Expert: Jessica - 4/30/2011

Question
i have a 9 month old male cat called felix we are always spoil him but 2 days ago we got a8week oldwhen we brought her home to introduce her to felix,felix hissed and growled at suade and he went for her when felix goes outside it takes him ages to come back in that never use to happen he use to come straight in but now he sniffes at the step then sits there till i bring him in he also wont use his litter tray he does his bussiness in the garden also some thing he never use to do i have had to put felix`s litter tray and food and drink upstairs which i dont like doing cause i dont like to leave him out i am trying to introduce them by playing with toys with both of them but felix is still hissing at her what should i do i am trying by best to show them both i love them i dont want felix hurting suade cause felix is quite a big cat and suade is tiny

Answer
Hi Natalie,

Cats take a lot of time to adjust to new members of the household. It's best to limit newcomers to one room for the first several days, and allow resident cats the run of the rest of the house as always. Instead of allowing them to see each other face to face, use indirect methods of introduction. Rub the kitten's cheeks with a towel, then allow Felix to sniff it. Then rub Felix's cheeks with a towel and allow the kitten to sniff it. This will help them become familiar by scent. A few times a day, also let the kitten roam the home and put Felix in the kitten's room. They can explore each other indirectly this way, as well.

Also during this time, try feeding them special meals on opposite sides of the door to the kitten's room at the same time. They will be able to sense each other's presence by shadows and sound, but there will be no threat of a confrontation. And they will start to associate the positive experience of meal time together. After a few days, see if Felix will eat his meal at the opposite end of the same room as the kitten. If so, move the bowls closer together each day until they are eating just a few feet apart. Also, try giving them a few 15 minute visits between meals. You can lengthen the visits a bit each day if they go well, but be cautious not to go too long. Cats can become overstimulated easily, and this can set you back. Continue to use the toys as an encouragement for them to play together once they have accepted each other's presence peacefully.

If possible, keep Felix indoors throughout the introduction period. Cats can decide to leave home when they're unhappy. It would be best not to allow him this opportunity while he has not accepted the kitten. Most cats take 1-2 weeks to accept a kitten, but some take longer.

Good luck!

Jessica