Kitten Tips

How to Introduce a Kitten to an Older Cat

Bringing a new kitten into a household with an older cat can be a delicate process. It’s only natural for cats to get jealous of a new kitten – they must now share their territory, family and lifestyle. As such, taking the appropriate steps to ensure a smooth introduction can work wonders in creating a harmonious relationship between the two felines.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about introducing a kitten to an older cat, recognising signs of acceptance, managing any conflicts that arise, and the best methods to encourage peaceful coexistence.

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How to Introduce a Kitten to an Older Cat

Introducing a kitten to an older cat can be a delicate process that requires patience and careful planning. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition and minimise stress for everyone involved (as well as some warning signs when introducing cats).

Increase Opportunities for Socialising

Preparation for introducing a new cat starts well before the new arrival. It involves socialising your existing cat, exposing it to various experiences, and helping it become more adaptable and better equipped to handle new situations, interactions, and environments.

Initial Health Check

Ensure both cats are up to date with vaccinations, worming, and parasite control. A clean bill of health will help both cats handle the introduction better and minimise health risks.

Create a Safe, Isolated Room for Your Kitten

Start by placing your kitten in a quiet, safe room away from your resident cat. The room must have all the necessities, such as:
•    Food
•    Water
•    Litter tray
•    Bedding
•    Toys
Within this room, allow your kitten to acclimate for about a week.

Become Familiar with Other Animal’s Smell

Allow the cats to get used to each other's scent. Transfer pheromones by swapping bedding or using a small towel to rub the cats' cheeks and heads, then placing the towel under their feeding bowls. You can also switch rooms to help them become familiar with each other’s scent.

Introduce Them Through a Cage

After a week, allow the cats to meet through a cage by placing the kitten in a cage. Ensure both cats are relaxed and ready for this step. Gradually increase the time they spend in each other’s presence through the cage, but don’t allow direct contact just yet in case of fighting. Another option to start out is to let them sniff each other through a just-cracked open door.

Face-to-Face Introductions

When both cats seem comfortable, let them meet face-to-face (without a cage separating them). Supervise these interactions closely and be ready to separate them if necessary. Unfortunately, this phase may take days to months to become more peaceful, so patience is key.

Supervise Their Play Time

Continue supervising interactions until you’re confident that both cats are getting along. If you’re unsure, separate them when you can’t manage. Parallel play can be helpful - that is, if you have an extra caregiver you can both play with the cats alongside each other.

Allocate Separate Areas

Even if the cats seem to get along, provide separate resources for each, including food and water bowls, beds, and litter trays, to ensure they can eat and rest without disturbances.

Check for Bullying

Monitor for signs of aggression and bullying when introducing cats, such as the older cat not allowing the kitten to eat, rest, or play. Bullying can cause long-term stress and anxiety for the kitten.

Warning Signs When Introducing Cats

•   Hissing and growling: A growling or hissing kitten indicates discomfort or aggression.
•   Swatting or biting: Signs of aggression and further conflict.
•    Stalking or intense focus: Could lead to aggressive behaviour.
•    Persistent hiding: Indicates fear and stress.
•   Lack of appetite: A sign of stress or health issues.
•    Over-grooming: Could be a stress response. If any of these occur, then it’s safest to back up a few steps in the process and start again, even more slowly.

Signs Your Cat is Accepting the New Kitten

Your feline friends won’t be able to tell you they are getting along verbally, but there are some good signs when introducing cats to each other that you can look out for. These include:

Caressing Heads Together

Cats often rub their heads together to communicate and share scents, a behaviour that not only helps them recognise and stay connected with each other, but also begins a strong process of social bonding.

Touching Noses

Touching noses, also known as 'greetings rubbing,' is another way for cats to exchange scent information. It’s a foundational process for cats to assess and accept each other.

Mutual Grooming

When cats groom each other, it signifies a high level of trust and affection. If you see your cats grooming each other, it means they are comfortable and friendly.

Sharing Common Spaces

Cats are naturally territorial, so sharing spaces like cat trees, scratching posts, litter boxes, or food bowls is a good sign. If your cats are playing together and sharing toys, they are likely forming a positive relationship. Initially, providing separate resources is important until they get used to each other's presence.

Sleeping Next to Each Other

Cats that sleep or nap together display a significant level of comfort and trust. If your cats are cuddling or napping in close proximity, it indicates they feel safe and secure with each other.

Play Fighting

Rolling and wrestling can look aggressive, but it's often just playful behaviour. Friendly play fighting allows cats to burn off energy and practice their hunting skills. Ensure their claws are not extended, and you haven’t got a hissing kitten to confirm it is harmless fun.

Managing Cat Conflict

When introducing a new cat to a household with existing cats, treat the newcomer as a separate social entity at first. Social acceptance among cats is not guaranteed, and the new cat must be integrated slowly and carefully.

If you encounter ongoing conflict between your cats, it might be time to seek guidance from your veterinarian. They may recommend separation, behaviour modification techniques, and potentially short-term medications to manage the situation.

If conflicts persist, your vet can provide strategies and solutions to help foster a peaceful and harmonious relationship among your feline companions.

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FAQ

How much hissing is normal when introducing cats?
When introducing cats, some hissing is normal as they adjust to each other's presence. This behaviour is a way for cats to express discomfort or set boundaries. Brief hissing during initial meetings is typically not a cause for concern. However, if the hissing persists for an extended period or is accompanied by aggressive behaviour, it may be a sign that the introduction process needs to be slowed down.

How long for an older cat to accept a new kitten?
The time it takes for an older cat to accept a new kitten can vary widely. Some cats may adjust within a few days, while others might take several weeks or even months. The key is to be patient and allow the cats to set their own pace. Gradual introductions and positive reinforcement can help facilitate the process.
Should I let my cat hiss at the new kitten?
Allowing your cat to hiss at the new kitten can be part of the natural introduction process. Hissing is a normal way for cats to communicate their boundaries and establish hierarchy. However, if the hissing escalates to swatting, growling, or aggressive behaviour, it's important to intervene and give the cats more time apart before attempting another introduction.