How to Introduce a New Kitten to Your Older Cat

Bringing a new kitten into a home with an older cat can be a trying task. Cats are, by nature, solitary animals and resist, sometimes violently, the addition of another cat. While it is preferable in most instances to own one cat at a time, having two or more cats in a single household is not impossible.

When introducing a new cat to a household with an established cat, it is best to start with a kitten. The reasoning behind this is twofold. One, kittens do not threaten the existing alpha status of the established cat, making integration somewhat easier. Two, kittens generally do not have a bevy of bad habits that can be transferred to the established cat, making the coexistence between cats and owners a more pleasurable experience.

The first introduction, and many other introductions thereafter, between your established cat and the kitten should occur on neutral territory. This means that you should not bring your new kitten into your existing cat's personal space such as a bed, litter pan, food area or favorite napping place. Place the kitten on the floor with enough space in between the two animals that will permit the adult cat to approach the newcomer on his own. Do not force the situation and make sure that you remain in the room for the duration of the introduction. Some cats will accept the newcomer immediately, but most will not, hissing and running away instead. After several minutes, remove the kitten and house the kitten in another room away from the adult cat. Try again several hours later. Repeat the process several times a day, extending the length of the visit until the adult cat no longer reacts negatively. Keep in mind that it may take weeks before the adult cat no longer regards the kitten as a threat and possibly months before they foster a true friendship.

There are a few steps you can take that will help the transition to a multiple cat household go more smoothly. First, ensure that your adult cat has been spayed or neutered. The decrease in hormones will reduce the tendancy to exhibit territorial aggression. Second, make sure that you do not favor the kitten over your existing pet. Cats do not perceive "fairness" in the same way as people do. The dominant cat will always get to eat first, receive the lion's share of the attention from the owner, and have the pick of the best napping spots. Forcing your adult cat to abdicate his position as the alpha adult and accept the kitten as an equal almost always results in disaster. The cats, if left to their own devices, will quickly determine the proper pecking order. Lastly, do not interfere as the cats begin to bond. The older cat will usually assume the role of disciplinarian and will discipline the kitten appropriately. The only time you should step in is to prevent injury.

There will be some instances where the adult cat will simply be unable to accept another cat into the household, however this is usually rare. In the event that you find your cat will simply not accept the kitten, you will have to make arrangements to keep the cats permanently separated or find an appropriate new owner.