How to Introduce Your New Kitten to Your Cat
A slow, calm introduction gives your kitten and resident cat the best chance of becoming comfortable companions.
1. Create a Separate Space
Give your kitten a quiet room with food, water, a litter box, a scratching post, toys and a comfortable place to sleep. Keep the cats separated at first so neither feels overwhelmed.
2. Make Sure Both Cats Are Healthy
Your resident cat should be current on vaccinations and parasite prevention. Schedule a veterinary checkup for your kitten before allowing close contact.
3. Begin With Scent
Exchange bedding or gently rub each cat with the same towel. You can also feed them on opposite sides of a closed door so they begin associating each other’s scent with something positive.
4. Let Them See Each Other
Once both cats seem calm, allow brief visual introductions through a baby gate, screen or slightly opened door. Offer treats and praise calm behavior.
5. Supervise Their Time Together
Begin with short, supervised visits, preferably after both cats have eaten or played. Gradually increase their time together as they become more comfortable.
If They Do Not Get Along Right Away
Some hissing or hesitation can be normal. If you see growling, flattened ears, chasing, repeated swatting or fighting, calmly separate them and return to an earlier step. Never force an interaction or place your hands between fighting cats.
Every cat adjusts at a different pace. Some become comfortable within days, while others may need several weeks or longer. Patience and gradual introductions are the keys to a peaceful transition. If serious aggression continues, speak with your veterinarian or a qualified feline behaviorist.
How to help your cat or kitten feel at home
Introduce them to other pets
Help your new friend get to know other dogs and cats in your household. Cats and dogs rely on their sense of smell to get acquainted. Try keeping both animals in separate spaces and gently rubbing them with the same towel so their scents mix.
You can also allow each animal to spend time in the other’s space when they aren’t around.
Supervise your pets while they are together until they feel comfortable. Be particularly careful with adult dogs and kittens. A fully-grown dog can accidentally harm a small kitten. Most dogs will give chase to an escaping kitten. Please correct your dog lovingly.
Not all pets will get along right away, so be patient. It is worth the effort to have a harmonious home for everyone.
We recommend
- Separate food bowls and litter boxes initially
Please never leave your kitten unattended with another pet until you are confident they are comfortable together.