Introducing Your New Kitten to Other
Pets
Many homes today include multiple animal companions. It is not unusual for a
family of pets to include one or more dogs, a cat, bird, and the occasional gerbil and
hamster! So, often times, in addition to meeting his new human family member, a new kitten
must also be introduced to his new animal companions. The approach that is used to introduce
and the time that is allowed depends a great deal upon the species of pet and upon each
individual pet’s personality.
Here are a few helpful tips for peaceful and friendly new pet introductions.
Other Cats
If you have another cat or cats, keep in mind that it is not unusual for the
resident cat to take several weeks to a month or more to fully accept a new kitten. The best
way to promote friendly relationships between cats is to introduce them gradually, always
making sure that the resident cat feels comfortable as he slowly begins to accept the new
kitten as part of the family.
- Initially confine your new kitten to
a room that contains his food and water bowls and a separate litter box. Allow the resident
cat to have as much of his usual living space in the house as possible.
- Keep the new kitten confined to this room and out of sight of the resident
cat until the resident cat becomes comfortable with the kitten’s presence and
smell.
- Be patient – This may take days or even several weeks! In the meantime, give
your resident cat plenty of attention and love and do not alter his daily routine in any
way.
- Gradually increase the two cats’ exposure to each other by allowing short
time periods of visual contact. Give your resident cat plenty of time to adjust and do not
allow the two cats physical access to one another until both cats are showing relaxed
behaviors when in the same room together.
- Supervise first introductions closely. At first, allow the two individuals
to have physical access to each other for only very short periods of time, always making
sure that the resident cat has the option going to another part of the house if he does not
wish to interact.
- Although many cats show an initial dislike toward each other, with time,
many become playmates and friends. The key is to have patience, continue to give your
resident cat regular attention throughout his introduction to the new kitten, and give them
plenty of time to slowly adjust to each other.
Other Dogs
At first, your new kitten may be naturally frightened by even the sight and smell
of the dog, especially if she was not previously socialized to dogs. Give your kitten plenty
of time to become comfortable in her new surroundings before attempting to introduce her to
the resident dog. Here are a few tips that can help dogs and new cats become
acquainted.
- For the first few days, confine your kitten to a crate
within a pre-designated room or place a screen or baby gate in the doorway so that your dog
can see her, but they cannot come into physical contact.
- If you do not know how your dog will react to a cat, keep the dog on lead
and under strict control to prevent or correct any unwanted behaviors. For dogs who insist
on chasing cats, basic obedience training is often needed to prevent chase behaviors and to
keep cats safe.
- Monitor each animal's behavior carefully, slowly allowing them increased
time together as they become accustomed to each other. Never allow your dog to chase
or harass the kitten. If your dog cannot be trusted, supervise his activities when he is
near the cat, keeping a lead attached to his collar, if necessary.
- Likewise, never insist that your kitten remain in the same room with your
dog or that she sit in your lap while the dog approaches her if she demonstrates fear or
does not want to be close to the dog.
- While many cats and dogs do become companions and live peacefully together,
some have more trouble becoming friends. In those cases, teaching your dog to not chase the
cat, and providing your cat with “safe places” that are not accessible to the dog can allow
safe coexistence.
|