A cat owner who assumed her adult feline would happily adopt the family’s new kitten has quickly learned that not all introductions go according to plan.
In a now-viral TikTok video posted by Britt (@brinnyfishy), a tiny black-and-white kitten can be seen cautiously tiptoeing toward a tabby adult cat. Overlaid text on the clip reads: “She’ll probably think the kitten is her baby and take care of it!”
The reality was far less heartwarming. As soon as the kitten approaches, the adult cat hisses sharply, making it clear she wasn’t ready to play parent. The moment is summed up in the caption: “That was a hard no for her.”
The video struck a chord with cat lovers online, amassing almost 637,000 views and over 106,000 likes. With over 150 commenters sharing their own experiences of failed feline introductions.
“She’s lookin’ like ‘adoption is an option and I’m choosing NO,’” joked one user.
Another wrote: “My two cats absolutely hated my new kitten. Two days later they were fighting over her on who was [going to] keep her.”
A third said: “Real. My older cat HATED my Ragdoll when she was a baby. They still aren’t friends now, but they don’t cause each other trouble any more.”
Why Cats Don’t Always Welcome New Kittens
While the thought of an older cat nurturing a kitten sounds idyllic, feline dynamics can be complicated. Sometimes adult cats immediately reject newcomers, especially when their territory feels threatened.
Fortunately, introducing a kitten to an adult cat is often smoother than pairing two adults. Kittens are less likely to be viewed as competition, since their personalities are still developing, states U.K.-based charity Cats Protection. However, relationships can shift as cats mature, particularly between 18 months and four years, when they reach social maturity.
Tips for a Smooth Introduction
Introducing a kitten to a home with an adult cat takes patience and preparation. Cats Protection recommends several key strategies, including:
- Secure barriers: Kittens can squeeze through tiny gaps, so ensure any partitions are safe and kitten-proof to prevent unwanted encounters.
- Tire out your kitten: Playtime before introductions can help burn off energy, reducing the chances of them pestering a sleepy older cat.
- Keep routines consistent: Continue giving your adult cat attention and affection to maintain their sense of security.
- Offer escape routes: Provide elevated or hidden spaces where your adult cat can retreat without being followed.
- Separate resources: Each cat should have their own bowls, litter trays, and beds—plus an extra set to avoid competition.
Newsweek is waiting for @brinnyfishy to provide a comment.