Introducing our year old resident cat to a kitten.

We've had our year old cat for almost 5 months now. Her name is Kit. Two weeks ago we got a 11 week old kitten. Her name is Cleo. We kept her in our spare room for over a week. We only let them see each other through the cat carrier and we've swapped scents. Cleo had a vet checkup last Thursday and the vet she said it would be okay for us to bring Cleo out Sunday. So far Kit has hissed and growled at Cleo. She tries to play with Kit but she isn't having it. How long could it be until they get along?

Thank you!

There really isn't any set time for how long introductions take. You're definitely looking at weeks; months is more usual. You've done everything right so far. These articles should help guide you:-
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Thank you so much for the articles. I've never had two cats before so I am trying to follow the rules as closely as I can. I want them both to be comfortable and happy.

Different things work for different people, just make sure you keep a close eye on them any time their together until you can trust them.

Also make sure that your resident cat is getting tons of love so she doesn't feel replaced.

It took Zoey 3+ weeks to really warm up to Luna, but they love each other now!

Thank you! Our resident cat is getting as much love as before. She is still hissing every time she sees the kitten. She's kinda been hiding in the bedroom too and that makes me feel bad. The kitten is wanting her to play.

Zoey was totally afraid of Luna. I think that was the biggest part of her hatred for Luna. She was scared of her, and Luna (who had just left her littermates) wanted to be best friends.

That's how my two cats are acting. Earlier Kit actually didn't hiss at Cleo so I gave her some treats. I think that's progress.

I had both cats in the living room with me. Kit kept hissing and growling at Cleo. She swatted at her and Cleo laid down on her side. This happened twice. What does that mean? Kit won't stop growling at her no matter what she does.

The hissing and growling is totally normal. But I'm not sure about the laying down thing. Maybe it just doesn't phase Cleo. Luna was never much bothered by Zoey's growls.

Going through the same as u. I hope Serafina will understand me soon and get along with Shalom well.

KitKat428 said:

Thank you! Our resident cat is getting as much love as before. She is still hissing every time she sees the kitten. She's kinda been hiding in the bedroom too and that makes me feel bad. The kitten is wanting her to play.

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I thought maybe Cleo was showing her submission since she laid on her side with her belly showing. She was just froze in place as Kit hissed and growled at her. I hope Kit will accept her. Cleo just wants to play. She's a sweet little kitty.

Good luck Cassey! I hope they get along well soon!!

All the hissing etc is because you're trying to move too fast. Stick with keeping them separate for now, and do plenty of scent and site swapping. Feed them on opposite sides of a door so they can associate each others scent with good things. Only when they're totally comfortable with that do you start introducing LITTLE visual stimulation (such as either side of screen door and using a blanket as a sight blocker.

The step by step approach described in the articles is a tried and tested process. I know its so tempting to go faster because you want them to be friends, but patience really is key here. Expect the process to take weeks or months. It's worth the wait - I promise. :catguy:

I kept the kitten in the other room for 2 weeks. My resident cat scratched my daughter this morning when she tried to pet her. Then she came to the couch with me and put her paw on me to pet her like she always does and she scratched me really hard and meowed loud. She has never done this. Neither of my girls have been comfortable with her but she's always been fine with me. I don't know what to do either. I'm at a loss.

Kitkat428, you need to completely separate the cats. 2 weeks is such a short period in cat time. It's obvious your resident cat was not ready for a full integration, or even full visual yet. Thus why she constantly growls, hisses and seats at the kitten. And, why she is having redirected aggression towards you and your daughter.

Start over. Put Cleo back in her safe room. She will be fine. I know it's hard because you want to enjoy her. But, this is imperative for Kit.

Kit needs to be comfortable with Cleo's scent and be comfortable walking past the bedroom Cleo is in and eating next to the door (no hissing or growling) before you move to the next step of introductions. This may take a few weeks or a few months. But, you need to go at Kit's pace.

I have Cleo back in the spare room. I'm not sure how to let them eat with each other later in different rooms and there's no way they can bat at each other under the door. I have to keep blankets under the door because Cleo fits under it.

They don't NEED to bat under the door at each other. Just being on either side of the door is enough for now - they'll be very well aware of each other's presence as it is. For the future, you might want to use a screen door or stacked baby gates - that way there is no chance of them getting to each other accidentally.

I know its a slow process, but you WILL get there!

Okay. The vet recommended trying Feliway.

That's a great idea :nod: It can make a HUGE difference.

Very awesome! Just with the little bit Cleo has been in the spare room Kit is back to her normal self. I hope they can get along one day!

Great news that Kit is back to her usual self. I'm sure they'll get along one day - it just takes time.