A lot of cat owners don’t realize that their affectionate, single adult cats could have trouble getting along with a new kitten. Even though a new kitten is typically eager to make friends, the older cats in the house may not want to interact with the younger cat. An elder cat may regularly appear melancholy, withdraw, hiss loudly, and sometimes even stop eating if it is having problems adjusting to the new family member. These inclinations are explained by the fact that cats do not like change, especially when it affects their familiar environment.
When you introduce to an older cat accept a kitten, your home may experience a lot of stress, but there are several things you can do to make the process go more smoothly.
Preparation is key to a kitten introduction to your senior cat that goes well. If you prepare your cat for the new tenant and make the changes seem less abrupt, the chances of it getting along with its new roommate increase. Give yourself (and your senior cat) plenty of time to prepare for this adjustment by following these instructions.
Calm Down, Old Cat!
A pheromone-induced calm environment is advantageous for all cats. In the weeks before a new kitten is born, it’s a great idea to put your time and effort to use. Diffusers, sprays, and wipes are frequently available that relax your cat without the need for medicine. Try using pheromones for at least a few weeks before bringing a kitten home.
You might want to consider giving your older cat calming cat food supplements if you are concerned that the arrival of a kitten would make them uneasy and stressed out. These will maintain peace and relaxation in your pet without administering any medicines. Although they can be continued once the new kitten is home, they often work best if given a few weeks before the anticipated stressful event. The ingredients list often includes L-theanine, Phellodendron, Magnolia, Whey or Milk Proteins, and other natural components proven to be beneficial and healthy for pets.
Get your home ready.
You should prepare new furniture for your kitten before it gets home, such as beds, food dishes, a second litter box, and toys. Start putting these things in their new places about a week before the new baby arrives to give your older cat time to scent them and get used to all the new things. If you can, try to add things that already have the scent of the kitten on them. Make sure you are ready for the cat. If it happens frequently, your senior cat will be aware of your anxiety and lack of planning and will feel the effects.
Create a little space where your new kitten can hide out for the first few days, such as a bathroom. Your adult cat should be able to hear and smell the kittens from outside the door, but should not be permitted to enter this room. There should be a litter box, food bowls, and a toy from your senior cat in this space together with the kitten’s possessions.
Prepare your cat.
Ensure the wellness of your elderly cat. Your cat should be mentally and physically prepared for a new kitten because stressing out an unwell cat won’t help the situation. Bring your cat in for a checkup with your veterinarian to make sure it is healthy and that all of its immunizations are current. Occasionally, cats may choose to live with a new kitten rather than fully embrace it. In these cases, they will isolate themselves from the other cats in the house. If the cat bites or scratches the kitten, you should also get your rabies vaccination updated to avoid any problems.
While it does occasionally happen for older cats to like a new kitten right away, they often take some time to adjust to the changes. Because respiratory infections are common among kittens, you want your older cat’s immune system to be ready to fight off anything that comes into the house. You’ll want to maintain calm regardless of what your cat thinks of the new kitten in order to give yourself the best chance of encouraging a friendship to develop straight immediately.
Introduce your cat to the new kitten.
When you initially bring the kitten home, let your cat sniff it while it’s in a carrier or in your arms. Go go to the space you’ve designated and prepared for the kitten, and let it roam free there. In addition to a few toys, the bed, food dishes, and litter box have should all be within easy reach. Keep an eye on your adult cat so that it doesn’t interact with the kitten.
When you’re not at home, at night, or whenever you can’t keep an eye on the kitten and your larger cat, keep it in its designated room with the door closed. As the kitten becomes more and more curious, your cat might stick its paw under the door, smell under the door, and listen to the kitten. Do this for about a week, depending on how your cat is responding to the changes. Don’t forget to lavish lots of love on your older cat after you’ve finished playing with your kitten. The kitten will need your care and attention as the scent of the cat on your clothing will help it acclimate to the newcomer.
Prefer to Spend Time Together
After about a week, let your cat roam the house while you watch over it closely. You should let your senior cat observe this excursion and, if it chooses, take cover. You shouldn’t force your cat and kitten to interact. If your cat has a favorite interactive toy, such as a feather wand or laser pointer, try playing with both cats at once. This will encourage teamwork. Additionally, you can simultaneously feed them from various bowls and offer them treats. Make sure there is enough space between the food dishes so that your senior cat won’t feel threatened.
Any positive interactions between your adult cat and the kitten should be encouraged with compliments, treats, and physical affection. You want your cat to associate the kitten with pleasant, beneficial things.
Allow Your Cat to Establish a Hierarchy
Cats need hierarchy, so a new member of the family needs to know its place. Your elder cat may want to establish a hierarchy with the young kitten at first. The larger cat may hiss and swipe at the kitten when the newcomer acts badly. As long as it’s just hwill besing and swatting, that’s perfectly normal, so try not to interfere. As the dominant cat in the household, your older cat is assuming its role, and the kitten is learning the rules that apply to it as the new cat.
Problems and Conduct in Proofing
Try again despite any unfavorable initial interactions. Older cats may need some time to adjust to a younger cat. Rushing cat socialization and then becoming upset or outraged when it fails is a common mistake. Keep your cool and slowly bring the cats together. Pace your interactions and think about expanding your time together gradually. If your elder cat routinely behaves aggressively against the new kitten, get guidance from your veterinarian or a behavior specialist.
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