The Best Way to Introduce a New Kitten Into a Household With a Cat

Adding a new furry feline member to your family is never a decision that should be taken lightly, especially when there is already a cat in your home. However, when you have weighed all of your options and come to the conclusion that a new kitten is definitely the right choice, there are several tips that can help ease the transition from a one-cat household to a two-cat household with little stress.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat food
  • Cat treats
  • Cat toys
  • Cat furniture
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give the kitten its own space. After bringing your kitten home, dedicate a room exclusively for it, where the kitten can stay until it has become acclimated to its new home. First, allow the new kitten to become used to its new surroundings by freely exploring the new territory. Make sure this territory has all the necessities for your new family member, including food, water, and a litter box.

    • 2

      See your vet to ensure your new kitten is not carrying any diseases or infections into your home.

    • 3

      Make your home a little more cat-friendly before your new kitten and your cat begin getting to know each other, PetPlace.com suggests. For instance, it is important to give your cats places they can hide or perch and learn about one another from a safe distance.

    • 4

      Allow your kitten and your cat to begin interacting in a supervised setting after your kitten has become more comfortable and you have gotten the OK from your vet. Associate their meetings with a pleasurable experience, such as treats, toys, or feeding time.

    • 5

      Feed the cat and kitten separately. Sharing the same bowl may lead to unnecessary stress.

    • 6

      Create a safe, relaxing atmosphere in which your new kitten and your cat can get to know each other, then wait and see what happens. Be patient and give both cats plenty of love and attention. Given appropriate amounts of time and encouragement, your feline friends are sure to come together in no time.