How to Socialize My Two Different Kittens

People who own cats sometimes forget that even young kittens are animals with aggressive instincts and the ability to bite and scratch. So while you may consider your kitten to be a member of your family, there are times when your cat may display aggressive and territorial behavior. This behavior is especially likely to occur when introducing two different kittens to each other, but if you take advantage of research on cat behavior and introduce your two kittens slowly, the two can be socialized to get along and become friends.

Things You'll Need

  • Two separate rooms
  • Separate litter, toys and box
  • Water gun or bottle with spray nozzle
  • Can of compressed air
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Instructions

    • 1
      Monitor aggressive behavior between the kittens.

      Keep the two kittens in separate rooms, so that they can hear and smell each other without being able to interact directly with each other. Monitor any aggressive behavior, such as hissing, from either one toward the other and penalize them for any aggressive behavior using a minor annoyance like clapping your hands, squirting water from a spray bottle, or spraying some compressed air on the offender.

    • 2
      A pet carrier will contain a kitten's scent.

      Introduce each kitten to the smell of the other kitten. You can accomplish this either by switching rooms altogether, so that each kitten is introduced to the other kitten's domain, or by introducing items with one kitten's scent to the other kitten. Items such as a carrier, or even a rag rubbed inside the cheeks of each kitten, will carry that kitten's scent. The Feline Health Center at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine notes that some hissing is to be expected during this phase of the introduction.

    • 3
      Pay careful attention to each kitten's body language.

      Place both kittens in the same room and ensure that they remain restrained from direct contact. You can keep each kitten in a pet carrier or leash both kittens on opposite ends of the room. Note how the kittens regard and interact with each other from this distance. If their behavior is especially aggressive, it may be too soon to have them in the same room. Feed both kittens separately and observe whether each will eat in the other's presence. If there is no hostility, you can gradually move them closer together and continue to observe their behavior.

    • 4
      Your kittens will probably get along if you introduce them slowly.

      If the kittens are no longer displaying hostile and aggressive body language toward one another, remove the restraints, and allow them to make physical contact. Depending on the kittens, it may take weeks to reach this point, so do not rush the process. Be sure to observe their interaction carefully to distinguish hostile behavior from playful behavior. If one kitten treats the other too aggressively, use the squirt bottle or compressed air to penalize the offender for this behavior.