I just got a kitten how do i get my adult cat to like him?

Question

I had 2 cats 1 died recietly and i got a kitten how do i get my older cat to like him? is their anything i can do to help my older cat feel better or get them to get along?

they have seperate litter boxes and food dishes
Thanks for all the answers :)

ps i promise i wont kick or roll my cats into anything haha

Answer 1

Hi Meg...cats have a more difficult time making friends as they are territorial by nature. It has to be done gradually in order to help them learn that the other kitty is a friend. Anyhow, here's the advice of how to introduce cats/kittens.

"Slowly" and "Patiently" are the operative words

Although sometimes cats will get along swimmingly in just a couple of hours, you should not be surprised to have a battle on your hands if you try to introduce your new cat too quickly. The time you spend on this all-important process will be saved exponentially by not having to break up conflicts every day. Also, the first couple of weeks can set the tone for the relationship for a long time to come, so "getting it right" the first time will save a lot of hassles later on.

The Steps to Take

Set up a comfortable "safe room" for New Cat. Put her food, water, litter box (not near the food), scratching post, toys, and bed or other sleeping mat there.

Expect a great deal of "hissy-spitty" behavior through the closed door from both cats.

This is natural and normal; they are just starting to explore their "pecking order."

Scent is very important for cats. Let each of them smell the other indirectly, by rubbing a towel on one and letting the other smell it. They will soon accept the scent as a normal part of the house.

Once or twice, switch roles. Put New Cat in the normal living quarters, and let your resident cat sniff out the new cat's Safe Room.

After a day or so, let the two cats sniff each other through a baby-gate or through a barely-opened door. Gauge the rate at which they seem to be acclimating to each other.

When you think they're ready, let them mingle under your supervision. Ignore hissing and growling, but you may have to intervene if a physical battle breaks out. Again, take this step slowly, depending on how quickly they get along. If they do seem to tolerate each other, even begrudgingly, praise both of them profusely.

Make their first activities together enjoyable ones so they will learn to associate pleasure with the presence of the other cat. Feeding (with their own separate dishes), playing, and petting. Keep up with the praise.

If things start going badly, separate them again, and then start where you left off. If one cat seems to consistently be the aggressor, give her some "time out," then try again a little bit later.

The introduction can take from two hours to six months, so don't be discouraged if your cats don't seem to get along well at first. Often the case is that they will eventually be "best buddies."

Factors to Consider

1 - If you are thinking of getting a kitten to keep an older cat company, you might want to consider two kittens. They will be able to keep each other company while the older cat learns to love them.

2- If you already have more than one cat, use the "alpha cat" for preliminary introductions. Once he/she accepts the newcomer, the other resident cats will quickly fall in line.

3- Lots of snuggle-time and attention is indicated for all cats concerned during this period. Remember, the prime goal is to get them to associate pleasure with the presence of each other.
If possible, ask a friend to deliver the new cat to your home, in her cage. You can act nonchalant, as if it's no big deal, then later let your resident cat(s) think it's their idea to welcome the newcomer.

Answer 2

The new kitty will smell funny to your cat, so rub something that smells like you (sheet, shirt etc) on the kitty. This may help with the introduction. Every time I have introduced a new kitten I did not do it gradually, I just tried to get rid of that new kitten smell and let them get to know each other right away. But for the most part, the cats I already had were very easy going.
You do want to make sure they each have their own litter box though.

Answer 3

Don't play with the kitten put on the floor together and let them explore each other. If they do start fighting separate them so no one gets hurt and try again later. This should work. Also give new kitty its own litter box as it may be to scared to go were other cat goes and it needs its own food and water too separate from where the cat is for now .

Answer 4

First, let me express my sympathy for your loss. They just don't ever live quite long enough, do they?

Insofar as the older cat and the new kitten, just give it time. The less you interfere, the better. This is something they are going to have to work out for themselves. The older cat needs to establish that he/she is boss. The kitten needs to learn just where he belongs in the hierarchy. It will be fine. If the older cat is too threatening, you will see that the kitten will try to avoid it. At the same time, you may notice that the kitten will make repeated attempts to approach the older cat in an effort to bond. Expect rejection in the beginning.

The more you interfere and try to prevent the interaction from taking place, the longer it is going to take. They do feel compelled to go through the motions, no matter what you do. By all means, don't be upset by any displays of superiority and don't be overly protective of the kitten. That will send all kinds of wrong messages to your older cat. Be sure not to make too much of a fuss over the newcomer. Be sure to make a lot of fuss over the established family member to reassure him/her of their dominance.

It will be fine. If it makes you feel better, you could set up the kitten in a room by himself when you aren't at home. That way you could be absolutely certain that no harm is coming to him.

Good luck and congratulations on your new family member.

Answer 5

I can't believe what i'm reading here...kick the older cat, rub the cat nip on the kitty.. these are serious questions, someone might just as well follow one of these "advices". The result might be traumatic.

The only advice here is just not to interfere,
your involvement might end in tragedy.
Don't rub anything on anyone, just give them some time.
Show equal love and appreciation towards each of the cats.

Answer 6

its too late now but you will find a kitten isnt always the best choice when you have a mature cat - you will have to feed them seperately

anyhow - keep the kitten in a bathroom so they can sniff each others paws under the door.. do this for 1-2 weeks then let the kitten out only when you can supervise them together...

if the kitten isnt fully vaccinated and dewormed make sure this is done IMMEDIATELY - also checked for earmites...

Answer 7

it takes time and patience. Don't give up, it's lovely when at last they do accept each other. Don't make a fuss of the kitten in front of the older cat, it's surprising how jealous they can get.

Answer 8

If your older cat is a male it might not ever like any other kittens except ones he is the father of. If a female she might learn to tolorate him. Try feeding them with seperate bowls so the older cat knows there is no need to fight over food.

Answer 9

Roll him in cat nip, he'll love him then!! lol
just let them inrtoduce themselves it will take a little time, but if you force it it might never happen.

Answer 10

I think you need to make sure that each of the has their own space.Introduce them gradually to each other but only time can tell methinks.