or aggressive or dominant behavior. I would recommend that you keep him away from other cats that trigger this aggressive behavior in him. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Aww! I understand your feelings but Halley is still very young. Animals can be fickle especially cats. I would continue spending time with her and offer treats. Call her to sit on your lap. Also watch closely to signs she’s getting annoyed: slight flicking of ears, tail wagging that would indicate she doesn’t like how she is being pet. It is just as possible she’ll go back to showing you more attention. I wish you the best!