Bringing home a new kitten is an exiting time for pet owners. But if you already own a cat, you may be worried about how to introduce the new addition to your existing feline family. Cats are territorial creatures and are particular about marking out their own turf. They may not always be quick to welcome home a new arrival, are strict about the pecking order and may quickly put it in its place when the newcomer breaks any rules.

When bringing home a new kitten it is important to introduce the new arrival gradually. Do not place the cats face to face immediately, but place your resident cat in a room where the cat is comfortable. You can then bring the new cat into a separate room that will be their home for a settling in period. Make sure you have set the room up with food and water bowls and a litter tray beforehand.

The new kitten is likely to hide under furniture out of sight at first. Allow the new cat a chance to feel comfortable in its own time. When it is ready, its curiosity will bring it out to investigate and you can then allow the cat to approach you and interact with you.

Once the new cat has settled, you can allow the resident cat out, letting it smell your hands or clothing while reassuring it and offering a reward. This will allow your cat to feel secure in its place in the family. While your new pet is acclimatising, it is crucial to remember not to neglect your other cat and to try to maintain routines wherever possible. Cats are sticklers for routine, and any changes will create uncertainty and stress for your cat.

During the first few days of settling in, mix your newcomers smell with that of the household, to introduce the smell of the new companion to your resident cat. It also helps to associate the smell of the newcomer with a positive experience, like a tasty treat, and may help to feed the two cats on either side of the closed door to allow your resident cat to associate the new kitten with positive results.

Once the cat and kitten appear comfortable with each other’s scent, you can then allow them to explore each other’s territory. At different times, allow each one into the area where the other one has been. Once they relax in the other cat’s area, you can begin the face to face introductions.

The best time for first time face to face meetings is at meal times. Place their bowls in the same room, although far enough from each other that they do not feel threatened. You can expect a certain amount of hissing and staring as they work out the hierarchy. At this point it is important to make sure you have a blanket on hand to stop a fight if either cat has a violent reaction.
Separate them again immediately after feeding, but increase the time together for longer periods until they become relaxed in each other’s company.

Once they have become accustomed to the association of the other cat with a positive result and they become more comfortable the newcomer will be welcomed into your family.