Getting your adult cat used to a kitten – 5 steps
A little →kitten is about to move in with you, but you already have a cat or a tomcat? No problem! If you keep a few things in mind during the introduction, a few things in mind, both will get used to each other calmly and without stress – and are guaranteed to become friends.
Step 1: Preparations at home
Get to know the scent: Have you picked out your kitten? On your next visit, take a blanket, toy, or stuffed animal with you and rub it on the kitten. This way, the item will pick up the kitten’s scent. You can then later place the item at home, so your resident cat can smell it and get familiar with the scent.
Set up a kitten room: Also prepare a room where your kitten can stay for the first few days. Ideally, this should be a room that isn’t used often, like a guest room or guest bathroom. Make it cozy for the kitten with a bed, its own litter box, water and food bowls, as well as toys of course. This separation isn’t a punishment, but rather serves as a safe space for your kitten during the first days.
A second litter box: When it comes to →cleanliness and hygiene in the litter box, cats can be quite particular. That’s why it’s recommended to have a separate litter box for each cat. With our natural litter, you can prevent unpleasant odors and make toilet training easier for your cat.
Redefining Cat Litter - A Clean Affair!
Step 2: Moving in & spatial separation
Kitten in the kitten room, resident cat in the rest of the home: Avoid introducing your two cats to each other right away. Instead, take your kitten straight from the carrier into the kitten room and let her stay there for now. It will already be very exciting for her. Your older cat will soon notice that someone new is living there and sniff at the door. This way, you can already observe how your feline reacts to the kitten.
Do a territory swap: If everything is going peacefully and calmly after a few days, you can do what’s called a territory swap. To do this, put your adult cat in the kitten room, where she’ll surely sniff around curiously. Meanwhile, the kitten can explore the rest of the home in peace.
Swap back: After a few hours, swap the rooms back again. By now, both will know about each other. Depending on how it went, you can now plan the first meeting or, as an intermediate step, occasionally place items from one cat in the other’s area.
Step 3: The first meeting
Feeding together: By now, both are familiar with each other’s scent and should be able to recognize each other. For the first meeting the feeding time is ideal, since both will surely be hungry and will focus on eating. Distractions are less important here, although there may still be hissing and growling. That’s perfectly normal. Don’t place the bowls directly next to each other, but rather with some distance in the same room.
For safety: If you’re unsure, you can also separate them with a pet gate or have a blanket ready in case a fight breaks out and you need to separate them.
Separate again afterwards: A few minutes of eating together is enough for the beginning. Put both cats back in their areas until the next meal. Repeat this a few times and observe how they’re getting along.
Step 4: Extending time together
Both cats are relaxed: Are both of your cats looking relaxed and curious? Then you can extend their time together a bit. Support the experience positively by giving treats or with kind words. Just make sure not to favor either the kitten or the resident cat.
Cat hisses or growls: Some cats get along right away. Others need more time, are more skeptical, and may even hiss, growl, or give a gentle paw swipe. That’s okay to a certain extent and is part of the process of getting to know each other and communicating.
Cat is scared, intimidated, or attacks: If hissing, growling, or paw swipes become too much, you should end their time together for now. If either cat hides, you should also stop. This is a clear sign that they still need some time, to get used to each other. Only by noticing and not ignoring these signals can you prevent a fight between them.
Try again: Start again the very next day! Grab a toy or throw a few treats. This will distract them a bit and prevent a direct confrontation.
How your cat snacks healthily & deliciously
Step 5: Dissolving the kitten room
Leave the kitten room door open: If both cats are relaxed with each other, you can start to leave the door to the kitten room open. This way, both can move freely in each other’s spaces.
Dissolve the kitten room: Over time, you’ll notice your kitten spending more and more time with the other cat and even sleeping in the living room. Now you can gradually move toys, blankets, and the kitten’s bed into the rest of the home. You can also move the litter box to the other area. Just make sure your kitten knows exactly where the litter box is from now on.
How long does it take for cats to get used to each other?
That varies greatly. Some cats get along wonderfully right away and can be introduced within 2-3 days. Other cats need a bit longer, so an introduction can also take 2-3 weeks. But no matter how long it takes – the important thing is not to overwhelm either your new arrival or your first cat. Only then will you lay the foundation for harmonious living together. If you’re unsure, you can also ask →a cat trainer for help.
Why does your cat hiss at the kitten?
Hissing or growling are signs that your cat is overwhelmed by the situation and feels stressed. That’s okay and should not be punished or scolded. You can help your cat feel more secure by introducing them slowly and maintaining routines like feeding times, play, and cuddle sessions as usual.
