New Kitten!?

Question

We just got a new kitten! I named him Itsel. Do you like that name? Also any ideas on how to help my 14 month old cat Bubba (who is neutered) get used to him?

Answer 1

There are lots of articles about introducing them, just look around on these sites learn about this, and a lot of interesting things at these GREAT sites:
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/cat-food/index.html

http://www.cat-world.com.au/CatHealthArticles.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library

http://www.cattraining.com/

http://www.perfectpaws.com/

hope these are helpful

this the beginning of the littlebigcat article - Cat-to-Cat Introductions

By Jackson Galaxy

The common wisdom in introducing a newly adopted cat to a resident one in the past was to open the carrying case and "let them work it out." We most definitely have a new way of looking at things; from the cat's perspective. Cats are, after all, about territory. Bring a new, utterly alien scent of the same species into the house, and more times than not, we're asking for chaos. Of course everyone has a story about introducing two cats that went smoothly doing the old fashioned technique. The point to stress is, if it goes poorly, this one meeting is the association that these two cats will hold onto for quite a long time and make a peaceable kingdom a difficult task. It is, ultimately, better to be safe than sorry.

A slow and steady introduction starts with the establishment of a base camp for the newcomer (see our previous article on setting up base camp). Once you've set up his or her space, you're ready to start letting the cats make positive associations between one another. This is key, and will be repeated ad infinitum; all associations between the cats during this critical period have to be as pleasing as possible to reduce possible friction when they finally have free access.

Let's start with one of the most pleasing motivators—food! Feeding time will happen at the door of base camp until introduction is complete. If the resident cat is not on a scheduled feeding diet, it might be best to put him or her on one for now. Or, if you leave dry food out and supplement with wet food, greatly decrease the amount of dry so that wet feeding time is looked forward to more. Remember that the only time either cat gets wet food is during these "meet and greets" at the base camp door, which can be divided into two daily sessions. Place food bowls on either side of the door with a couple of feet of breathing room for each cat. Ideally, there should be a family member on either side of the door to praise each cat as they eat. The idea is that they are rewarded with food for being so close to the scent of the unfamiliar cat, and also rewarded by you with praise for eating. At this initial point, the door should be closed; the cats can smell one another just fine. If they don't devour their food at first, that's okay. They will eventually eat. Don't give in and move the food. cont on littlebig cat

Answer 2

Is the new kitten a male? If he's old enough to be fixed - do it - that will help a lot with the territorial thing between males.
Also here is a suggestion I read about but never did.
You rub a towel on each cat to get their smell on it.
Put Bubba's towel under Itsels food bowl and put Itsels towel under Bubba's food bowl. They learn each others scent that way.
You can also introduce them by holding itsel and letting Bubba see him. But dont put them nose to nose - make sure they see each other though. The reaction at that point could tell you a lot. Talk softly to them the whole time about how good they are, etc.
Also make sure itsel has an area of his own so Bubba wont get territorial about his area (which is probably the whole house!)
Make sure itsel has his own toys. If you think you can let them be in the same room together - do it while you are there with a spray bottle and a towel to grab one of them if there is a confrontation. Probably grab Bubba by the scruff - if he is the one fighting or going after the kitten or throw a towel over him and grab him that way. Anything to avoid getting scratched or bitten by him.
I still cant get my newest female cat to like any of the other females I have, but they have not been fixed - so thats probably why they hiss at each other, etc. I cant pick up the newest one if she thinks any of the other females are near - I have a lot of scratch marks because of that.
Who knows they might just adore each other at first sight! Good luck

Answer 3

Itsel is a cute name but bubba kinda odd name

Answer 4

I think the name is cute! I don't know about bubba, keep them separate, but where they can make contact without mutually killing each other. Allow them time, and they might become best friends! Ps It worked for me!

Answer 5

make sure to spend equal time with Bubba so he doesn't become jealous. it may take a couple of weeks but he will come around

Answer 6

yeah!i like that name,about your old cat Bubba i will think about him.

Answer 7

Keep them together as much as possible.

Answer 8

LOL....THATS MY NIECES NAME....ITZEL
UR OTHER CAT WILL BE FRIENDS WITH HIM IN A FEW MONTHS.....JUST INCLUDE HIM SO HE DOESNT FEEL LEFT OUT....