Mary Allen
Planning Ahead When Combining Nature
The nature of your cat and that of the young newcomer are decisive factors when it comes to future coexistence. The temperaments of the animals should match so that domestic peace is maintained. Is your previous velvet paw rather reserved and shy? Then the young animal should not be a big hit either.
If your usual roommate shows a rather dominant demeanor, the newcomer can be a real cheeky rascal. For older “problem cats”, a kitten around three months old is a good addition to the family. This is in a natural learning phase until it is about a year old and can be trained by the older cat according to her rules.
Adult Cats & Baby Cats Have to Get Used to Each Other
Even before the cats meet for the first time, you can prepare your fur nose for the newcomer. Do this by rubbing a blanket or a new toy on the kitten to pick up its scent. Leave the item in your home so your cat gets used to the scent.
When the young cat arrives in its new environment, you should initially keep it away from the long-established kitty. Your old cat probably won’t accept a new kitten right off the bat. In the beginning, it is therefore important that the kitten feels safe and that you slowly get used to the two house tigers. Therefore, provide a separate room in which the kitten can settle into his new home and which your house cat hardly frequents. It should be equipped with everything the kitten needs:
- Food and water bowl
- Sleeping place
- Litter box
- Toy
Create a Retreat for the Young Cat
Especially with kittens, it makes sense to use a portable cat cage for acclimatization. This should be in a separate room. The kitten can eat in it and retreat. Also, put your old cat’s favorite food outside of the cage, preferably in a place where it can eat undisturbed.
Then comes the first sniffing. Place your new kitten in the cat cage and close its door. Then leave the door of the room where the cat cage is located open so that your regular roommate can go in and out freely. This gives your cat a chance to get to know and get used to the kitten without disturbance or interruption. Conversely, the mini can retreat deeper into its basket if it gets too much for it.
Further Approach: From Room to Room
During this time, give your old cat the usual attention and cuddles. Retain previous procedures to show her that the newcomer does not mean a loss of the accustomed relationships.
The new kitten and your cat appear calm and balanced when in a room under the above conditions? Then you can start moving the cage to other rooms. Change the rooms according to the importance that the respective area has for your previous velvet paw.
Bringing Cat & Kitten Together: First Under Supervision
When you open the cage for the first time and allow the two animals to meet and get to know each other in person, this should be done under close observation. Small scuffles are allowed, the cats have to show their ranking in the initial phase clarify things get too wild, it is advisable to separate the two velvet paws.
Depending on the character, it can take weeks or even months for the two kitties to pull themselves together completely. If one of the cats keeps its distance, don’t push them. If the cat is frightened, then it still needs time to get used to the new situation. Try both animals in common games. Then none of the chicks gets a raw deal and gets their attention.
Basically, both cats should have their own things that they need in everyday life. In addition to toys, this includes a place to sleep, water and food bowl, and your own litter box. Position them in separate places, creating their own private areas where kittens and cats can retreat to relax. In the long run, this contributes to harmony in the household.