How To Introduce A New Kitten To A Cat
04.07.21 July 04, 2021 Getting A Kitten

How To Introduce A New Kitten To A Cat

Getting a new kitten is super exciting but also comes with a number of challenges, especially if you already have a feline family member. Settling in a new kitten takes some thought and planning which is only exaggerated when you’re introducing them to an existing pet. Cats are very territorial and introducing a new family member to your cat’s space can take time and perseverance. They may not like the new addition at first, but with time and patience you’ll soon all live in harmony. People have many questions about introducing new kittens to cats and we plan to answer some of the most frequently asked queries here. Read on to find out how to introduce your new pet to the family and what to do when things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like.   Can You Introduce A Kitten To A Cat? The simple answer to this is yes! Of course, you can introduce kittens to cats just the same as you can introduce puppies to cats and new kittens to dogs. That doesn’t mean it will be simple and there are some things you need to consider in preparation for bringing your new kitten home.  Introducing them too quickly can lead to scared cats feeling threatened which can culminate in aggressive behaviour. In this situation it’s extremely difficult to change your cats’ minds about their new family members. Instead, take it slowly and plan the introduction carefully, and hopefully the new kitten will fit right in.   How Do I Introduce My New Kitten To My Cat? The first thing to consider is where your new kitten will live when you first bring them home. They will need their own room or area that is away from the other cat or cats that already share your home.  In this area, you will need to provide everything your kitten needs including a bed, litter box, and food. They’ll also need a couple of cat toys and somewhere to scratch. We’d also suggest investing in Feliway diffusers around the home. The Feliway Friends formula is designed especially for multi-cat households and will help to keep cats calm and relaxed. You should allow your kitten to settle into their new home for at least a few days before you try any introductions. When it comes to the first introduction, we’d suggest doing it either side of a pet gate or other partition. You could choose to keep your kitten in their carrier so that they feel secure.  A division like this will allow the cats to see and smell each other without being able to touch.  Choose a place that is relatively neutral to both cats and allow cat and kitten the ability to retreat and get back to their safe space. Also, allow the cats some distance at first and let them approach the other in their own time. Don’t force the meeting or place them directly next to one another. We’d suggest providing them both some food at this point, as a distraction and to help create a positive association with the meeting. Keep the introduction short, but repeat the meetings in this way until cat and kitten show signs that they are becoming comfortable with each other. Some cats will get used to each other in only a few days whilst others may take a few weeks. Every cat is different and it’s about seeing how your cat and kitten react to the situation.   How Do I Get A Cat To Like A New Kitten? As we mentioned previously, the introductions should be taken slowly. There are a couple of things you can do to help get the cat to like the kitten. You could give them a scent blanket with your kitten’s scent on it and also give your kitten something with your older cat’s scent on. Do this a few weeks before the introduction and hopefully they'll be familiar with the scent helping to make them both feel at ease when they eventually meet. Of course, your cat may not take to the kitten straight away and they may bat, hiss or growl at the kitten. This is quite normal and you shouldn’t worry too much. It just means they shouldn’t be left alone yet and the incremental introductions need to carry on a little longer. Perseverance is key here and it’s all about having patience and sticking to the plan of staged meetings.   Why Does My Cat Growl At My New Kitten? When your cat does show signs of aggression, such as growling or hissing, they are trying to find out where they sit in the social hierarchy. New additions to the household can cause nerves and stress which can be displayed in different ways. Don’t worry too much about this behaviour, but do be aware of it. If your cat is growling or hissing at the new kitten, it just isn’t time for the two to live in the same rooms yet. Keep going with the distant introductions, with a safe barrier between, keep scent swapping and don’t give up!   How Long Will My Cat Hiss At My New Kitten? This can really vary from cat to cat. Every pet is an individual with a unique personality; some more laid back than others. Some may not hiss at all and take to their family member in a couple of days, whilst others may show signs of aggression for a few weeks.  All you can do is wait to find out how you and your cats get on together and react accordingly.  When you do start to open up the house to the kitten, start with one room at a time so that you can judge how both pets react to each other. Once they are living harmoniously, you can begin to open up more of the house, until your little kitten is fully integrated into the home.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Getting a new kitten is super exciting but also comes with a number of challenges, especially if you already have a feline family member. Settling in a new kitten takes some thought and planning which is only exaggerated when you’re introducing them to an existing pet. Cats are very territorial and introducing a new family member to your cat’s space can take time and perseverance. They may not like the new addition at first, but with time and patience you’ll soon all live in harmony.

People have many questions about introducing new kittens to cats and we plan to answer some of the most frequently asked queries here. Read on to find out how to introduce your new pet to the family and what to do when things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like.

 

Can You Introduce A Kitten To A Cat?

The simple answer to this is yes! Of course, you can introduce kittens to cats just the same as you can introduce puppies to cats and new kittens to dogs. That doesn’t mean it will be simple and there are some things you need to consider in preparation for bringing your new kitten home.  Introducing them too quickly can lead to scared cats feeling threatened which can culminate in aggressive behaviour. In this situation it’s extremely difficult to change your cats’ minds about their new family members. Instead, take it slowly and plan the introduction carefully, and hopefully the new kitten will fit right in.

Ginger cats cuddling

 

How Do I Introduce My New Kitten To My Cat?

The first thing to consider is where your new kitten will live when you first bring them home. They will need their own room or area that is away from the other cat or cats that already share your home.  In this area, you will need to provide everything your kitten needs including a bed, litter box, and food. They’ll also need a couple of cat toys and somewhere to scratch.

We’d also suggest investing in Feliway diffusers around the home. The Feliway Friends formula is designed especially for multi-cat households and will help to keep cats calm and relaxed.

You should allow your kitten to settle into their new home for at least a few days before you try any introductions. When it comes to the first introduction, we’d suggest doing it either side of a pet gate or other partition. You could choose to keep your kitten in their carrier so that they feel secure.  A division like this will allow the cats to see and smell each other without being able to touch.  Choose a place that is relatively neutral to both cats and allow cat and kitten the ability to retreat and get back to their safe space. Also, allow the cats some distance at first and let them approach the other in their own time. Don’t force the meeting or place them directly next to one another. We’d suggest providing them both some food at this point, as a distraction and to help create a positive association with the meeting.

Keep the introduction short, but repeat the meetings in this way until cat and kitten show signs that they are becoming comfortable with each other. Some cats will get used to each other in only a few days whilst others may take a few weeks. Every cat is different and it’s about seeing how your cat and kitten react to the situation.

 

How Do I Get A Cat To Like A New Kitten?

As we mentioned previously, the introductions should be taken slowly. There are a couple of things you can do to help get the cat to like the kitten. You could give them a scent blanket with your kitten’s scent on it and also give your kitten something with your older cat’s scent on. Do this a few weeks before the introduction and hopefully they'll be familiar with the scent helping to make them both feel at ease when they eventually meet.

Of course, your cat may not take to the kitten straight away and they may bat, hiss or growl at the kitten. This is quite normal and you shouldn’t worry too much. It just means they shouldn’t be left alone yet and the incremental introductions need to carry on a little longer. Perseverance is key here and it’s all about having patience and sticking to the plan of staged meetings.

Cat sniffing a kitten

 

Why Does My Cat Growl At My New Kitten?

When your cat does show signs of aggression, such as growling or hissing, they are trying to find out where they sit in the social hierarchy. New additions to the household can cause nerves and stress which can be displayed in different ways. Don’t worry too much about this behaviour, but do be aware of it. If your cat is growling or hissing at the new kitten, it just isn’t time for the two to live in the same rooms yet. Keep going with the distant introductions, with a safe barrier between, keep scent swapping and don’t give up!

 

How Long Will My Cat Hiss At My New Kitten?

This can really vary from cat to cat. Every pet is an individual with a unique personality; some more laid back than others. Some may not hiss at all and take to their family member in a couple of days, whilst others may show signs of aggression for a few weeks.  All you can do is wait to find out how you and your cats get on together and react accordingly. 

When you do start to open up the house to the kitten, start with one room at a time so that you can judge how both pets react to each other. Once they are living harmoniously, you can begin to open up more of the house, until your little kitten is fully integrated into the home.

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Ensure fresh water is always available in a clean bowl or fountain. Litter and Litter Box: Select a litter that’s gentle on paws and easy to scoop. You might start with the same type of litter the cat is used to from the shelter to ease the transition. Scratching Post or Cat Tree: Cats love to scratch—this is natural and helps keep their claws healthy. Providing a scratch post or cat tree can save your furniture from damage. Toys and Enrichment: Mental stimulation is crucial. Stock up on interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and anything that encourages a cat’s natural hunting instincts. Toys like wands and teasers are great for playing with your new cat with as they will encourage them to bond with you and in turn help them settle in to their new forever home. Routine Vet Care: Schedule a wellness check with a trusted vet as soon as possible. They’ll make sure your new companion is in good health and up-to-date on any necessary vaccinations. At Lords & Labradors, we understand how important it is to have all the right essentials on hand. We offer an extensive range of cat products, from premium beds to keep your cat snug, to scratching posts that let them indulge in their natural behaviours. Embracing the Joy of Cat Parenthood Adopting a cat is a long-term commitment that brings immeasurable joy. From the first quiet purr in the morning to the evening snuggles, a cat can transform an ordinary day into something special. Whether you’re adopting your very first feline friend or considering a second cat to keep your current pet company, you’ll soon discover just how comforting and entertaining they can be. What starts with a gentle meow can blossom into years of companionship. Adopting a cat opens the door to daily doses of cuteness, a loyal confidante who listens (and sometimes meows back), and a stress-reliever who’s always there to brighten your day. Final Thoughts The reasons to adopt a cat are as varied as the cats themselves: you’ll be saving a life, supporting ethical practices, and gaining a loving companion. With the right preparation and a bit of patience, you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without a feline friend curling up in your lap or peeking around the corner to greet you. If you’re wondering “How do I adopt a cat?”, remember that each rescue and shelter can guide you through the process step by step. Ask questions, meet various cats, and trust your instincts when you find “the one.” Don’t forget to stock up on the essentials to make your new friend feel right at home—a comfy bed, quality food, toys for mental stimulation, and a scratching post for those curious claws. Before you know it, you’ll be sharing your life with a loving companion who offers comfort, amusement, and the sweetest purrs. And that’s something every cat parent can celebrate.

    By Megan Willis

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