You are here:

Cats/introducing a kitten to another kiten

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/19/2007


Question
I have a male kitten about 4 months old.  I wanted to get him a friend so I am trying to introduce another male kitten to him (he is 6 weeks old).  I am trying to do it slowly  (they have sniffed each other through the carrying cage, sniffed under the door, sniffed blankets with each others' scent, and short (very short) supervised visits). The visits don't go very well. It usually starts with the older one batting the little guy and then he starts to bite and pounce. I usually separate them at this point and put the little guy in his room. It has only been about 4 days, but I am worried the older one will continue to bite thinking the little one is a toy ( there is a considerable size difference).  Do you think that there is hope for them?

Answer
Hi Mel,

You are doing great! It is just going to take a little time. Also some of what you are seeing is normal kitten behavior. They bite and pounce on each other. Give them a little more time doing what you are doing then let them be together for a while. There will be some roughhousing but it shouldn't last long. Just keep an eye on both to make sure that one isn't really hurting the other.

Keep a water bottle handy and give them a little squirt if you feel that they are getting too rough. All should be well soon. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.