Introducing a new kitten

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

rangitotogirl - 28 Jan 2004 20:10 GMT

We're getting a Bengal kitten in a couple of weeks time. It's a boy (Tigga)
and by the time we get him at 12 weeks he will have already been neutered.
We have a 5 year old female cat already (Caspa).

My older cat, Mindy, who died recently was the dominant cat. She was very
independent, very cuddly but never one to socialise with other cats. Caspa
would try to play with Mindy but she pretty much ignored her. We think
Caspa will enjoy having a younger playful kitten around the place but just
to be on the safe side is there anything we should do to ensure they get off
to a good start together. Also, is there anything we should avoid?

Reply to this Message

~*Connie*~ - 29 Jan 2004 01:31 GMT

Your best bet is to do an "extended" introduction. Bring the kitten home,
put it in isolation... a small room or bathroom that isn't Caspa's, with a
litter box, water and food. The kitten and Caspa will be able to "talk"
under the door. Take your cute from Caspa. If she's very interested and
seems happy and playful at the idea of a kitten, then start the intros. If
she's hissing and unhappy, then you'll need to wait. Tell Caspa no, and
explain to her in simple language that the kitten is coming to live with
them so she'll have someone to play with. Give Caspa lots of love and
attention and treats when ever she's not being upset, and when she's near
the kitten. If she is upset, after a day or so you can move something from
inside the room to caspa so she can get a closer smell. If she's still
upset, bathe the kitten.

Once Caspa isn't upset, you can start the intros. Let kitten out and into a
neutral room, like the livingroom. Give Caspa lots of praise for treating
the kitten nicely. If she is upset, put the kitten back and try again
later.

Good luck.

> We're getting a Bengal kitten in a couple of weeks time. It's a boy (Tigga)
> and by the time we get him at 12 weeks he will have already been neutered.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> to be on the safe side is there anything we should do to ensure they get off
> to a good start together. Also, is there anything we should avoid?

Reply to this Message

rangitotogirl - 29 Jan 2004 04:09 GMT

> Your best bet is to do an "extended" introduction. Bring the kitten home,
> put it in isolation... a small room or bathroom that isn't Caspa's, with a
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Good luck.

Thanks Connie

This advice sounds good. I had heard other advice like shutting them in a
small room together and it didn't really gel with me but this makes a lot
more sense and is something I can follow easily enough.

Reply to this Message

Fan - 29 Jan 2004 18:49 GMT

>> Your best bet is to do an "extended" introduction. Bring the kitten home,
>> put it in isolation... a small room or bathroom that isn't Caspa's, with a
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>small room together and it didn't really gel with me but this makes a lot
>more sense and is something I can follow easily enough.

Connie's advice is good. Shutting them in a room together is the worst
thing you can do. If they are going to have ANY problems, that would
encourage the worst behavior possible.

The process COULD take weeks, so be patient. From your description, I
would guess it will be fairly fast though.

Another idea is to rub one of Caspa's toys or blankets on the kitten
to transfer some smell to the kitten. Cats use smell much more than
humans. They will play with their paws under the door and that helps
too.

Switching the kitten and the cat is another idea. After a few days,
put Caspa into the closed off room and let the kitten wander for a few
hours. Again, paws under the door is helpful here.

There are many shelters that have specialists on staff to advise you
also. Most do not charge any fees, even if you did not adopt from
them. They probably have instruction sheets with other hints, too.

Reply to this Message

rangitotogirl - 29 Jan 2004 19:47 GMT

> >> Another idea is to rub one of Caspa's toys or blankets on the kitten
> to transfer some smell to the kitten. Cats use smell much more than
> humans. They will play with their paws under the door and that helps
> too.

Done already. We bought a toy for the kitten and Caspa spent the first few
days playing with it.

> Switching the kitten and the cat is another idea. After a few days,
> put Caspa into the closed off room and let the kitten wander for a few
> hours. Again, paws under the door is helpful here.

Ooh!! she will hate that. She hates being shut in anywhere. We're talking
about a moggie with attitude and a half here.

We just heard from the breeders and it sounds like we're in for a very busy
kitten. It tries to climb into the fridge, dishwasher and shower at any
opportunity. I guess we'll be keeping the toilet seat down all the time
from now on. I guess I should get that sign on the door for our visitors.

Reply to this Message