Adopting a kitten?

Question

I'm getting a female kitten, about 7 weeks old, and I currently have a male cat 4 years old. Any suggestions on helping them get used to each others company with little blood shed? The boy cat hasn't been around other cats in a while, he's an only child.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Consider the kind of life your companion has had. Your kitten may have been recently separated from his mother and litter mates. The kitten or cat has had to cope with the transition of a kennel environment and the stress of surgery. The adult cat may have been separated from a familiar home and forced to break a bond with human companions or other animals. Now he must adjust again to totally new surroundings.

Allow your cat several weeks to adapt to his new surroundings. During this period, the cat or kitten should be carefully confined indoors. He needs to get used to you as the provider of love, shelter and food. Be sure that all windows and doors are kept closed and that all screens are secure. A scared cat can easily get out of a high open window. Although PAWS advocates keeping cats indoors 24 hours a day, it is imperative that the new cat stay totally indoors for at least one month, and the new kitten until he is grown.

Be patient. It's not uncommon for cats to display behavior problems during the first days in a new home, but these usually disappear over time. Newly arrived cats and kittens often bolt under furniture the first chance they get; some may spend hours or even days hiding. Sit and talk quietly to the cat. If you must take the cat out of his hiding place, carry him gently to a quiet protected area where he will feel secure. Be sure food, water and litterbox are nearby.

A room of his own
Introduce your cat to his new home gradually, restricting him to one room at first. Isolate other animals from your new cat during this time. Supervise children; advise them to always be gentle with the cat. Have the litterbox ready when you remove the cat from the carrier. Show him the location of the litterbox. Offer a bowl of water but do not provide food for an hour. Your cat may be bewildered, fearful or curious. Do not overwhelm him with attention or demands. Remember to keep doors and windows closed, and be sure the cat has an I.D. tag on at all times. It is not unusual for cats to leap on top of very high furniture in order to explore or to feel secure. Do not panic, shout, or run to the cat. When he is ready, he will come down alone.

Try to spend several hours with your new cat as he becomes accustomed to your home. Your sensitive handling of the initial transition can ease the trauma and set the stage for a happy settling-in.

Sleeping arrangements
Most cats choose several favorite sleeping spots where they can be comfortable, warm, and free from drafts. Providing a bed for your cat may discourage him from sleeping on furniture. A cozy box or basket lined with soft, washable bedding and placed in a quiet corner makes a suitable cat bed. However, some cats enjoy continually picking new (and sometimes surprising) sleeping spots. If you allow your cat to sleep on furniture, a washable cover can be placed over favorite spots. A cat's sleeping spot should be respected as his own. Don't allow children to disturb your cat when he is resting. Cats need solitude and quiet time.

Introduction to other animals
The ability of animals to get along together in the same household depends on their individual personalities. In relationships between animals, there will always be one who dominates. A new cat will often upset the existing "pecking order" or the old cat or dog may feel it necessary to establish dominance immediately. Wise handling of the "getting acquainted" period is an important factor in the successful introduction of a new cat. The first week or two may be hectic, frustrating and time consuming. Be patient. The adjustment will take time.

New cat/old cat
Spayed or neutered cats are generally more accepting of other cats. Adult cats are generally more accepting of kittens than of other adults. Two altered adult cats often become friends in the same home. Let your original cat sniff the cat carrier while your new cat is still confined. Then temporarily confine the established cat to one room while the new cat becomes familiar with his surroundings, including the other cat's scent. Do not force or rush their meeting. Grooming and acceptance of food are signs that your new cat is settling in and may be ready to meet his house mate. Pick up the new cat and take him to a quiet room while your established cat is allowed to investigate the newcomer's carrier and territory. Bring the new cat into the area. Never force an introduction or interfere with two cats getting acquainted unless a fight erupts (in which case tossing a blanket over one cat or squirting the cats with a light spray of water effectively disrupts the fight). If possible have a neutral party such as a neighbor or friend do this in order to avoid the established cat's association of you with "the intruder". Remember, you are introducing a new cat into the territory of another. Hissing and standoffs are to be expected. Allow them to grow accustomed to one another on their own terms, remembering that the process may take many weeks.

Be sure each cat has his own food and water bowls and litterbox. Try to allow equal time for each cat. Do not leave them alone together until they have accepted each other. Confine them to separate areas when you are away. Since many problems are caused by jealousy, give your original cat extra time, attention, and treats and avoid interrupting his routine as much as possible.

Answer 2

Keep them apart or natural instinct will take over. Mature male cats protect their territory and will attack to kill interlopers.
Let the mature male continue in his routine except keep him from one room, the new kitten's room. After about three days, take the kitten to another room and let the mature male have the run of the kitten's room. This will give the mature male the chance to get accustomed to the scent of the kitten.
Remove the mature male from from the kitten's room. Let them relax.
Repeat the room change everyday for a week. By then the mature cat should be familiar with the kitten's scent and the kitten should be familiar with the mature cat's scent.
With very attentive supervision, put them in the same room. Do not force them on each other. If either exhibits fear or aggression, separate them and try again the next day.
Be patient, be gentle, take your time.
And- do not change the mature male litter box location or feeding location or favorite sleeping location- prevent jealousy.
Make sure their names sound nothing alike - also prevents jealousy.

Answer 3

Oh congrats on getting a new kitty and kudos for adopting! Anyway unless the adult cat is aggressive, chances are he'll just hiss and maybe bat at the kitten until they get used to each other. Just make sure not to leave the 2 alone together without supervision for at least the first week or so, and make sure to give the male plenty of attention. Also dont let the kitten bother him too much, if it does he may be forced to 'put her in her place'. Good luck.

Answer 4

Do not force it,in the beginning the older cat will want to have nothing to do with the kitten,might also take a swat at it if the kitten got too close.Your older cat will become a loner for a while,and take refuge some where out of sight,but do not panic,it is only temporary,and within days the curiosity of the older cat will force it to come around,and before you know it you will see them both grooming each other

Answer 5

well, perhaps you should keep the two cats away from each other for a bit. do not just throw them together..youre gonna have hurt kittens! Put the new cat in like, an outdoor net (while inside of course!) to give it its own dome...and so youre old cat cant get in. After it gets used to the idea of being in its dome..bring your old cat into the room and see how they react to each other. If they wanna fight, they cant hurt each other..so you just gotta wait it out until theyre used to sharing the space.

Answer 6

You should be ok... because it is a boy/girl match. If it were the same gender, you would be more likely to have issues... it's a genetic competition thing.

I've done a couple things that have both worked...
1. keep the baby in say your room for like a week, so it gets used to you, used to smells, food, surroundings... then slowly introduce it.
2. just go for the introduction by bringing it into a large room & make sure you are nearby just to watch. get toys, (a string will do) & try to play with both.

in either case, make a point to see that the male cat gets enough attention so he doesn't feel snubbed & act out.

Good luck! Congrats!

Answer 7

The big one will most likely hiss for a couple days to a couple weeks. They will naturally get used to each other when they are ready just be patient and so not interfere unless there is an attack. Most likely a male cat will not attack a female though. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 8

you're an fairly sweet individual for searching after one of those vast quantity of kitties. My 3 indoor kitties have almost maxed us out on cat care although we extensively utilized to positioned nutrition outdoors when we lived in a community with strays. i do not imagine feeding the exterior kitties ought to impression your adoption as long as you clarify the priority to the position from that you want to undertake. They shouldn't fault you for being concerned for more beneficial animals. basically be particular you rigidity you'd be preserving the newest kitten interior.

Answer 9

I would keep them separated for a few days and allow the new kitty to settle in , then allow them to be in the same room little bit at a time until gradually they are spending more and more time together.
Make sure to give your 'first born' lots of extra love too!

Answer 10

Introduce them slowly and under supervision at first. If they get along fine, great, if not, keep them in separate rooms.