Painfully playful kitten

[babygirlhawks]

Our cat has come to terms with the new kitten, even mothers him a bit. She plays at times but of course not as much as the kitten. The older cat now has gashes, cuts, and scratches from the kitten. She won't fight back since he's still a baby. Any tips? Or could declawing the kitten help?

[zodiacqueen]

The other posters have given you great advice. I would like to add that the cats should be separated when you go to sleep or when you're not home to protect the older cat. This situation needs to be monitored closely by you .

[evewisewoman]

Hello there,

Sorry, but I cringe when I hear the word " declawed ". Let me try and explain to you what declawing really is.  I read somewhere that declawing a cat is like a person having all their fingernails removed up to their knuckles. Kittens are playful. Do not declaw this sweet little kitten.
Just keep the kitten's claws clipped, just the sharp end tips. As opus888
cautions, be very careful not to over cut and get near the quick. You probably know this already, but you can buy cat nail clippers at a pet supply store . I don't know if there are any Pet Value pet stores where you
live. I would guess most pet stores carry these little nail clippers specifically for cats. We bought one for our cat, Sammy, and it is really easy to keep his nails trimmed.  How old is your older cat ?  Just curious?
What sex is the kitten and what sex is the older cat ?  
I wish you and your two fur babies well.   Eve ( mother of Sammy the cat )

[opus88]

I must agree with Pip, declawing is a form of painful mutilation plz don't consider this....a watchful eye and a kind deterrent is much better.

Keep kittens claws clipped, just the sharp end tips....be very careful not to over cut and get near the quick

[Piparskeggr]

Have to admit I cringe when "declawing" is brought into the equation.

I suggest a squirt bottle, keeping an eye on kitten and giving him a spritz when he gets too rough.  Also, distracting him with toys, feather on a string, laser pointer ball trapped in a raceway...something to bleed off his excess energy.  You have to help your older kitty cope.

Our Calamity Jane Grey was a little over 17 1/2 when we introduced Silver Kestrel to her as a 2 month old kitten.  She was 19 when we introduced Hildiekatt and a little under 20 when we brought Chesapeake Bandylegs into the family.

By keeping careful watch, which was helped by my wife being home most of the time, we had a good outcome.

This is a link to the 4 of them keeping a pile of my clean laundry warm.  Cammie is closest to the camera.  The muted tortie with the lovely green eyes is Kessie.  Hildie is the cocoa tortie and Chessie is the little grey.

http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/468122?personal_page_id=861638