Introducing a new kitten to my cat

[longdiling]

I should be getting a kitten in a couple of weeks and I'm wondering how best to introduce her to my existing moggie! She's about 7 years old and usually very chilled. Do I try and keep them separate at first or just throw them together from the off?! Thank you!

[hardheadedwoman]

Place marking as I'm doing the same this weekend!

[longdiling]

Just giving this a little bump as the kitten arrived last night! She seems to be settling well, she's eating, playing and letting us stroke her. We even have some purring. Keeping her separate from the cat for now but we let them have a peek at each other this morning and the cats fur went straight up on end and the kitten ran away!

[longdiling]

Sleepy kitty

[Microwaste]

We got a kitten about 5/6 weeks ago now. We had him in his own room initially and would let him out for a scout round the house when our cat was outside. Then we let the cat in his room to sniff it out while he was taken elsewhere. Swap bedding etc round so they get used to the other's scent. Then we'd have the kitten in a room which has glass doors so they could see each other but not get to each other - give them treats at this point so they associate each other with something positive.
Finally we let them meet for short periods but would remove the kitten after 10/15 minutes or when our cat was getting stressed.
It sounds very long winded but a slow introduction should work best for a harmonious relationship. Our kitten is very fearless and confident so we went through the stages pretty quickly. They are comfortable with each other now and will play fight, nuzzle each other etc.
Make sure you have separate food bowls and litter trays too so they don't feel they need to compete for them.

[longdiling]

Thanks! We just let the kitten out for a mooch around while the cat was outside. We'll let the cat in her room later too. Sounds like the slowly slowly approach worked well for you!

[MrsJamin]

Get a Feliway friends pheromone diffuser and zylkene to add to food, give before they meet. We've had a lot of trouble wih one of our cats accepting a new kitten but I think both of those are helping.