How to Introduce a New Kitten to a Deaf Cat

Introducing a new kitten to an older cat is usually stressful and hard on both of the felines--and typically for the owner as well. Add on the fact that the older cat is deaf, and you've got a whole new set of issues to deal with. Hissing, growling and swatting are common behaviors when introducing cats, especially when deaf felines are involved, as they usually swat first and ask later, according to CatChannel.com. However, with a lot of patience and extremely close supervision, it is possible for your two felines to become friends (or at least tolerate each other).

Things You'll Need

  • Collar with bell
  • Separate room for kitten
  • Towel
  • Baby gate or see-through divider
  • Toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a collar with a bell on your deaf cat. This will help you know exactly where your kitty is, suggests CatChannel.com. All interaction between the two cats should be supervised; therefore, being aware of where both cats are is a must.

    • 2

      Keep the kitten secluded in a room for the first few days and only allow interaction to take place under the door. Your deaf cat will likely smell the new kitten and will stake out a spot in front of the door. It is likely that hissing and growling will occur as the two try to establish their dominance roles. Rub the kitten with a towel and allow the older cat to smell it, and vice versa. This will help them become familiar with each other's scent.

    • 3

      Remove the kitten from the room and allow the deaf cat to spend time in its room to become accustomed to the kitten's scent. Similarly, let the kitten spend time in the deaf cat's area. Since the deaf cat cannot hear the kitten, the only way he can become aware of its presence is through scent or sight.

      It is important to provide lots of opportunities for him to become familiar with the kitten. The more it is aware of the kitten, the sooner it may accept its presence. Allowing it to see the kitten's litter box, food bowls and other belongings will better help the cat to get used to the new addition.

    • 4

      Allow the cats to interact through a baby gate or see-through divider after a few days of under-the-door interaction. This will allow them to see each other without being able to hurt one another. Once you feel comfortable with their interaction, allow them to meet.

    • 5

      Supervise the two cats closely when they meet each other. Expect growling and hissing, but do not let any physical aggression take place. Try feeding the cats together, but separate them so they each have their own spaces. This will help the deaf cat associate the kitten with pleasant things. Perhaps throw a favorite toy between the two of them to encourage playing. However, deaf cats are startled easily, especially when surprised from behind. Keep the kitten in the deaf cat's sight at all times until they become more comfortable with each other.