Expert: Becky - 7/22/2005

Question
I am really worried and wonder if you have any advice. I have just aquired a new 8 week old kitten. The problem is my existing 2 adult cats now won't come in the house. I love them dearly and don't want to lose them. Have I made a wrong move? I have tried to introduce them. One gets hissed at by the new kitten,so just walks away. The other seems really put out and won't come in. I'm really upset.Help

Answer
Hi Fran,

Cats do not like change, plain and simple.  The good news, however, is that they usually come to accept change.  First... give your older cats lots of love and attention!  They are feeling a bit jealous about this new critter that has taken over their domain.

Then, separate your new kitten from the adult cats in a room with food, water and litter box.  Keep the kitten in that room until the cats can sufficiently smell the new kitten and get used to her/him being there.  I would suggest at least a week.  

Here's a trick that sometimes helps the cats get to know each other.   Take a piece of string or yarn, put some kind of toy or even a thread spool on each end.  Put it under the door where the kitten is, so that there is a toy on each side of the door.  The older cats will get curious and hopefully will bat around the toy on the string, and the kitten on the other side will do the same.  This is an excellent way to get them "used" to each other withhout acutal contact.  They can smell each other and get used to the presence of a newbie in the home.  I would keep them separated like this for at least a week.  Then, slowly begin to let the kitten out for short intervals.  There will be hissing and much "ado" but eventually they will probably play and sleep together.  There is always the chance they may not, but I have found when cats are introduced slowly, that eventually, everything pans out ok.  

My best wishes to you.

God Bless,
Becky