Getting an 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, the two will get used to each other in a relaxed and stress-free manner - and will definitely become friends.
Step 1: Preparations at Home
- Getting to know the scent: The kitten is chosen? On your next visit, take a blanket, toy, or stuffed animal and rub it on the kitten. This way, the item will pick up the kitten's scent. You can then place the item at home so that your resident cat can smell it and become familiar with the scent.
- Setting up a kitten room: Also prepare a room where your kitten should stay for the first few days. Ideally, this is a room that is not frequently used, such as a guest room or guest bathroom. Here, make it cozy for the kitten with a bed, its own litter box, food and water bowls, and of course toys. The spatial separation is not a punishment but serves as a safe space for your kitten in the first days.
- A second litter box: When it comes to →order and hygiene in the litter box, cats can be quite particular. Therefore, it is advisable 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.
Katzenstreu neu definiert - 'ne saubere Sache!
Step 2: Moving In & Spatial Separation
- Kitten in the kitten room, resident cat in the rest of the apartment: Avoid introducing your two cats directly to each other. Instead, place your kitten directly from the transport box into the kitten room and leave it there for now. It will be very exciting for them anyway. Your older cat will soon notice that someone new is living there and will sniff at the door. This way, you can already observe how your furry friend reacts to the kitten.
- Conducting a territory swap: If everything goes peacefully and relaxed for a few days, you can conduct a so-called territory swap. For this, place your adult cat in the kitten room, where it will surely be curious and sniff around. The kitten can then explore the rest of the apartment in peace.
- Swapping back: After a few hours, swap the rooms back. By now, both will know about each other. Depending on how that went, you can now plan the first meeting or, as an intermediate step, occasionally place items from one furry friend into the territory of the other.
Step 3: The First Meeting
- Feeding together: The two now know each other's scent and should be able to recognize each other. The feeding time is optimal for the first meeting, as both will surely be hungry and will focus on eating. Distractions are secondary here, although there may still be hissing and growling. This is completely normal. Place the bowls not directly next to each other, but with some distance in a room.
- For safety: If you are unsure, you can additionally separate them with a pet safety gate or have a blanket ready in case a fight breaks out and you need to separate them.
- Afterwards, separate them again: 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 are doing.
Step 4: Extending the Time Together
- Both cats are relaxed: Do your two furry friends seem relaxed and curious? Then you can extend the time together a bit. Support the experience positively by giving treats or using kind words. However, make sure not to favor either the kitten or the resident cat.
- Cat hisses or growls: Some cats get along immediately. Others take a bit longer, are more skeptical, and may hiss, growl, or give a light paw swipe. This is okay to a certain extent and is part of the process of getting to know each other and communicating.
- Cat is scared, intimidated, or aggressive: If hissing, growling, or paw swipes become excessive, you should end the time together for the moment. If one of the cats hides, you should also stop. The cats are clearly showing that they need more time to get used to each other. By recognizing and not ignoring these signs, you can avoid a fight between the two.
- New attempt: Start a new attempt again the next day! Grab a toy or throw some treats. This way, you can distract them a bit, and there won't be a direct confrontation.
So snackt deine Katze gesund & lecker
Step 5: Dissolving the Kitten Room
- Leave the door to the kitten room open: Once both cats are relaxed with each other, you can start leaving the door to the kitten room open. This way, both can move freely in each other's spaces.
- Dissolving the kitten room: Over time, you will see that your kitten will spend more and more time with the other cat and will also sleep in the living room. Now you can gradually move toys, blankets, and the kitten's bed into the rest of the apartment. You can also move the litter box to another location. However, make sure that your kitten clearly notices where its toilet is located from now on.
How long does it take for cats to get used to each other?
That is very different. Some cats get along great immediately and can be introduced within 2-3 days. Other cats take a bit longer, which can make an introduction take 2-3 weeks. But no matter how long it takes - it is important that you do not overwhelm either the newcomer or your first cat. Only by doing so can you lay the foundation for a harmonious coexistence between the two. If you are unsure, you can also ask →a cat trainer for help.
Why is your cat hissing at the kitten?
Hissing or growling are signs that your cat is overwhelmed by the situation and feels stressed. That is okay and should not be punished with reprimands or otherwise. You can help your cat feel more secure by slowly introducing the two and maintaining routines such as feeding times, play, and petting sessions.
