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How to Bring a Kitten Home to a 2 Year Old Cat

by Rohana Chomick

  • Overview

    Cats are territorial by nature and creatures of habit. They dislike change and, like human toddlers, they do not like to share. So, even if Fluffy looks lonely and you have decided she needs a friend, it is important to know that it will not be love at first sight when you walk through the door with a kitten. You cannot force your older cat to like the new addition to the family, but you can help Fluffy adjust to the kitten, and the kitten to its new home, in the first few weeks of cohabitation.
 

  • Step 1

    Buy the kitten its own food/water bowls, litter box, blanket or pillow, toys and carrier. Find out what type of food and litter the breeder, shelter or pet store used, and buy the same type and brand. Place the kitten's necessities in a separate room with a solid door in a quiet area of the house.

  • Step 2

    Bring the kitten in the carrier into your house while all is quiet. Place the carrier in the separate room, making sure your resident cat is not in the room. Shut the door and open the carrier. Sit quietly and let the kitten come out when he's ready. If he stays in the carrier, leave and let him explore on his own.

  • Step 3

    Let your cat sniff at the door. Disregard any hissing or growling. Let your cat and kitten get to know each other through the safety of the closed door over the next several days.

  • Step 4

    Feed your cat and kitten on opposite sides of the door, but not too closely at first. As they get to know each other's scent over the next few days, move the bowls closer to the door. If your cat shows signs of aggression, move the bowls back and try again.

  • Step 5

    Heap lots of love and attention on your cat and kitten. Play with them both separately. Attempt to get them to play together under the door with a string toy. Lightly rub a blanket or soft toy belonging to the kitten on your cat and vice-versa so they become even more familiar with each other's scent.

  • Step 6

    Allow your cat in the kitten's room (door shut) while you let the kitten explore the rest of the house. If you have a big house, introduce the kitten to your home slowly over a few days.

  • Step 7

    Prop the kitten's room door open a few inches so both felines can see each other. Make sure the open space does not allow your cat to get in. Let them observe each other. Watch for aggression in either cat (raised hackles, low growling, spitting, ears laid back). If so, shut the door and try again later. Do not discipline your cat or kitten.

  • Step 8

    Try feeding your cat and kitten in the kitten's room, but on opposite sides. Move the bowls closer each day if there are no signs of fighting such as loud hissing.

  • Step 9

    Open the door once your cat and kitten have become comfortable with each other. Allow them to come and go as they please. Monitor them at all times in case a fight breaks out. If it does, separate them. (Throw something soft--do not try to break up a fight with your hands.) Do not scold. Let the older cat "explore" the kitten.
  • 2
  • Litter box Litter Kitten food Food and water bowls Blanket Cat toys Cat carrier
  • Litter box
  • Litter
  • Kitten food
  • Food and water bowls
  • Blanket
  • Cat toys
  • Cat carrier
  • Be patient and realistic in your expectations. This introduction process can take time. Before you bring the kitten home, take it to a veterinarian for a wellness checkup that should include testing for intestinal parasites, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Spay/neuter both felines to lessen aggression and behavioral problems. Keep your cat's routine as close to the same as possible before the kitten arrived. Have one litter box per cat plus an extra one. This will stop the more dominant cat from stalking the younger one and keeping it away from the litter box. Ensure that your cat and kitten each have a safe place in which to escape.
  • Be patient and realistic in your expectations. This introduction process can take time.
  • Before you bring the kitten home, take it to a veterinarian for a wellness checkup that should include testing for intestinal parasites, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
  • Spay/neuter both felines to lessen aggression and behavioral problems.
  • Keep your cat's routine as close to the same as possible before the kitten arrived.
  • Have one litter box per cat plus an extra one. This will stop the more dominant cat from stalking the younger one and keeping it away from the litter box.
  • Ensure that your cat and kitten each have a safe place in which to escape.
  • Never force interaction between your new kitten and your cat, or your kitten could get injured. Never leave your cat and kitten unsupervised during the introduction process.
  • Never force interaction between your new kitten and your cat, or your kitten could get injured. Never leave your cat and kitten unsupervised during the introduction process.

References & Resources

     
     
 
 

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