Multi-Cat Household Dynamics: Miki, Minnie & Nara

Vet approved

Written by

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Miki, the kitten who made me a cat person.

Cats are wonderful creatures! Beautiful, graceful, just special in every possible way! So why have just one when you could have more? As Miki is only a year and a half old, I thought he would love some cat company. And then it all went from bad to worse. Instead of getting one more cat, I ended up getting two, and my cat count has gone from one precious cat to three. Now I understand why they say cats are strange and difficult to understand sometimes, seeing how two little kittens dislike each other so much. How could things go so wrong? Have I made a mistake in adopting two kittens?

Can Kittens Really Hate Each Other?

Since considering adopting another kitten, I worried so much about how Miki would take it. Would he be upset, try to move out, hate the new addition, swipe and hiss at them, or worse? So both introductions for Minnie and Nara have been very gradual, lasting two to three weeks. And Miki has kept his cool. I was so happy with the way he responded to both kittens, without any real hisses, like a proper big brother, soon ready to share his food bowls, as the grass is always greener on the other side.

But Minnie and Nara are a totally different story. Something I expected would go so well was a nightmare from the beginning. It’s even difficult to ascertain which one hates the other one more. Minnie has been hissing and growling since seeing Nara for the first time, although Nara was in a crate and no threat to her whatsoever. This has continued until now, at the very end of week three. On the other hand, Nara clearly understands she is much stronger and will stalk and try to terrify Minnie. I do suspect it’s mostly her poorly socialized way of attempting play, but Minnie is not thrilled.

Miki May Be Getting Fed Up

I have to admit that things are certainly not as bad as they were in the first two weeks; there are small improvements in the amount of growling, but they still have a long way to go. But I am finding it harder to read Miki’s body language. He has definitely bonded with Minnie, as she was the first to arrive. He tries to play with her, although a bit roughly at times, and she is a princess. But he has also tried to groom her, which was very sweet until Minnie realized she hated it. With Nara, he tries to play, and there is a lot of nervous running around and some swiping but no hissing or growling. It seems the two of them are still working on building trust.

But I do worry, as it feels like I’m losing control, and I have realized that there is only so much I can do to influence these three cats in getting along. I have become almost obsessed with monitoring Miki’s whereabouts when he’s outside, and he started venturing to areas he has never been before. One day he even got startled and went quite far off. I followed him with Lava and eventually, he joined us and had his delicious pâté as a reward, but I couldn’t calm my suspicions. He still regularly comes back home in the evenings and sleeps in his favorite spot, but he is not as cuddly as he used to be. I guess change is hard, and we all need time to adapt.

Risk of Infectious Diseases

The kittens have had their vaccinations, as well as Miki, and have been kept separate for as long as possible. But there is that concern as well: could these two little additions give something to my Miki or to each other? Some things can be prevented or at least minimized through jabs, but it’s never 100%. Little Nara has moderate gingivitis, which I am hoping is solely due to new teeth erupting and baby ones falling out, but it’s something I’ll need to keep a close eye on. Not to mention, it’s time to start teaching both kittens about teeth brushing.

Stressful Experience But Rewarding After All

I now realize Miki was living in a bubble, and me with him. He’s my first cat and I absolutely adore him. I worried about him from day one, and still do, thinking of any potential problems and trying to prevent them all. Now I realize this isn’t possible, and as hard as I try, unexpected things may always occur. And now with two more kittens, as stressful and challenging as it is at times, it’s actually quite rewarding knowing I have taken two kittens off the street and given them a chance at a good life. And after all, I don’t need to overthink now how well they will get along. It’s too early to say, and there is plenty of space and food for all of them, with me giving each one as much attention as possible, to make each kitty feel like they are my number one, which in reality they are.