My cat seems depressed since the new arrival

Hi everyone, my two-year-old cat hasn't played at all since we got back from our holiday. Any ideas? He’s got loads of toys at home but he’s just not interested right now. Speak soon!

Hi, I have two girls that I didn't get at the same time. My first one acted like that at the start, so I decided to set up separate areas for them along with some shared spaces. They each have their own water bowl, food bowl and sleeping spots. I've been very careful to make sure one doesn't get the upper hand over the other, and I make sure to play with both and give them both just as many cuddles. During the first year, my first cat was very distant with us, but once she saw that we weren't playing favourites, everything went back to how it was before. They still have the odd scrap now and then. When I can see one of them started it, I give her a telling-off, and if they're both at it, I scold them both. They're living together quite happily now.

Hi there, How long have you noticed this change in behaviour? Have you spotted any other signs (for example, changes in appetite or how much they’re drinking)? Have they had a check-up with the vet recently? A cat that suddenly changes its behaviour towards the whole household and starts becoming a bit sluggish could be showing signs of illness. If the change felt quite sudden, a quick check-up might be a good idea. On the plus side, at least they aren’t being aggressive towards each other, which is a start. Try to enrich their environment as much as possible to keep them stimulated. You could set up some high-up hiding spots where they can get away from the kitten, who might be a bit too energetic for their liking. Try to have a few spots or cosy sleeping nooks where only your first cat can go, so they can have some peace and quiet now and then. Don’t be afraid to carve out some "private" time with them, even if it means closing the door to the room where they’re sleeping. Make sure they have moments just for them, even if they don't come asking for it—keep them engaged. Stick to their usual routines as well (mealtimes, play sessions, etc.) while encouraging them to join in. Try to find some new, more exciting things to motivate them (a brilliant new toy, or a high-value treat they’d do anything for). After all, there’s a big difference between playing with a neighbour and having a little wriggler constantly buzzing around you. It’ll probably take both your fur babies a bit of time to get used to all these changes. Definitely make the most of positive reinforcement (when they’re playing together, being nice to one another—like grooming—or during a cuddle) using a soft, cheerful voice, treats, games, or whatever motivates them. My cat was a bit like yours when I adopted a second adult. The new one was very cuddly and playful, which wasn't really my first cat's thing; I think the small amount of interaction he had with us, combined with the new cat, was plenty for him. When the second cat passed away, he became super clingy, always demanding attention (and howling through the night!). Mind you, mine wasn't sociable at all and only ever accepted that one cat. Perhaps the kitten’s arrival was a bit of a shock to the system? You could try keeping them in separate areas and only bringing them into the same room at mealtimes, so they associate being together with something really positive, and then follow it up with a play session. You could also look into talking to a pet behaviourist if you're still worried about this change in behaviour. Mélissa - Veterinary Student at the National Veterinary School of Alfort (EnvA) Project Manager for ProVéto Junior Conseil, the EnvA Student Consulting Group http://proveto.net/

Hi there, In my opinion, the solution is to give the kitten some time to settle in and find its feet. Most importantly, make sure you spend some quality one-on-one time with your older cat, even if that means going into another room. You could also try buying a cat bed so he can sleep in peace, and some toys for the kitten. It’s quite common for a cat’s behaviour to change when there’s a new arrival, but it’s nothing to worry about here since he isn’t being aggressive. You also need to take the time to burn off the kitten's energy and keep up with its training, so it understands that quiet time is just as important. Regarding territory, remember to provide two litter trays and two separate food bowls placed a bit apart, so your adult cat doesn’t feel like his space is being “invaded”. Otherwise, their behaviour seems perfectly normal to me; your adult cat doesn’t want to play like he used to, while the kitten wants to do nothing else, so their attitudes aren't at all concerning.