Introducing a Kitten to an Older Cat
Introducing a Kitten to an Older Cat
Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but older cats may not share your enthusiasm at first. Here's how to plan a smooth introduction to avoid stress and fights.
Contents
Preparation before bringing kitten home
Set up a separate space
Prepare a quiet room for your kitten with food, water, toys, a bed, and a litter tray. This gives them a safe base.
Litter trays & resources
Ensure there are enough litter trays: one per cat plus one extra, all in separate, quiet locations.
Health check first
Get your kitten checked by a vet and keep them separate until vaccinations and parasite treatments are done.
Keep older cat’s routine stable
Maintain feeding and play schedules to minimise stress for your resident cat.
The first introduction
First meetings should be calm and brief. Let both cats see each other through a barrier, like a baby gate or cracked door, while you supervise. Reward calm behaviour with treats.
Scent swapping techniques
Why scent matters
Cats rely heavily on scent. Swapping bedding or gently rubbing a cloth on each cat and placing it near the other helps them get used to new smells.
Calming products
Use feline pheromone diffusers like Feliway in shared spaces to reduce tension during introductions.
Gradual introduction steps
| Stage | What to do |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Keep cats separate, swap scents between them. |
| Stage 2 | Allow visual meetings through a barrier, reward calm behaviour. |
| Stage 3 | Short, supervised sessions together in neutral space. |
| Stage 4 | Gradually increase time together, still supervise closely. |
| Stage 5 | Allow free interaction when both cats seem relaxed and confident. |
