New kitten.....

[BGJO]

Hello all,

I have NC for this as it's very outing but I'm picking up a new kitty this evening. He's nearly 6 months old and was found at the side of a lake when he was 3 weeks old!

I've got 2 cats already, who are 4 in April and I've got a dog who's 18 months.

The plan is to keep them separate at first but does anyone have any tips on how to make it go smoothly. He will eventually be an outside cat as my other boys are.

I fell in love with him as soon as I saw his pics and he was lovely when I went to see him, I'm just a little worried (which I'm sure is natural) about upsetting the status quo.

Here's a pic of him ❤

Just wanted to say he's a lovely little boy

Well if you don’t take him home, there’s an orderly queue forming here who would scoop him up in an instant.

Definitely and if got him first he'd be a bed cat!

P.s. give both dog and kitten safe spaces that are just for them and where the other can't go. Introducing through scent is helpful at first - eg having them either side of a closed door. Then if you have a stair gate as well you can move to that.

Both need an escape route if they choose to bolt when meeting each other and be prepared to step in if one gets boisterous

He's absolutely gorgeous 😻. I'm sure all will be fine, you've obviously introduced pets before.

I spent lots of time with my new kitten (now 7 months) in a separate room when we first brought her home, mostly so she could get used to me but also so she didn't cry and attract too much attention from our older cat for the first few days. As PP said introduce on either side of a door with some scent exchange before letting them see each other. Expect some argy bargy at the beginning; the hissing, growling and tussling can be a bit unsettling but as long as theres no blood or fur flying it's usually all okay. Videos on you tube and PDSA website really helped me in this process

Build up exposure to each other gradually, start with 5-10 minute spells. If you can tie it in with their mealtimes it keeps them in each other's presence but with a distraction and a positive association (din dins!).

I was shit scared my older cat would go awol when he was first acquainted with his very energetic little sister. who still likes to greet him by jumping on his back!! He's a placid, easy going boy who just wants a kip when he gets back from a long day's roaming but has adjusted to her really well. They had their first love-in, snuggling up together with mural grooming after 12 weeks.

Good luck and enjoy x

I kept my kitten in a room on its own for the first few days. He was a rescue and didn't have siblings so was very nervous. He was in DC bedroom and stayed under the bed for a few days
Once he got bolder I fed my other cat outside the door and built up to feeding them together but not close. Gradually moved them closer
Kitten expanded his safe area at his own pace
He is very bold now but doesn't like strangers and doesn't go far

That's all excellent advice. I did let the dog see him in his crate at first but it was a bit chaotic and the dog crapped himself when he hissed!
Ginger had a little sniff of the crate and walked off when he saw him. Bobs is oblivious. I've got the kitten upstairs in the office, the door is shut, the safety gate is closed and the washing basket is blocking entry 🤣

I'm going to take my time, I'll keep the dog on the lead at first, he only wants to play but he does bark which is obviously scary, even though he's come from a home with a dog.

I'm going to be patient and take my time with them. He's really chilled like my other 2 so I'm sure he's going to fit right in.

Thanks all, I think he's bloody gorgeous as well.

Laughing about the cat hissing and dog freaking out

Your new kitten is gorgeous!

My old cat does all the kitten raising work, I have a black void kitten 2 months old. The older cat disciplines her like a mother.

She does play with her and cuddle her but the kitten knows who is boss. The older cat swats her with claws in in she misbehaves and she knows her place.

Ahhh, thank you. He is the sweetest, cuddliest little love.

My instinct from the minute I saw his pic was 100% right and I know he's going to fit in just fine.

He's still in a separate room and I've let the others see him through the safety gate, Bobs is fuming he's here, Ginger is very aloof, when the kitten but his paw through the gate to play he turned around and walked off.

And the dog, the dog can't contain his excitement and I let him into the office last night, he is very very wary which is a good thing and I defo think that the kitten gave him a swipe from the basket.

Here's a new photo of him.

I just came across this thread in my watch list and thought I'd give an update on the new addition.

Him & the dog are the best of mates, the cuddle & wrestle all the time. It's so so so cute.

He loves Ginger & follows him around, the even had a little play fight yesterday, it was seconds but very cute.

The big beast isn't interested, just hisses & ignores him. There's been no fighting but I think cos kitten was fostered with about 12 other cats, he's super chill.

It was absolutely the right decision and I couldn't imagine the house without him here.

Pic for cuteness.

I've named changed.

Just popping on to say what a sweet boy.