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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Introducing an adult cat to a resident kitten
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Question
Hi Tabbi,
I have a 5 month old kitten that was just spayed on Friday with her buddy - a four and a half month old. Unfortunately, the younger kitten didn't make it and now my surviving kitten who is recovering well is all alone and looking to play but not finding her mate. I decided to look at some shelter kitties as a replacement playmate for my kitten and found an adult - 1.5 year old who has a beautiful temperament and is supposedly good with other cats. In fact her personality is comparable to the kitten I currently have.
My question is: How do I bring this cat home and how do I acclimate her with my young kitten? I really like this cat but is it better to go with a younger kitten in this case? I have placed a deposit on her but can change my choice if this isn't a good idea. I just really liked the temperament of this cat. I have separate rooms available if they need to be separated and scent acclimated first.
---Dana
Dana,
)
It's always best to get another kitten about the same age. There is a lot of difference in development mentally and physically between 7 months and a year old. An older kitten/cat can also play too rough with a littler cat, and sometimes they do not like kittens at all until they are grown. Gender is not a factor, the personalities and temperament are.
If possible, I would see if you can take the cat you like on a trial basis to see if it will work out well. The cat may surprise you and take to the kitten right away...or not.
No cat has 'text book' behavior so you kind of have to play it by ear and adjust from there.
I am attaching a couple of links as a guide on how to go about the introduction process:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)
http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...
Instead of putting a new cat or kitten in a separate room where it can be scared all alone, I use a large dog crate (48x32x30) that I got at Petco. The cats can smell, growl, hiss, etc. at each other, and get used to each other by being together, but safely. Plus the new cat/kitten gets used to the noises and movements of the people in the home and is not secluded alone in a room by itself. And you can let the new kitten/cat out for short periods of time, getting longer each time. Also you can reverse who gets out so the new one can sniff around safely. I am attaching a picture of the cage that I am using for fostering some kittens. As you can see there is plenty of room for everything.
Once they can be together without fighting feed both cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.
Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between two cats. They both can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.
Growling, slaps, and hisses are nothing to worry about. They are just "kitty communication". When to be concerned is if there are ears pinned back, blood being shed, or major fur flying.
It just takes time and lots of patience. The most important thing about introductions is to go SLOWLY! Do not try to rush it or force them together or you WILL end up with behavior problems.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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