Having a new kitten comes with all the enjoyment and cuddles. Watching your new kitten explore your home is such an adorable experience. Unfortunately, if you already have another cat in your home, introducing a new kitten can cause anxiety for you and your resident cat.
One important thing to note is that having another cat doesn’t mean your current cat won’t love your new kitten. Sometimes it just takes time, and following the steps below will allow both of your cats to feel comfortable.
Why Cats React Badly to New Additions
In order to better understand how you should introduce your new kitten to your cat, it’s best to first understand why your resident cat acts defensive.
Cats are naturally territorial creatures. Dogs see other animals as potential friends or additions to the pack. Cats view them as invaders. Your resident cat has laid claim to every inch of your home. They feel like they own your stuff. The new kitten smells different. Sounds different. Suddenly, their home feels too small and crowded.
It’s important to remember that your cat is not doing this to spite you. This is their natural reaction to something new in their environment. The key is taking everything baby-step by baby-step so both cats can get used to each other without feeling threatened.
How To Introduce a New Kitten To Your Cat
1.Separate the Kitten
Before the kitten even enters your home, pick an area for them to stay that will be their dedicated space for the next few days. This should have their food and water bowls, litter box, bedding, toys, and some safe hiding spots.
You want to keep the kitten separate so your current cat does not ambush them when they’re vulnerable. Depending on how your current cat reacts, this could last a few days or even longer.
2.Let Them Sniff Each Other
Before they lay eyes on each other, you want to get the two of them used to each other’s scent. I found that swapping bedding between my resident cat and new kitten helped. Simply place a blanket the kitten has been sleeping on next to where your resident cat sleeps and swap over.
You can also feed them on either side of the door separating them. This creates a positive association with each other because they’re doing something they love while smelling the other cat. Over time, you can move the food bowls closer and closer to the door.
3.See But Don’t Touch
Next, you’ll want to let them see each other without actually allowing physical contact. You can crack the door open just a little or use a baby gate. Watch how they react around each other. Hissing and staring is normal, but you don’t want to see things like either cat licking their lips or one cat retreating and hiding for long periods of time.
If you witness signs of aggression, go back to the previous step and spend more time getting them used to each other’s scent. Introductions can take weeks. Do not rush this process.
4.Meet Face to Face
After a few days of slow introductions and both cats seeming relaxed around each other, it’s time to let them hang out in the same room together. Keep these sessions short and always supervise interactions.
Have a wand toy on hand so you can easily distract them if things go south. Food and treats are great for this stage as well. If you see your resident cat gently sniffing the kitten and not reacting negatively, let them be. The puppy eyes aren’t happening, but your resident cat will eventually come around.
5.What to Look For
If you notice mild growling, stalking, or avoidance from one or both cats, that is completely normal and they will get over it with time. However, aggressive mounting, continued violent chasing, or one cat hiding and not eating should be cause for concern.
If you notice any of the latter behaviors, separate the cats and slow down the introduction process. Again, do not rush things. You can also contact your vet if you think aggression may become a long-term issue.
6.Extra Love for Your Resident Cat
This tip is crucial. With a new kitty in the house, it’s easy to unintentionally focus all your attention on them and neglect your resident cat. Your current cat may not show it, but they’re likely feeling anxious and a little jealous.
Continue to follow their normal routine of playtime, feeding, and cuddles. Allow them to eat first and keep their favorite spots to themselves. You want your resident cat to know that your new kitten doesn’t change the love they receive from you.
7.Let the Kitten Explore
As your cats begin to tolerate each other, you can start to give the kitten access to more of your home. Again, do this slowly and with your supervision. Allow the kitten access to one room at a time until they’ve earned the trust of your resident cat.
Don’t rush this process. Your resident cat could feel threatened if the kitten suddenly has access to the entire house. Over time, both your cats should be comfortable sharing spaces. Whether they bond as forever friends or not is up to them.
FAQs
How long should it take for a cat to accept a new kitten?
It could be as little as a week. It could take a couple of months. Every cat is different, but most fall into accepting a new cat within 4–8 weeks when given proper introductions.
Should I just let them fight it out?
No. Seriously. Never just let two cats fight with the hope that they’ll come to an understanding. Unless both cats are good and ready, they could fight and create a traumatic association with each other. Make sure they’re ready before taking off the leash.
My cat keeps growling and hissing at my new kitten. Will they ever stop?
When introducing a new kitten to your cat, some hissing is normal. As long as your cat continues to eat, drink, use the litter box, and not actually harm the kitten, they are just talking. It will stop.
Is it easier to introduce two kittens than a kitten and an adult cat?
Yes, it is typically easier just because kittens don’t exude that “this is my territory” vibe that adult cats do. Your resident cat may not care for the kitten at first but will eventually give up on making them leave.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to introduce a new kitten to your cat properly is important. There is no rushing the process. As long as you follow all the steps above and don’t rush things, both your new kitten and resident cat will eventually learn to live with each other.
Yes, even share spaces. You’ll know everything is okay when you catch your resident cat gently grooming the kitten. Just remember to be patient and let the cats take things at their own pace.
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