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Posted by PHAbymom on November 12, 2002 at 13:11:29:

In Reply to: new kitten introduced to young cat posted by sc92 on November 10, 2002 at 04:49:32:

:In June of this year, I adopted a 2 month old kitten from the animal shelter. Now, we might get another one.
:My current cat is now 7 months old, male, fixed (at 2 months, they required it) and he's a nice cat but he only likes certain people. He's very shy and timid around others. I've only had him by himself, but one time another cat (who we used to feed sometimes) came in and was in the kitchen, at at 2 months he got a bit territorial and chased her off (she never came back).

:Now, I might be adopting a 6 week old (that was found outside an animal hospital when he was a week old), and a woman took him in, bottle feed him and now she wants to give him to someone. I'm going to call on Monday about him. Anyway, if I do get this kitten, I need to know if you guys think my current kitty will accept him. I've heard of problems with two male cats? Would he ever hurt a new kitten, or will he realize it is a baby and be nice to it? I want to make sure he won't run off or anything, because I'd really like to have 2 cats that are close in age.

If you introduce them slowly, it should work out well. I would suggest you keep the new kitten separated from the older kitten (a spare bedroom or bathroom usually works well). Allow them to sniff and paw under the door and become acquainted with each others scents. Give your older kitten lots of attention so he doesn't feel the new kitten is taking his place. Also spend time with the baby kitten and let him become used to you. After a time (a few days to a week or more depending on the older kitten's reactions), you can try a brief introduction. One way is to put the new kitten in a carrier and put it where the other kitten can meet the baby. If this seems to work ok, then progress on to a brief play session with both of them. An interactive toy such as a pole or wand toy usually works well and still leaves you in control of the situation. Until you are sure that they are ok together I would still keep the younger one separated when you are not immediately available to supervise.

Having said all that... I've seen situations where the new kitten walks in and there is a bonding and friendship from the first moment. The various purrsonalities and temperments as well as their unpredictability is one of the reasons we all love our cats! Good luck and keep us posted!

Follow Ups:

• Re: new kitten introduced to young cat sc92 11/13/02 (0)