From what you describe, I don't think you need to worry about the older cat and the kitten. She may be annoyed, but if she were really upset, you and the kitten would know about it. She may actually wind up being the non-dominant cat. Unless you are fearful for either cat's safety you should not interfer. They really need to work things out on their own.

As far as the food is concerned, you will not be able to keep the kitten out of the older cat's food. The only answer is to feed the older cat in a closed off room at a specified time and then to pick up the food until the next feeding time. Although the kitten food is recommended for young cats, if you are feeding a good high-quality food to the older cat, it is not going to hurt the little one to get into it. Usually the reverse is the problem since kitten food is generally more attractive than adult food. The adult cat will tend to eat the kitten food which is really too high-calorie for most of them! I just got done with a feeding stint for my neighbor's cats - one ate kitten food and one ate adult food. They would constantly switch bowls...go figure!

Good luck with your blended family!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

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