Two new kittens

I need a little help. I see lots of tips about helping an old cat adjust to a new kitten, but I haven't been able to find any tips to help two completely new kittens adjust to each other. I just brought them both home yesterday. One is about 4 months old and the other is 6 months, though the younger one is considerably smaller. When I let them "meet" each other before I brought them home yesterday, they were fine and one was even licking the other, but as soon as I got them home, they changed. The little one hisses and growls at the other girl (they are both female and spayed). I know they're having troubles because of the new surroundings, and I know this will take time. In the meantime, I just want to make sure I do everything I can to help them out, and also know what NOT to do so I don't ruin their chances of bonding. Any suggestions? Thanks!

As young as they are, they aren't doing anything that isn't normal for new kittens to do. You can make them scent neutral by applying vanilla extract to each kitten several times a day, under their chins, between their shoulders and on the base of their tails. Just let them work it out. You could have old pet scents in your home they are responding to, or they are just out of sorts because of the change in their routine.

I'm sure I do have old pet scents around my house from my last cat. Thanks for the suggestion!

Mary Beth

Distracting them with games where they both interact with you also helps. Do you have a feather-wand or another interactive toy? Also, you can give both some little food treats at the same time. Make sure they have their own food bowls and beds for the first few days so there is no competition. Good luck. Two kittens can be a delight to watch as they play together.

You maye try the feliway Comfort Zone plug in

Congrats on your 2 new kittens!!

Katie

Well, day two is worse...now they are actually fighting. And it's not just one of them that's aggressive - they both take turns chasing after each other. I think the older one is just trying to play, though, while Lizzie, the youngest is the one that growls. I've separated them for now. I've never had two pets of any kind at once before. Is there hope for them? Thanks, everyone, for helping out.

Mary Beth

Mary Beth, what seems like agression between kittens can actually be just play. I have kittens that growl and 'yip' while play fighting. The taking turns chasing sounds very much like kitten games. Unless there is actual 'screaming' at each other or fur flying, I would let them be together. They are probably quite lonely on their own. Let them interact with each other while you supervise.

Well, it is really only their second full day together and the kittens are playing and having an absolutely wonderful time. They adjusted very quickly. I think they're going to be good friends Thanks again!

Mary Beth