How To Introduce A New Kitten To An Older Cat

That initial meeting of a new kitten to your
family cat can be a bit of an ordeal for all
concerned. I've owned both female and male
kittens when I've had an older cat of the
opposite sex and it's always been a stressful
introduction. Lots of people say that once your
cat has been neutered it won't matter there sex.
That maybe true for some people but it didn't
work for me. Others say that they will get along
better if they're opposites but I have found out
the hard way that this doesn't always this work.
When I had an older male cat and brought home a
female kitten he was petrified. As small as she
was she made it clear from the start that she
was in charge. Poor old man. So when he passed
away and I looked at getting a friend for her I
thought I'd do it the other way round and look
for a male kitten. That didn't work either. She
soon put him in his place. However, now that
he's a big boy and has fallen head over heels in
love with her they get on better. Of course she
will still hold him down when he's missed a bit
when washing, but apart from that they both get
on better.

So what can you do to give the new member of
your family a head start with the resident cat.

Firstly make sure you have some time to devote
to settling them in. They will become anxious if
you're not around enough. Remember they've just
been separated from their mother and this new
home is dauntingly large and has new smells they
don't recognise.

Then choose a room for the kitten to stay in for
a few days. Buy a new litter tray, bed, scratch
post and cat toys. It's not advisable to use
anything from the other cat as the kitten needs
to start off establishing his own scent on his
toys. Also use new cat bowls for food and water.
Don't let your other cat in the room. They will
sense that the other is there and that will be
enough for them to cope with in the beginning.
It will let them both get used to the others
scent without having to meet straight away.

Act as you normally do with your other cat. Of
course when they come to you give them lots of
affection, it will be needed and the occasional
treat will be greatly received. They won't let
you forget that they are the top cat. It will
also make it easier when the kitten is
introduced as the other cat will feel more
secure that you love them just as much as you
did before.

After a while you can bring an item to your cat
that your new kitten has been playing with and
vice versa to help with scent swapping.

Now, for the introduction....

Leave the door ajar and let them find each other
in their own time. Be there for this first
meeting. If you can, take a few days off to be
around as much as possible, if not try to do
this over a quiet weekend.

They will hiss and snarl at each other, don't
interfere. They will probably growl and paw at
one another, don't interfere. There may even be
a bit of fur flying as well, only separate them
if it gets violent.

Don't shout at or punish either cat, this is
usual feline behaviour in their world, they will
just be working out cat rank and house position
between themselves.

Keep the kitten bowls, beds and litter tray in
their room as your older cat will be very upset
if his or her routine is messed up. Territory is
being divided between them at this time. It is
also a safe place for your kitten to retreat to
if it all becomes too much.

After a few days try to get them to play
together. Nothing difficult a simple ball or
string game. Chances are your older cat will
watch, stretch, yawn and walk off, but at least
it's some interaction between them.

As cute as this little ball of fur is don't
forget your other cat needs equal attention,
jealousy in a cat is a frightening thing!
Don't think your older cat will forgive you.

They can take months even a year to get used to
one another. Don't forget cats are naturally
independent and are used to being the bosses in
their home, so they will get there when they get
there.

Obviously you can't follow every tip in the
world, there is always the chance that they
won't get along simply because their
personalities clash. There are plenty of tips
out there, my personal one, which I have tried
and tested, has worked for me. Most people will
disagree and pretty much every pet site will say
the complete opposite to me, but whenever I've
had two neutered cats of the same sex it has
worked.

----------------------------------------------------
Alex Kelly

As a pet owner, my articles are based on issues
I feel are important for fellow animal lovers.
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