How to Bring a New Kitty Home to a House of Cats

Kittens are sweet, adorable creatures that can bring smiles to small children, and even the most hardened of adults. Unfortunately, bringing a kitten into a home that already houses adult cats can spell trouble for the helpless new addition. Cats are territorial creatures by nature and if the kitten is not properly introduced into the home, the older cats may not accept the kitten, hurt it or even kill the helpless animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Cat toys
  • Food dish
  • Water dish
  • Cat carrier
  • Broom
  • Spray bottle
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your home for the kitten's arrival before it even sets paw in the home. Purchase a separate litter box, food dish and toys for the kitten. Make sure that the cats presently in the home are up to date on all their shots.

    • 2

      Designate a room in the home to keep the kitten away from the other cats. Place the litter box and the cat's food dish in this room. This way, the kitten will have a sanctuary if the other cats are not accepting it. Do not use a room that is popular with the other cats.

    • 3

      Take the kitten to the veterinarian and have it tested for diseases, such as feline leukemia and distemper.

    • 4

      Keep the kitten in this designated room for the first few days after its arrival. This will help the kitten become acquainted with the new surroundings without having to also deal with the older cats as well. The kitten should also be isolated while the tests are being run at the vet's office, which can take up to two weeks.

    • 5

      Place the kitten into a cat carrier when you are ready to introduce it to the rest of the cats. This will keep the kitten safe from the cats, but also allow all the animals to sniff each other and become acquainted. Repeat this action once a day for at least two weeks.

    • 6

      Take the kitten out of the carrier and place it into the room with the other cats once the two week trial meeting period has ended. Place the kitten at the other end of the room from the cats and have a spray bottle or a broom prepared to separate the kitten from the cats if any problems arise. Keep this first visit brief, around five to 10 minutes.

    • 7

      Supervise the visits with the kitten and the cats until there is no hissing or fighting for four days. Once this period is up, leave the kitten with the cats and exit the room, but not the house. Be on hand just in case something goes wrong.

    • 8

      Stay in the home with the cats together for a few more days and if there is no fighting, feel free to leave the house and allow the kitten and the cats to roam together.