How to Introduce a Kitten to an Old Cat

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:KittenOldCat
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How to Introduce a Kitten to an Old Cat

Introduction

Introducing a kitten to an old cat can be tricky. There are instances when the old or resident cat may never be happy with the presence of a kitten. To maximize the chances that your old cat welcomes and becomes comfortable with a new kitten, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Allow your old cat to gradually familiarize itself with the kitten. For example, if it is a stray kitten that spends most of its time outdoors, let your old cat observe it through the window most of the time and bring the kitten indoors for short periods of time.
2

Step Two

Set aside a room in your house where the kitten can live most of the time, if it is spending most of its time indoors. Take the kitten out of the room for short intervals and gradually introduce it to your old cat.
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Step Three

Establish a litter box for the kitten. If possible, place it some distance away from your old cat's litter box. Later, your cats may use each other's boxes, or even the same box, but its best to introduce your kitten to his own box at first.
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Step Four

Give the kitten its own food dish and water bowl. The cats then can use the same water bowl, but it is best if the kitten has his own bowl at first.
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Step Five

Talk nicely to the kitten and your old cat as you are introducing them to each other. Cats understand emotion, and your old cat can adapt to your emotion if it knows that you are friendly toward the new kitten.
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Step Six

Play with the kitten using balls or other cat toys, and let the old cat watch or join in. The old cat then realizes that the kitten is a great playmate.
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