7 Tips to Introduce a Kitten to an Older Cat
- Start to prepare before the kitten arrives.
- Introduce your cats by smell first.
- Let them see each other.
- Support a calm, patient introduction.
- Give treats.
- Watch how your pets react.
- Keep to a schedule to minimise stress.
Should I let my cat hiss at the new kitten?
Some hissing is normal during this stage. Don’t punish the cats for hissing or growling as that can form a negative association about the other cat, as well as you. Allow the cats to see each other once there has been no hissing for a couple of days.
Will older cats accept a new kitten?
Given time, many cats will accept a new kitten. When you think your older cat is comfortable around your kitten, you can start to let your kitten have more freedom, under supervision.
What do I do if my cat doesn’t like my new kitten?
Separate the kitten into its own area, which is completely cut off from your older cat, for example in a spare room. This may seem counter-productive to getting them more used to each other, but your older cat will need time to settle down and re-establish their comfort level in their own home.
How long will it take for my cat to accept a new kitten?
5. Stay Patient Through the Introductions. Many cats can learn to live together, but it’s up to you to give them time to get used to the idea. You should expect the introduction process to take no less than a week but could take much longer depending on your cats’ temperament.
Will an older cat hurt a new kitten?
Kittens who are less than 16 weeks of age are still babies. They aren’t as strong as adult cats and the older cat can easily hurt it. The introduction process must never be hastened because things could go awry.
How do I get my cat to accept a new kitten?
Gradually introduce the kitten’s scent into the household over the first few days, swapping food bowls and bedding. As soon as they are both comfortable with each other’s scent, allow them individually to explore the other’s territory, whilst still keeping them apart.
Will my cat eventually accept my kitten?
It can take several weeks to several months for a cat to get used to a new kitten—and even longer for them to become “friends.” Some cats will learn to tolerate a newcomer, but may never be interested in playing or napping together. In other cases, the cat will take to the kitten right away.
What if my cat hates my new kitten?
If your established cat is not tolerating the new kitten (either through overt aggression or by hiding away), it is best to re-start the whole process. You may or may not have done a phased introduction, starting with scent swapping and proceeding on through visual contact before a full physical introduction.
Is it normal for a cat to hiss at a new kitten?
Your older cat may hiss and swat at the kitten when the newcomer does something unfavorable. This is completely normal and as long as it is just hissing and swatting, do your best to not interfere. Your older cat is teaching the kitten where its boundaries as the new cat are.
What do I do when my cat hisses at my new kitten?
Don’t yell, scold or punish your current cat for hissing at the newcomer. When he acts nice—or at least nonthreatening—to the new cat, praise him and give treats. If fighting breaks out or either cat is highly stressed, separate them for a few more days.
How long will my cat hiss at new kitten?
As long as you’ve been careful and thoughtful when introducing your cat to a kitten, they should stop hissing at them usually after no more than three weeks.
How do I get my cat to stop hissing at my kitten?
Jealousy is a normal reaction. Don’t yell, scold or punish your current cat for hissing at the newcomer. When he acts nice—or at least nonthreatening—to the new cat, praise him and give treats. If fighting breaks out or either cat is highly stressed, separate them for a few more days.
Why is my cat hissing at me with a new kitten?
They’re territorial
As a result, your resident, older cat likely feels that an uninvited cat is invading their home. In most cases, the older cat thinks that they own your home and that a new kitten is a threat to that. Therefore, they can act out to assert dominance and stake claims on their territory.
Behavior
- Keep the cats separate at first.
- Encourage positive associations between the cats while they are separated.
- Allow the cats to see each other once there has been no hissing for a couple of days.
Should I let my cat hiss at my kitten?
Allow Your Cat to Establish Boundaries
Your older cat may hiss and swat at the kitten when the newcomer does something unfavorable. This is completely normal and as long as it is just hissing and swatting, do your best to not interfere. Your older cat is teaching the kitten where its boundaries as the new cat are.
How long does it take for a cat to get used to a new cat?
It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who don’t become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.