How to Introduce a Kitten to an Older Cat
21.05.25 May 21, 2025 Getting A Kitten

How to Introduce a Kitten to an Older Cat

Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting moment, but if you already have an older cat, you may be wondering how to make the introduction as smooth as possible. Cats are territorial creatures, and a sudden change in their environment can lead to stress, hissing, and even aggression. Fortunately, with patience and the right approach, you can successfully integrate a kitten with an older cat and create a harmonious home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from preparation to long-term integration. Preparing for the Introduction Before your kitten and older cat meet, it’s important to set the stage for success. Cats thrive on routine, so any disruption should be handled with care. 1. Create a Safe Space for Your Kitten Your new kitten needs a dedicated area where they can settle in before meeting your older cat. This could be a spare room or a quiet corner of your home with essentials like: A comfortable cat bed Food and water cat bowls A litter tray (separate from your older cat’s) Toys A scratching post Keeping your kitten in a separate space for the first few days allows them to adjust to their new surroundings while preventing your older cat from feeling threatened. 2. Introduce Their Scents First Cats rely heavily on scent to recognise their surroundings and other animals. Before a face-to-face introduction, swap bedding or gently rub a cloth on each cat and place it near the other. This allows them to get familiar with each other's scent in a non-threatening way. 3. Use a Pheromone Diffuser If your older cat is prone to stress, consider using a calming pheromone diffuser in your home. These mimic natural cat pheromones and can help ease the transition. We love the Pet Remedy plug in diffusers, it has a unique formula using low concentration Valerian essential oils blended with Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Sage. In times of stress or anxiety the nerves get over stimulated, which leads on to the many different signs of stress we see in our pets. The special Pet Remedy blend of essential oils works alongside these natural relaxation pathways to help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets. The First Meeting After a few days of scent swapping and separate living spaces, it’s time for the initial introduction. 1. Controlled Visual Introduction The best way to introduce a kitten to an older cat is through a controlled, non-threatening environment. Use a pet gate or slightly open door to allow them to see each other without direct contact. Observe their reactions: Curious but calm? A positive sign! Hissing or growling? Normal at first—your older cat is setting boundaries. Ears back, tail flicking aggressively? Your older cat may need more time. Repeat this process over several days, allowing them to get used to each other’s presence before removing barriers. 2. Supervised Face-to-Face Meetings When both cats appear comfortable, let them interact under supervision. Keep the meetings short and positive. Encourage good behaviour with treats or gentle praise.Expect some hissing or swatting—it’s your older cat’s way of setting boundaries. However, if there’s persistent aggression or excessive stress, separate them and try again later. Managing Common Issues Even with a careful introduction, some challenges may arise. Here’s how to handle them: Older Cat Hissing at New Kitten Hissing is a natural reaction—it’s your older cat’s way of saying, “Give me space.” As long as it doesn’t escalate into physical aggression, give them time to adjust. Continue scent swapping and controlled introductions. Older Cat Stressed by New Kitten If your older cat shows signs of stress (hiding, over-grooming, loss of appetite), ensure they have plenty of their own space. Consider adding extra vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves where they can retreat when needed. How to Get an Old Cat to Like a New Kitten Building a positive relationship takes time. Encourage bonding by: Feeding them at the same time (but at a distance) Playing with both cats together using a wand toy Rewarding calm behavior with treats Avoid forcing interaction—let them establish their own relationship at their own pace. Long-Term Integration As your kitten and older cat become more comfortable, you can gradually allow more unsupervised interactions. Ensure they each have their own essentials (litter trays, food bowls) to reduce competition. It can take weeks or even months for an older cat to fully accept a new kitten, but with patience, most cats learn to coexist—and some even become best friends! Final Thoughts Introducing a kitten to an older cat requires patience and a thoughtful approach. By giving both cats their own space, managing their interactions carefully, and addressing any stress, you can create a peaceful home where both your new and old feline companions feel safe and happy. If you're preparing for a new kitten, be sure to check out our kitten checklist for all the essentials you’ll need. From cosy beds to scratching posts and calming aids, Lords & Labradors has everything to help your cats adjust smoothly.

By Megan Willis

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Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting moment, but if you already have an older cat, you may be wondering how to make the introduction as smooth as possible. Cats are territorial creatures, and a sudden change in their environment can lead to stress, hissing, and even aggression. Fortunately, with patience and the right approach, you can successfully integrate a kitten with an older cat and create a harmonious home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from preparation to long-term integration.

Preparing for the Introduction

Before your kitten and older cat meet, it’s important to set the stage for success. Cats thrive on routine, so any disruption should be handled with care.

1. Create a Safe Space for Your Kitten

Cat on a cat tree

Your new kitten needs a dedicated area where they can settle in before meeting your older cat. This could be a spare room or a quiet corner of your home with essentials like:

Keeping your kitten in a separate space for the first few days allows them to adjust to their new surroundings while preventing your older cat from feeling threatened.

2. Introduce Their Scents First

Cats rely heavily on scent to recognise their surroundings and other animals. Before a face-to-face introduction, swap bedding or gently rub a cloth on each cat and place it near the other. This allows them to get familiar with each other's scent in a non-threatening way.

3. Use a Pheromone Diffuser

If your older cat is prone to stress, consider using a calming pheromone diffuser in your home. These mimic natural cat pheromones and can help ease the transition. We love the Pet Remedy plug in diffusers, it has a unique formula using low concentration Valerian essential oils blended with Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Sage. In times of stress or anxiety the nerves get over stimulated, which leads on to the many different signs of stress we see in our pets. The special Pet Remedy blend of essential oils works alongside these natural relaxation pathways to help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets.

The First Meeting

two cats

After a few days of scent swapping and separate living spaces, it’s time for the initial introduction.

1. Controlled Visual Introduction

The best way to introduce a kitten to an older cat is through a controlled, non-threatening environment. Use a pet gate or slightly open door to allow them to see each other without direct contact. Observe their reactions:

  • Curious but calm? A positive sign!
  • Hissing or growling? Normal at first—your older cat is setting boundaries.
  • Ears back, tail flicking aggressively? Your older cat may need more time.

Repeat this process over several days, allowing them to get used to each other’s presence before removing barriers.

2. Supervised Face-to-Face Meetings

When both cats appear comfortable, let them interact under supervision. Keep the meetings short and positive. Encourage good behaviour with treats or gentle praise.
Expect some hissing or swatting—it’s your older cat’s way of setting boundaries. However, if there’s persistent aggression or excessive stress, separate them and try again later.

Managing Common Issues

2 cats playing

Even with a careful introduction, some challenges may arise. Here’s how to handle them:

Older Cat Hissing at New Kitten

Hissing is a natural reaction—it’s your older cat’s way of saying, “Give me space.” As long as it doesn’t escalate into physical aggression, give them time to adjust. Continue scent swapping and controlled introductions.

Older Cat Stressed by New Kitten

If your older cat shows signs of stress (hiding, over-grooming, loss of appetite), ensure they have plenty of their own space. Consider adding extra vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves where they can retreat when needed.

How to Get an Old Cat to Like a New Kitten

Building a positive relationship takes time. Encourage bonding by:

  • Feeding them at the same time (but at a distance)
  • Playing with both cats together using a wand toy
  • Rewarding calm behavior with treats

Avoid forcing interaction—let them establish their own relationship at their own pace.

Long-Term Integration

As your kitten and older cat become more comfortable, you can gradually allow more unsupervised interactions. Ensure they each have their own essentials (litter trays, food bowls) to reduce competition.

It can take weeks or even months for an older cat to fully accept a new kitten, but with patience, most cats learn to coexist—and some even become best friends!

Final Thoughts

Introducing a kitten to an older cat requires patience and a thoughtful approach. By giving both cats their own space, managing their interactions carefully, and addressing any stress, you can create a peaceful home where both your new and old feline companions feel safe and happy.

If you're preparing for a new kitten, be sure to check out our kitten checklist for all the essentials you’ll need. From cosy beds to scratching posts and calming aids, Lords & Labradors has everything to help your cats adjust smoothly.

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Why do cats like cardboard specifically? The texture of cardboard is satisfying to claw and scratch. In fact, cardboard cat scratchers are popular for exactly this reason—cardboard is sturdy enough to let them shred away, which helps trim their nails and release pent-up energy. Hunting Instinct:
Many boxes have flaps and openings that cats can peek through, satisfying their instinctive urge to stalk. Playing hide and seek from inside a box is a fun way for them to practice pouncing in a safe environment. At Lords & Labradors, we love seeing cats in cardboard boxes, and we know that when it comes to cat furniture, sometimes the simplest DIY solutions can be the most entertaining! 5 DIY Cardboard Crafts Your Cat Will Adore Ready to get creative? Below are five ideas for crafting cardboard cat houses, scratchers, and more. We’ve designed these to be fun, safe, and relatively easy to build at home. Let’s get started! 1. The Cardboard Castle Materials Needed Several clean, sturdy cardboard boxes of various sizes Non-toxic glue or tape Craft knife or scissors Decorations (stickers, paint pens—cat-safe if applying in accessible areas) Instructions Choose Your Boxes: Find a large cat cardboard box to serve as the main floor. Then, pick a few smaller boxes to act as turrets or additional rooms. Cut Out Openings: Using a craft knife, cut doorways, windows, and connecting passageways between boxes. Aim for enough room so your cat can comfortably pass through. Assemble and Secure: Stack and tape or glue the boxes together to form a castle shape. Make sure the structure is stable before letting your cat explore. Decorate: Feel free to add your personal flair—just be certain not to use any materials that might be toxic or easy to ingest for your cat.Why Your Cat Will Love It
The multiple levels offer varied perches and hideouts. It becomes a mini “fortress” your cat can rule from, satisfying that innate desire for hidden, elevated vantage points. 2. Recycled Cardboard Cat Scratcher Materials Needed Corrugated cardboard Pencil and ruler Non-toxic glue Instructions Measure & Mark: Use a pencil and ruler to mark strips on your cardboard. These strips should all be the same width, around 2–3 inches, depending on how thick you want the scratcher to be. Cut Strips: Cut along the marked lines. Roll or Stack: For a circular scratcher, roll the strips tightly into a spiral, gluing along the way. For a rectangular scratcher, stack the strips on top of each other until you reach the desired thickness. Secure: Glue the final layer to keep everything in place. You can then place the scratcher on the floor or even fit it into a shallow box lid for extra stability. Why Your Cat Will Love It Cardboard cat scratchers cater to your cat’s natural need to claw and mark their territory. Best of all, you can make it from leftover shipping boxes that would otherwise be thrown away. 3. The Hidden Tunnel Materials Needed One or more large cardboard boxes Scissors or craft knife Tape or glue Instructions Flatten and Cut: Take a large piece of cardboard and cut out rectangular sections to form a tube. Shape the Tunnel: Roll or fold the cardboard into a cylindrical or rectangular tunnel shape. Use tape or glue to secure the sides. Add Entry Points: If you have extra cardboard, create additional holes so your cat can dart in and out. Stabilise: For extra durability, consider layering more cardboard around the outside, forming a sturdy tunnel. Why Your Cat Will Love It Cats love a good hide-and-seek session. Tunnels give them a sense of excitement and security, and they’ll enjoy sprinting through or lounging inside the structure. At Lords & Labradors, we often see how partial cats are to anything that offers a sneaky hiding spot. It’s why do cats like to be in boxes in the first place—they’re secure, fun, and keep their curiosity piqued! 4. The Stackable Condo Materials Needed Two or more boxes of the same size Tape or glue Craft knife for windows Instructions Select Matching Boxes: Choose sturdy boxes that can be stacked. Cut Doorways: Create an entrance on each box, ensuring it’s large enough for your cat. Add a few smaller windows for ventilation and visibility. Stack and Secure: Place one box on top of the other, aligning the doors if you want your cat to have a multi-level condo. Secure with tape or glue. Add a Cushion: For extra comfort, slide a plush cat bed or cushion from Lords & Labradors into the lower level. Why Your Cat Will Love It This multi-floor design not only satisfies that why cats love boxes curiosity, but also gives them vertical space to lounge, nap, and observe their surroundings—perfect for your little acrobat. 5. The Puzzle Feeder Materials Needed A shallow cardboard box Cardboard tubes (like from paper towel rolls) Non-toxic glue Cat treats or kibble Instructions Gather Tubes: Collect multiple cardboard tubes and cut them into shorter segments if necessary. Arrange Tubes: Stand the tubes upright inside the shallow box until the space is filled. Secure with glue so they don’t tip over. Add Treats: Once the glue is dry, drop cat treats or kibble into the tubes. Encourage Play: Your cat will have to fish the food out with their paw—stimulating their mind and providing a tasty reward. Why Your Cat Will Love It
Interactive toys keep your cat mentally stimulated, plus they’ll be excited to hunt for their snacks. This is a quick and simple project that doubles as enrichment. Safety Tips and Reminders When building cardboard cat houses or any other DIY cat project, keep these points in mind: No Toxic Materials: Only use non-toxic adhesives and paints. Stability: Ensure the structure won’t collapse or tip over easily. Ventilation: Make enough openings so your cat doesn’t feel trapped. Regular Check-Ups: Over time, cardboard can wear down or get damp. Replace any parts that become unsafe. If you’d prefer a ready-made solution or want to enhance your DIY creations, Lords & Labradors offers a range of cat-friendly products like plush cat beds, tunnels, and scratchers that pair perfectly with your homemade cardboard creations. Conclusion Why do cats love boxes so much? It’s a combination of security, comfort, and pure feline fun. From cardboard box cat houses to tunnels and scratching posts, there’s an endless variety of ways to repurpose something as simple as a cardboard box into a play haven for your cat. If my cat loves boxes is a sentiment you share, try your hand at the five DIY ideas above and watch as your whiskered companion pounces, lounges, and explores to their heart’s content. At Lords & Labradors, we encourage cat parents to get creative and enrich their pets’ lives with new experiences. By making cat houses out of boxes, you’re not only recycling and saving money, but you’re also giving your cat a safe, engaging space that caters to their natural instincts. So gather those leftover boxes, break out the scissors and glue, and treat your furry friend to a homemade cardboard paradise! Ready to embark on your next cat project? Visit Lords & Labradors for cat beds, cushions, and other essentials to enhance your DIY cat structures

    By Megan Willis

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