Introducing Your New Kitten to Other Pets Print

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.

Helpful Tip!

Providing “safe places” for cats is an important part of maintaining peace and keeping pets safe from harm in multiple-pet homes. This is especially important when cats are living with dogs. If your kitten learns that he can escape unwanted attention by moving to a designated resting area that is not accessible to the dog, this can keep him safe and will help him to feel secure in your home. Since cats enjoy resting and sometimes hiding in elevated places, a raised resting platform or climbing structure that has cubby holes is a great way to provide these places in multiple-pet homes. Cats learn that these areas are “off-limits” to the dog and are good places to get some quiet time when they need it.

Even in the most peaceful of homes, where dogs and cats get along fabulously, it is important to remember that most dogs are larger and stronger than cats and so can do great harm if they play too roughly or if predatory drive suddenly takes over from normal play behaviors. For this reason, owners should always avoid leaving cats alone with dogs when they are away or when pets are not supervised