 
 |
You are bringing home your new kitten, how exciting! In your excitement, it is important to remember that your older cat and the new addition may not be as eager as you about the situation. Don't worry, this is a normal reaction for kittens to be nervous or afraid in their new home. It is also normal for your loving cat that has never had a mean bone in its body to become a jealous, annoyed, or plain agressive toward the new baby! Here are a few pointers to help you in your transition.
Acclimation with Established Cats
If you have an older, laid back cat, he is not likely going to eagerly welcome an energetic young kitty. In this instance you might do better with a calm cat. Opinions vary about the roles that age and gender play, though most experts agree that temperament and energy levels are the primary considerations. Still, there is no guarantee that even the perfect candidate will bond with your existing cat.
Once you bring your new kitten home, it is important to have a room solely dedicated to the new kitten. Provide it's litterbox, food and water dishes, bedding and toys. Open the carrier and leave the room, closing the door behind you. This gives the cat new time to explore its small territory without the added stress of encountering strangers. Over the next few days, give it lots of attention and love during brief visits, but do not force yourself on the kitten. Basic Feline Introductions Introductions are done by beginning to familiarizing the cats to each other through scent exchange. Rub a clean towel on each cat, then present it to the other cat. This enables each cat to launch an investigation to the other without the stress of an actual encounter.
Now that the stage has been set, let you cats get their first glance at each other through a cracked door. It is imperative that you maintain control of the door so as to protect the innocent if one gets grumpy. Although some hissing and growling is expected, scratching and lunging are not acceptable. Slowly repeat this step until both cats are in the same room, however, do not turn your back as you may have to return your newcomer to their personal space. Continue to expect a little hissing and argument and even a little swatting, but try to end the session on a positive note, even if the session only lasts a few moments or so.
Over time, the cats will develop a relationship on their own terms. Vocalization and harmless scuffles should dissipate over time as they establish a feline hierarchy. Remember that introducing cats is not an overnight, or even a week-long process, it can take up to an average of six to eight weeks or longer. New Kittens in a Home Without Cats
This is also an issue for most kittens. They are afraid of being away from mom and litter mates, usually been on a long airplane ride, or car ride, and to top it off, they are in a new home with strangers that they are not sure about. That is enough for any baby to be a little nervous about!
Be patient and follow the same instructions above. Give the kitten his own space, allowing him to come out of his carrier on his own terms. Patience and gentlness is the key. Do not force your kitten to be held or played with if it is not ready. This will only upset it and possibly set back the process. Many kittens take several days to become comfortable with the new surroundings--it can take a few weeks for complete adjustment. In the end, you will have a loving and sweet Ragdoll to love and cherish. Patience is the key to successful integration into your home.
|