Whats the best way to introduce a brand new kitten to an older cat?

[William Henderson]

Just rescued a little 6 week kitten, and have a skiddish 2 year old rescued cat already

 

[Bonusmom]

The best way to do this is to keep the kitten in a separate room for a bit with her own litter box. Introduce them to each other for brief times several times a day for about a week or so then you can let the kitten roam free. Eventually, the older cat will get used to the kitten. The older cat will still hiss and bat at the kitten but only because the kitten will want to play and the older cat will get tired of her after a while.

 

[Whortleberry]

Take a look at DearTabbyTheAnswerCat.com. They have a really good article on "How to Introduce Your New Cat to Your Home Cat." Helpful!

 

[RandyH]

ON a plate?

 

[love_chocolate?]

this has worked from my own personal experience.

just leave the kitten in its cage for a few days, allowing the older cat to see it and react. this way the kitten will not be harmed as the older cat adjusts to the new one. good luck

 

[jud]

I have done it few times. Keep them in separate rooms first. Scent is very important to cats, so they can smell each other under the door. Do that for 3-4 days, or until the strangeness will become curiosity for both of them. Curiosity will eliminate aggressive behavior somewhat. After 4 days, put the kitten in your lap while your older cat can get familiar with her, and will act a little weird (scared and curious with dilated eyeballs), and will start hissing and spitting at the young one. BUT THAT'S OKAY! DO NOT FREAK OUT! It's his way of telling the young one who the boss is! Cats are territorial. From this point on, let them together as often as you can, but keep them apart during the day or while you are gone, for another 3-4 days. Eventually the older cat will care for the young one as if it was his baby. It's a beautiful process. Get your camera out and save the memories!