How can I get my older cat used to our new kitten?

Question

I have an older female cat, about 2 years old and spayed. Yesterday my daughter and I took in another male who is about 8 weeks old. The owner was getting ready to stick him out in a neighbor's barn because she couldn't find a home for him, even talked about just dumping him off somewhere near some houses - so we took him.

Anyways he is very sweet, just wants to sleep mostly. My female cat stalks him though. Ears back, tail going and hissing/growling at the new baby. I don't want to really put him down anywhere near her for fear she would maul him or something, but we can't constantly hold him either - and would be nice to let him explore some or even play.

So any suggestions on how to get her to accept him would be helpful.

Also you can view pictures and help us name him here:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080817203354AAPYXPQ

Thanks!

Answer 1

My grandma had a cat for 15 years and then she got a kitten, they hated each other at first but less then 5  months later the older one was liking the new kitten and giving it baths.  Just wait, they'll get used to each other.  

Answer 2

Actually, you probably shouldn't be holding the kitten as much...it'll only make your older cat jealous and more angry.  The other posters are right, try separate rooms for awhile.  They'll get to know each other.

Answer 3

Well what I did with my new kitten and dog was have the kitten in her carrier and let the dog sniff her out through the holes,this way neither could get hurt.You might want to try something like this, but limiting their physical contact with whatever you happen to have around the house. Also if you have glass doors, put one on either side, this way they can see each other minus the ability to hurt one another. You could also try putting them both together, with someone nearby in case something happens. I know that with freedom they can sort things out, as long as the younger one is strong enough to fight back.  

Good Luck

Answer my kitty question?http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...  

Answer 4

Put them in separate rooms so they can get to know each other through and under the door. Put their food bowls right next to the door they share too so they will be forced to be near each other while they are eating. It takes a few days and it will sound horrible but they will eventually put up with each other, maybe even love each other. This is what I did and my cats ended up sleeping on top of each other and spooning.

Answer 5

Anytime you introduce a new cat to your home, you should isolate it for about two weeks.  Let the older cat smell it under its door.  It should have its own food, water and litter box.  You can wipe each cat with a small cloth and give it to the other cat so they can get used to each others smells.  Your female cat is the Alpha cat and is just trying to let the new cat know that this is her territory and she comes first.  Another reason to separate them is that the kitten probably has worms and they should not share a litter box until he is wormed.  Also, he could have diseases that could be transmitted to your cat, causing them to both be ill.  Hope this helps.

Answer 6

The key to introducing an older pet with a new pet is time and patience. You cannot expect the older cat to want to be best friends with the new cat on the first day or even in the first week. Older pets will need to get used to the idea of having another pet in the house. This is especially true for a pet that is used to being the only one. Both animals will need time to feel each other out and get used to each other. While it may take weeks to make an adjustment, over time, your pets can learn to tolerate each other and live in peace.

When you bring a new cat into your home, your old pet may resent having to share their space. They may see the new pet as an intruder. You can expect some hissing and slapping at each other if you have cats. Generally, a young kitten will take to your older cat right away, but the older cat will not be very happy. The best way to integrate your new cat is to slowly introduce your pets. It is always a good idea to keep your new cat in a separate room for several days. Not only will this give your older cat the time to understand that there is a new pet in the house, it will give your new pet a chance to get used to the sounds and smells of your home without feeling intimidated.

After a couple of days, you can allow your two pets to smell each other through the doorway. Most of the time, the cats will probably hiss at each other. This is to be expected and you should not give up if this happens. How your older cat reacts will depend a lot on the cat’s personality. More outgoing cats may hiss a couple of times and be fine. Others will want to stay completely away. Some cats may even hiss every time he or she smells the new kitty, but will be so curious that they return to the door.

When you are introducing your kitten into your home and to your older cat, it will be very important to spend quality time with both pets. It may seem silly, but your older cat needs to feel secure. Your new cat needs to know you are the one that will provide him or her with love and affection. You do not want either cat to feel abandoned. If you spend time with both of your pets individually, it will help. This will give both pets a sense of importance.

After a few days of having your pets separated, you can begin to introduce them to each other with supervision. Try to make this time positive for both animals. Give lots of praise to both cats during this time. This is especially important to do when they show positive behavior towards the new kitten. Cats will probably sniff at each other and may even try to be aggressive. Talk softly to your pets to let him or her know that you are there and that you love them. If you yell or make loud noises when they are aggressive, both cats will associate each other with loud sounds. It will be unpleasant for both of them. If your pets become agitated with each other, then that means their visiting time is over. Let them return to their places alone. You can try again the next day.

After a few of these visits you can start putting your pets in a room together without interference. You should supervise, but let them explore one another one their own terms. You can also try to coincide their meeting times with meals and with play time. When you do this, it will be important to place their dishes at a distance and let them eat in the same room together. It may take several of these supervised meetings, but eventually they will learn to get along.