By: catloverinpa

catloverinpa — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:08:18 +0000

Bring over some paper with the “new cat” smells on it, cut into strips, and lay the strips around the house – just for smells, send over some of your cat’s smells for the new guy to smell. Then move on to a towel or blanket that the “new cat” has slept on …
• Clip both cat’s claws before the introduction – if they decide to fight, they’ll do less “damage” to each other. Don’t clip the claws after the introduction, that’ll just be one more “indignity” to blame on “new cat”.
• Feed both cats before the introduction – they’ll less territorial on a full belly.
• Spay or Neuter both “old” and “new” cats, this will reduce the territorial aggression. But be aware that it may take a month for the raging hormones to work their way out the cat’s system.
• Have a stranger bring in the “new cat” – you and your cat look on in disgust … “this wasn’t my idea, you’re my number one cat”
• Dote on “old cat” – he needs to know he’s not losing his primary status with you.
• Leave the “new cat” in the carrier in the middle of the living room while you and the “stranger” chat – “old cat” circles and investigates the heathen barbarian invader …
• Hissing and spitting IS normal. In fact, if that’s all they do, you’re in for an uneventful introduction. Don’t panic over claw-fights – the serious injury comes from biting and rear claw kicking.
• “Dry” the “old cat” (as if he’d just had a bath) with a dish towel to smear his scent all over it, then “dry” new cat with the same towel, then “dry” the “old cat” again. At the end of this strange process, you will have mingled both cat’s scents together, the cats will recognize each other as “family”.
• Move “new cat” into one bedroom and close the door – both cats know there’s something going on behind the door and start getting used to the idea, slowly, without fur flying and vet bills. A room with a screen door is ideal for this, but note that fiberglass screen material rarely survives the encounter (replace with aluminum screen).
• Don’t expect the “old cat” to share his litter box and food bowl. Show “new cat” the litter box several times in the first few days. If “new cat” misses the litter box, “old cat” will feel obliged to “mark over” the spot where the barbarian marked in “old” cat’s territory.
• Visit “new cat” frequently but discretely. He’s very upset about this situation. Clean your hands, lap, etc. thoroughly before coming out to greet a very suspicious “old cat”. Consider wearing an old bathrobe when in the “new” cat’s bedroom – it’s easier to take off the robe covered with “new” cat’s smells, than to de-scent your clothes. As time goes by, cut down on the clean-up so your “old cat” smells more and more of the “new cat” on you.
• Consider placing a cat carrier, with “new” cat’s bedding in it, in the bedroom. It can be moved out to the living room or bedroom later to provide a safe and familiar hiding hole for “new” cat.
• After the hissing and spitting subsides, leave the bedroom door ajar (use a door wedge to limit the opening) – both cats look at each other, each from within their territories. Don’t rush it…
• After they start coming and going, slowly move “new” cat’s food and litter box out of the bedroom toward the regular location. Leave the bedroom door open – it’s familiar safe ground. If you find any “oops” along the way, you’ve moved the litter box too fast for “new” cat’s comfort.
• Bathe both cats using the same shampoo Both cats will be so busy grooming themselves after their bath that they won’t notice each other for awhile … “Hey you smell just like me, we must both belong here” …
• After the dust starts to settle, play with both cats using a string pull toy or feather flyer type toy. Start with the cats at opposite corners and let them take turns chasing the toy. Each cat will smell the other on the toy and associate it with “fun”.

By: absolut_nixter

absolut_nixter — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:51:04 +0000

we just went through the same thing a few months ago, we just let them out with each other to get to know eachother. The older one hissed and let it be known that he was the man of the house, the kitten got the point, then they started playing with eachother and sleeping cuddled together within 2 weeks

By: nerdybirdy

nerdybirdy — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:18:03 +0000

my poor older cat had to get used to not one new kitty, but six lol, we let the older cat around them but with very careful supervision, they might hiss but they are mostly just gonna be curious, let the older cat know its not okay to be mean to the kitty. “bad (insert name here)” when you see your older cat hissing or maybe even trying to scratch the kitty. stern tones and soothing “good (name)” when the older cat does play nice seem to work. but after awhile when the novelty of the new animal wares off the older cat will prolly just grow bored and continue w/ his/her daily routine of sleeping. the kitty, on the other hand, will prolly enjoy annoying your older pal. but if the kitty and the cat dont seem to get along after a couple of weeks around each other it may be better to get rid of the kitty. i know, that would suck, but some cats are like dogs, they are one person pets. spoiled but we gotta love them.

By: Schizm

Schizm — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:11:48 +0000

The older cat will hiss and paw (or box) at the kitten when the kitten gets curious and comes too close. This is normal. It will only be warnings. The older cat will not want to actually hurt the kitten. The kitten will back down. Then it just takes time for them to get used to each other.

Comments on: Introducing New kitten to Old Cat?

By: catloverinpa

By: absolut_nixter

By: nerdybirdy

By: Schizm