Many cat loving households have more than one cat in their family.
Cat and new kitten introduction.
Learn more about the benefits of multi cat households however introducing a new cat to an existing cat home can take time and patience.
This can make it difficult for people who want to introduce a new kitten into a home where another cat already lives especially if that other cat is an adult.
A playful cat is a good match for a playful kitten and that lively kitten may clash with a calm older cat.
As the title suggests this is but an overview.
Cats are naturally solitary animals free ranging cats are territorial and hunt and scavenge for food alone lee tells the dodo.
For cats scent is the most important sense in identifying each other.
If possible before your new kitten comes home take a new toy or a blanket to the breeder s premises or the pet shop and get some of your new kitten s scent rubbed in.
The time you spend on this all important process will be saved exponentially by not having to break up conflicts every day.
How to introduce two cats.
Preparation is the key to a successful introduction of a new kitten to your older cat.
Cats are territorial creatures and usually don t take fondly to another of their kind encroaching into their space.
Don t rush the introduction between two cats.
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When they first meet she ll recognise the scent as something non threatening.
Although sometimes cats will get along swimmingly in just a couple of hours you should not be surprised to have a battle on your hands if you try to introduce your new cat too quickly.
Introducing a new kitten to an older cat should be done slowly and with care explains christina lee animal behavior counselor for the aspca s anti cruelty behavior team.
Once the kitten is acclimated to their safe room and new human or humans you can begin the introduction process slowly.
Take note that cats unlike dogs are animals that do not go around in packs they are very independent so the introduction of the new family member must be done with great care and attention if you want.
Fortunately the first introduction does not have to be negative.
Introducing a kitten to an adult cat can cause a lot of stress in your household but there are some things you can do to help make the introduction go more smoothly.
For more on related topics see.
Cats can be companions playmates and help enrich eath other s lives.
Before you get a kitten.
As you prepare to introduce your cat to a new addition keep the following steps in mind.
For even more detail on this cat to cat introduction process an entire chapter in fact check out my latest book total cat mojo.