will our cat accept a new kitten?

twinkletoes

Hi there,
We used to have two cats( a brother and sister) but we are now down to one as the male cat got knocked down.We would love to get another one as company for the cat left behind(age 2yrs) and we thought a kitten would be the best option as we thought it might be less of a threat ? Anyone have any experience of this??

peasant

Very much depends on her and the kitten's personality.

Unlike dogs, cat's don't always / neccessarily crave each other's company. You can get quite a few "loners". But given enough space and some human supervision, even two loners can come to an arranged settlement and live quite happily besides each other.

Just don't expect that it will end in all-engulfing love and comradeship ...because it might not.

smdweb

We have 3 cats, all introduced into the home at different ages, the oldest cat is definitely the boss and did take some time to get used to the others, but if done correctly there should be no problem. Don't force the cats to the same area, respect the existing cats space, i.e. don't expect them to eat from the same area - bring them together slowly. Eventually they should become great pals ... now we even have a dog in the house and one of the cats loves to rub against the dog and lie into him ... nice to see.

lphchild

Most cats get on well once the hierarchy has been established - expect a bit of spitting and hissing but eventually they'll settled either as great buddies or at the very least occasional playmates, we have three permanent cats and we foster loads of kittens during kitten seasons, two of ours love the new company, and are well used to the 'transients', while the older one tolerates them - just different personalities.

Don't force the introductions and give the older cat lots of 'special' attention - extra treats or whatever. A good tip is to confine the new kitten to a room and feed both at the same time either side of the same door, open the door a fraction after a couple of feeds behind closed doors, and let them have a sniff at each other. Their curiosity eventually gets the better of them, usually takes 3 or 4 days of supervised play, and up to 8 before you'd give them free reign...

lph

Tabitharose

smdweb wrote:

if done correctly there should be no problem. QUOTE]


exactly - the time it will take however will depend on your existing cat's personality and the new kitten's personality - they may grow to be friends, or may just end up tolerating each other

http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/introducing/firstimpressions.html

http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/introducing/info.html

comongethappy

Generally, as long as you introduce the kitten between 9-12 weeks of age, their should be no problems (no sooner than 8 weeks - the kitten needs to learn grooming, hunting, litter from it's mom, otherwise you may have problems. The extra week to 9 can make a load of difference).

Have the kitten in a cat carrier for a few hours (you can put a bit of food and water or cat milk in their) and give your cat time to smell around the cat and get used to it's smell. You can let the kitten out after that. You're cat will hiss and probably swipe at it, maybe chase it, but they will get along eventually (prob about 1 month on, maybe sooner). At night, have a seperate room for the kitten to sleep in. Let your cat sleep in it's normal place so that it knows it's still above the kitten in social rank. Feed your cat before the new kitten, and when you come home, greet your cat before the kitten. It will help reassure your cat that it hasn't lost it's place.

I had one, and then got a kitten. They made peace within about 2 weeks - and my older female became a good mommy to him. Good luck!

Demonique

Might, might not. Depends on the cat. Our two year old cat, took a dislike to the new kitten. Even after four years, she never took to her

twinkletoes

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all the great replies,what you are saying really makes sense.
Our cat is friendly and very playful so sounds like she will have a good chance of taking to a new kitten...if we follow your advice!
It's because she's so playful that we feel she really needs another cat to play with..as we're a poor substitute and we've no kids at mo. Thanks again.