How To Get My Cat Used To A New Kitten

Are you planning to introduce a cuddly new packet of fluff to your older, wiser kitty? Before making whatever introductions at that place are a few things to consider - your kitties can be territorial, and may not immediately welcome a new and unfamiliar cat in their environment!

Luckily in that location are things you can practice to reduce any stress and make introductions more enjoyable!

Earlier you make any kitty introductions...

ginger cat greets another cat

Before you innovate a second true cat to your home, there'southward lots to think nigh - including whether adding a new kitten is the right thing to exercise!

Remember that cats are naturally lone animals and, specially if your resident cat is older, it may exist scary to see a new bouncy feline entering their territory or scooting under the sofa to play hide and seek. If you choose to introduce a new pet, don't let their commencement encounter exist stressful! Instead, make a gradual introduction, giving each time to get used to the other's scent.

Is your new pussycat is going to be a lap cat or an contained cat? Try to become an thought of your new kitty'due south personality before it arrives in its new dwelling - you volition probably exist able to sense this past watching them while they're still with their feline brothers and sisters. Your new bundle of joy may be very lively when playing, or may sit dorsum and watch all the antics going on! Ideally, your new kitty should be smaller, of the opposite gender and be similarly active as your resident cat.

seven Tips to Innovate a Kitten to an Older Cat

1. Start to gear up earlier the kitten arrives

When the big day comes and you bring your kitten habitation, it may exist tempting to introduce both kitties correct abroad merely concur off! It'due south of import to keep both cats separate for a while sothey can adjust to the scent of a new cat. A skilful way to practice this is to create private, separate areas for each cat in the house. Each kitty will need their ain toys, bed, litter box and food bowls, so make sure y'all're prepared.

2. Introduce your cats by smell first

Encourage your senior true cat to spend time in a split room while yous introduce your new kitten to the new surroundings. Your new kitty will quickly selection up on the smells around the house and know there'south some other feline in residence. You lot can so bandy them effectually, allowing the senior cat to wander around and, in plough, smell the new kitten's smell. Remember to praise and reward both cats while they are learning that at that place'southward a "new kid on the block."some other 'kit onthe block'!

3. Let them run across each other

Step two of your cats' introduction is visual contact! Before letting your furry friends loose in a room together, separate them by a screen or a gap in the door. Allow them to come across each other gently - when comfy with each other they will sniff noses or rub confronting the door. This is your cue to permit them meet face to face!

4. Support a calm, patient introduction

When your pets are gear up to meet face up to confront, always be as calm and patient equally possible! Remember that your resident cat needs to learn to share their territory and have the new kitten. Older cats may as well be less tolerant, so introductions should be very brusk initially before gradually increasing their time together.

On the other hand, the new kitten might be very skittish and desire to explore, regardless of what the resident cat thinks! Always keeping an eye both cat'southward body language. There may exist some hissing at beginning, simply be fix to pace in if they start to fight!

5. Give treats

Don't be surprised if your kitties don't take each other straight away. These things take time! To encourage bonding, y'all can apply treats and encourage play when they human activity calmly and seem happy in each others company. Be sure to pet and praise your senior cat more often at this stage. Reassure them that they are not existence replaced but instead are being given a new companion!

vi. Picket how your pets react

Even after your pets seem comfortable with each other, keep an eye on them - there'south no guarantee that your cats will bail immediately. Spotter for signs of stress and feet - decreased appetite, hiding for long periods of fourth dimension, vocalizing, hostile deportment or any unusual traits that continue for more a few days may need to be investigated further!

Senior cats might react by sleeping in unusual places or not eating and drinking commonly. Make sure your cat can access their litter box easily and that their normal leave routes are always bachelor. It'southward also important to check that your older true cat's eating and drinking habits have not changed - senior cats are prone to dehydration, and with a new feline friend joining their territory, they may not potable as regularly every bit before. If you are at all concerned about your cat, information technology's wise to consider speaking to your vet.

7. Keep to a schedule to minimise stress

Cats like routine! Assistance your pet through this transition by keeping to a schedule for play time, feeding time and sleep fourth dimension. Your resident cat's schedule should not modify just because she has a new companion. Keeping to the same routine volition help your new kitty settle in, and minimise the stress of change for your resident cat.

Support Your Pets With FELIWAY

Scent is one of the well-nigh valuable communication tools used by cats and using FELIWAY Classic tin help. FELIWAY Archetype sends odorless "happy" messages that can help your new kitten feel comfortable, secure, and relaxed in their new home. You can spray FELIWAY CLASSIC onto a clean piece of fabric or bedding and leave it in the kitten's room to provide continuous comfort.