Kitten advice

[JaceLancs]

I’m potentially about to get a new addition to household
Already have a 10 year old female - we had to have our male cat who was 14 put to sleep 4-5 months ago
For context they tolerated each other but never really got on
The kitten we are considering is male around 18 weeks old (so not just leaving mum) and is being re homed for what appears to be genuine reasons
I’m stressing about how older cat will react - I could keep an eye on them for first day or so but after that could keep them separate whilst at work - and keep introducing them to each other every evening for a few days
Or I could just leave them to it to sort out for themselves - it’s a big enough house that they could avoid each other
How soon should I let him out? He’s been microchipped and vaccinated
Any name suggestions too? Our theme has always been old fashioned peoples names - last male was James, our female is Evie
He is grey and white - suggestions so far are Thomas (not sure re Tom kitten) or Henry which would remind me of the vacuum
DD suggested Reuben but DS is not keen

[thecatneuterer]

I think the best way to do it would be to put the kitten in a large dog crate (around £50) with cardboard box inside he can hide in, small litter tray etc. That way they could get used to each other in a non threatening sort of way. And keep him in there (although when the existing cat is out of the way you can of course bring him out for exercise) until they seem totally relaxed in the same room.

And in total you should keep the kitten indoors for at least three weeks and preferably four. And get him neutered before you let him out.

[JaceLancs]

Thanks - he will be being neutered ASAP - although my vet said it depends on how big he is for his age - not met him in person yet only seen pictures and film

[JaceLancs]

I can borrow a crate from DP who has one to transport his cats in van (they hate even larger cat baskets)

[thecatneuterer]

As long as the crate is big enough for a bed and litter tray and food it should be ok.

[JaceLancs]

He’s here!
Went for Reuben in the end
We are supervising introductions and it’s going better than expected
Set up safe spaces for both of them to retreat to

[Papergirl1968]

Ahh, he’s gorgeous!

[JaceLancs]

Thank you!
He was a little unsettled this morning and didn’t want me to go to work
Just booked him in at vet for a kitten check and then will arrange neutering for next week - might as well get all his traumas over quickly!

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

Oh how gorgeous :).

[EachandEveryone]

He is blooming gorgeous and I love the name.

[JaceLancs]

Thank you! He’s settling in nicely
We are feeding them together in same room but with a barrier between
He is allowing us to fuss and stroke him and even pick him up - but not seeking us out just yet
It’s lovely to have a youngster again - I’m glad we waited to get over the loss of James and wait for the right one

[JaceLancs]

Worn out with all the excitement