We're getting a kitten!

[droitwichmummy]

After losing one of our cats last December we finally went to a refuge today and reserved a kitten 5 months old but looks a bit younger to me. Mostly white but has a black tail. She is coming next Saturday.
Any tips on introducing our young 15 yo tortie to her gratefully received!

[Ginshizz]

Oooooooooooooooooooh how exciting!!!

I am not the most experienced kitten owner but we introduced our last new addition to our existing pets when she was asleep so they got to know her a little before she started jumping all over them.

That might not work with an older kitten though, not sure

Hope you have a fabulous time with her

[BeatTheClock]

We had a 1 yr old cat before getting another kitten so not such a big age gap. Do things slooowly, isolate them for a few days at first in different rooms, separate litter trays and food bowls etc. They'll be aware that there is another cat about and they'll get used to the scent first. Only let them see each other after a day or so in little supervised 'visits' while they suss each other out and it should be ok.

There may be much growling and yodelling and older cat looking totally affronted at the imposter. It's important that the kitten fits in round the older cat rather than the other way around and therefore acknowledges the hierarchy. Ie older cat is the boss. Make a big fuss of the older cat not the kitten so they know they've not been replaced.

Older cat may biff the younger one about a bit. Ours did a lot of that but no-one was hurt; it was just a way of asserting authority although you'll have to watch and intervene if it's looking a bit rough. I think it can look and sound worse than it is but they do have to establish the pecking order.

After a few days the ground rules have usually been set and you may get the aaahhh moment when older cat grooms the kitten and they cuddle up together.

Good luck!

[droitwichmummy]

Thank you. DH is at home all day apart from the school run so can keep the peace make sure nothing too dreadful happens. DS is sooooooo excited!

[droitwichmummy]

Kitten arrives tomorrow!

[Sparklingbrook]

droitwichmummy. We will need pictures.

[droitwichmummy]

Of course there will be pictures. I might even let you come to see her

[Sparklingbrook]

Sparkling Cat and DH won't let me have a kitten. What are you going to call her?

[droitwichmummy]

She is arriving with the name Goosey Lucy! I've already shortened it to Lucy & DH is calling her Lucifer

[droitwichmummy]

Lucy has arrived! Older cat unimpressed and is staying upstairs in peace.Lucy meanwhile is hiding under the dining table but she pops out from time to time. Some pics are on my profile - hope to get better ones tomorrow when she is more settled

[Sparklingbrook]

How was the first night?

[droitwichmummy]

Went well. Kitten stayed downstairs, old one upstairs. Lucy has settled really well so should get better picture today if she stays still for long enough!