You have a cat and for whatever reason you
wish to adopt a new kitten. You may be worried that your existing cat
won't tolerate the new addition to the family. Cats are very territorial
and it may take a couple of weeks for your resident cat to accept the
new kitten. No two introductions are the same. Some cats are very laid
back and accept the new kitten immediately, other cats are extremely
hostile towards the new kitten and will growl and hiss whenever they
encounter the kitten for many weeks.
Cats are creatures of habit and love routine.
The introduction of anything new into their routine can cause them a lot
of stress. The key to a successful introduction is to do it slowly and
in stages. Expect disaster if you were to come in and plonk the new
kitten down right in front of your existing cat.
The kitten will be feeling stressed
because it has to adjust to it's new surroundings so it is important to
give it a 'safe' area of the house to explore without your other cat
around.
* Select an area such as bedroom, bathroom
or laundry. Any room is fine as long as it has a door that shuts and
separates the kitten from the resident cat.
Provide a
litter box, bedding, food, water, scratching post and toys in the kitten's safe
room.
*
Your existing cat is most certainly going to detect the new kitten under
the door by it's sense of smell. This is good. It gives both the cat and
the kitten the chance to grow accustomed to each other's smell. This is
important in the feline world. If the gap under the door is big enough
some paw interaction may be begin.
* Allow your
cat into the kitten's room periodically BUT only when the kitten
is not in there. This will further allow your cat to get used to the
kitten's smell.
* After the
first day bring the kitten out of his room for short periods to explore
the rest of house further BUT only when your cat is safely shut
in another room.
*
When your kitten is comfortable with it's new surroundings (usually two
or three days) it is time for face to face introductions. The safest way
to do this is to put the kitten into a cat carrier and then allow your
existing cat to enter the room.
The outcome
of this initial meeting cannot be predicted as not all cats react the
same way. There may be some hissing and growling or paw swiping. Your
cat might even run away from the situation. Monitor the situation
carefully.
* If your
cat is curious with no signs of aggression open the carrier door and
allow the kitten to come out, but only in his own time. Observe the
interaction. Don't interfere unless you believe the kitten is in danger
of being hurt.
* If your
cat reacts poorly to the situation go back to stage one and put the
kitten in the safe room again. Try a face to face introduction again the
next day. It can take a period of two to three weeks for your existing
cat to fully accept the new kitten.
* Some cats
act strangely when a new kitten is introduced into the house. They may
become skittish, or they may walk around the house apprehensively. They
may hide under beds or display other anti-social behavior. This is only
temporary. They usually return to their old selves after a period of two
to three weeks
* Some cats
never become 'friends' but will tolerate each other mainly by ignoring
the other cat's existence.
Different breeds of cats
with pictures, description and information on each of the listed domestic cat
breeds.
Which breed would you choose?
*
When your kitten is comfortable with it's new surroundings (usually two
or three days) it is time for face to face introductions. The safest way
to do this is to put the kitten into a cat carrier and then allow your
existing cat to enter the room. 
