Introducing a kitten to a cat for the first time can be quite stressful both for you and your resident cat. Avoid the common mistake of forcing adult cats to meet their new feline companions face-to-face right away. It often leads to clashes of paws and claws.
With the following simple steps, you will have your resident cat and kitten living harmoniously in a span of a few weeks or months.
1. Provide Them With Their Own Separate Spaces.
Have separate “sanctuaries” set up for both pets. Look for areas in your home where your cats feel safe and comfortable. It should have all the necessities they need, including their own bed, litter tray, scratching post, toys, and water and food bowls.
Be sure to give the newcomer enough time to get to know her new surroundings without feeling threatened. Spend time with your new kitty, but be sure not to ignore your existing cat.
2. Non-visual Introduction Through Scent.
In your cat’s world, smells are more important than the appearance. Once ensured that both are happy with their new spaces, let both cats get used to each of their scents. This should be done before moving on to a visual introduction. Here are ways of passive introduction:
- Swapping of blankets or beds.
- A gentle rubbing of flannel to both cats on their cheek.
- Switch both cats to each other’s room.
Do these things with your supervision. The goal is to get introduced to each other’s scents and to familiarise new scents.
3. Begin Face-to-Face Introduction.
When the non-visual introduction is done with ease, you may proceed to the face-to-face introduction. It should be done gradually to avoid signs of fear and aggression.
How do you get your cat to get along with a new kitten? Associate each other’s presence to a positive one by using food and treats. During mealtime, place food bowls on each side with a sanctuary door in between.
If your resident cat or the kitten refuses to come close within five to six feet of the door, give them time to adjust. You can also try gradually moving each of their food bowls closer and closer to the door. As soon as progress can be seen, allow them to be near without a barrier with your supervision.
4. Know When to Take a Step Back.
When introducing a new kitten to an older cat, ensure that the former steps went down smoothly before proceeding to step 4. The first few interactions should be kept in short sessions, then gradually increase the amount of time spent together.
As an owner, you should never allow both felines to fight as an introduction. If any of the two starts to act aggressively, it is best to take a step back in the process.
5. Let It All Play Out With Your Supervision.
Supervision is just as important as making sure both pets have positive experiences with each other. Know that the introduction takes time considering that cats naturally live a solitary life.
They can be territorial and difficult when it comes to sharing their resources, such as food, sleeping areas, and personal places.
However, if you are having further problems concerning their behaviour you may get in touch with animal behaviourists (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) or cat expert vets.
6 Things to Remember When Introducing Kitten to Cat
- Make sure to provide litter trays for each cat and an extra one.
- Make sure to provide all felines with a “safe place” they can retreat to when their mood calls in.
- Introducing cats to each other quickly with little preparation can lead to cats feeling scared. This can cause cats to perceive each other as something threatening. As such, a careful and gradual introduction is always the key.
- A new kitten can be less perceived as a threat to a resident cat. However, kittens with an outgoing and playful personality can be stressful for older cats.
- If your decision is set to introduce a new cat at home, make sure that you can provide enough space and resources that all cats can share harmoniously.
- If playful cat fights become aggressive ones, you need to start with the introduction all over again or you may need to ask professional advice from a vet or an animal behaviourist.
FAQs About How to Introduce a New Kitten to a Cat
1. Is It Better to Have Two Cats of the Same Gender?
There is no proof that having cats of the same gender increases their likelihood of forming a bond immediately. The most important factor to keep in mind is their personalities. It will determine how well they mesh with each other.
If you opt to get cats of different genders, get them spayed and neutered as early as you can to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
2. How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Get Used to a New Kitten?
There is no definitive way to tell how long it will take for a cat to get used to a new kitten.
Some felines quickly take a liking to their new furry friend in a matter of a few weeks. Others, on the other hand, can be quite prickly, and it may take several months before they get along well with another cat.
Bear in mind that introducing a new kitten to an older cat can be a lengthy process. Do not rush things to increase the chances of them living harmoniously together.
3. Is It Normal for a Cat to Hiss at the New Kitten?
When a new kitten arrives, it is normal for the resident cat to hiss at her. This behaviour in this type of situation signifies that the older cat is surprised by the kitten’s sudden presence.
It also serves as a warning to let the other party back off. If the older cats slowly show signs of aggression, it would be best to separate them from each other. Once the situation has cooled down, try introducing them again but in short duration.
4. What Is the Best Age to Introduce a Second Cat?
The best age to introduce a second cat is when your resident cat is at a young age. Kittens are quite friendly and playful, so they easily get along well with other feline housemates. However, do not skip the process of introduction to ensure that they interact safely with each other.
Conclusion
Introducing a new kitten to a cat can be nerve-wracking, but if done well, it greatly benefits both of your pets.
However, you need to set realistic expectations. Not all cats will get along after the introduction. And that’s okay because your goal is to help them tolerate each other when sharing the same space.
If you are thinking about getting a second cat to accompany your resident feline, here are some things you should consider.