Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting time, but for families with multiple cats, it can cause some stress. Older cats aren't always eager to share their spaces, and improperly introducing a kitten to your other cat can trigger negative reactions such as bullying and aggression. Fortunately, with a few pet care tips, properly socializing a new kitten with your current cat doesn't have to be difficult. Below, learn some tips to forge a positive bond between your cat and the new kitten. 

How to Safely Acclimate Your Cat to a New Kitten

1. Prepare Your Cat Early

Try to introduce your cat to your kitten's scent as early as possible by bringing a new blanket or toy with you to the pet care provider where you've adopted your kitten. Encourage your kitty to play with the toy, or rub the blanket on their body to ensure their scent rubs off on it, then leave the item in your home where your resident cat can find it. When your cat meets your kitten, they will already recognize their scent.

2. Create a Safe Space

Avoid triggering your resident cat's territorial instincts by preparing a separate space where your kitty can spend some quiet time for their first days home. On the day of arrival, place your resident cat in a separate room and allow the kitten to take a quick tour of your home to familiarize herself with the scents and sounds before moving them to their safe space. Be sure to provide their own food and water dish, a bed, a personal litter box, and toys of their own to keep them from damaging your belongings.

3. Introduce Their Scents Again 

Once your kitten has been familiarized and is safely settled into their space, allow your resident cat to pick up their scent again. Pet your cat, allowing them to smell the kitten on your hands, providing treats and affection to create a positive association with the scent. Over the next day or two, continue introducing your kitten's scent by switching out their bedding, toys, or food dishes, and by allowing them to explore each other's spaces while they are still separated.

4. Supervise Introductions

Be prepared to introduce your cat to your kitten gradually. Try placing a baby gate in the doorway of your kitten's safe room and allowing your resident cat to approach, but not enter. When you're ready, remove the gate and allow your kitten and cat to meet. Some growling and hissing are normal during the introduction phase, but aggression and fighting should be stopped immediately. Be sure to supervise all early interactions between your kitten and your cat to break up any potentially dangerous situations.

Before bringing your kitty home, contact the professional and friendly staff at High Point Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC. With over 20 years of experience, their caring team has offered superior pet care and services, including wellness checkups, vaccinations, and dental care. Call them today at (336) 889-3832 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for more information.