Introducing older cat to new kittens.
By Sushicook
@Sushicook (690)
Sweden
July 2, 2007 1:47pm CST
In the house where I live, there is a stray cat. She's the cuddliest and friendliest cat I've ever met, she takes good care of herself and seems to enjoy her life as a stray. Sometimes we let her in for some food, and she seems to enjoy our company.
The problem is, a couple of weeks ago we agreed to take two kittens from a friend of a friend. They are very young and shy, and not used to human contact. I'm sure the older cat would be fine with the kittens, but I would need some advice on how to introduce them to eachother. The kittens will be indoor cats.
When would be the appropriate time? Is it possible to do this at all? I'd hate to stop the visits from the stray, but the kittens come in first hand.
1 response
@luvcatzzz (207)
• United States
2 Jul 07
well, i would start with putting the kittens into a carrier and putting it in the same area as the stray when she comes in to visit. you could also... rub the stray with a towel and then put that towel into the carrier... so the kittens get the scent of her.
let 'em sniff and hiss and such through the carrier ... then you don't have any serious drama. do that a few times and see how they act.
now... another thought... you said the stray comes in and out... does she like.. come in the kitchen maybe? could you just keep the newbies in the other part of the house and close the kitchen door? that's a thought... only IF you sense serious drama is gonna occur after the carrier trial.
now, they WILL hiss and carry on... keep a squirt bottle handy when you DO let them out of the carrier to visit with the stray. leave 'em alone unless they get in a REAL fight and believe me, you'll know. ugh. hate that.
let me know how you get on ok?
@Sushicook (690)
• Sweden
6 Jul 07
Thank you for the help! You had a lot of ideas that I hadn't thought about, and I will definitly try them out. I'll let you know how it works.
