Introductions....

So, Lillte'un is locked in my kitchen until we can make introductions.

The thing is he is extremely meowy (as I have mentioned in my other threads) He really seems to want out and Molly and Tibby want in....

It is really distressing for me to hear them all meowing at the closed door Do you think that Little'un is very lonely? (I go in regularly for play and cuddles) I know that kittens need a great deal of entertainment and interaction, what can I do to improve the amount of time I send with him without upsetting Tibby and Molly?!

I could really use some advice on this as i'm feeling a bit out of my depth! I'm so worried about Little'un and Tibby and Molly and want to be able to make them all happy!

Also, Little'un has been giving the odd nip (not horrible or anything) and I was wondering if this has anything to do with the separation or is he just exploring what he can do?!

I hope someone will be able to give me some ideas!

Thank you in advance!

If there is any way for you to make it open between them with screening or babygates, the meows will stop and the introductions will go better It is the closed door, the closing off of scent and sight and sound that gets most cats in an uproar. They need to see and smell each other so if you can manage that, you may find this transition easier.

Originally Posted by hissy

If there is any way for you to make it open between them with screening or babygates, the meows will stop and the introductions will go better It is the closed door, the closing off of scent and sight and sound that gets most cats in an uproar. They need to see and smell each other so if you can manage that, you may find this transition easier.

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Thank you, MA! I will see what I can come up with! I'll repost to let you know how it goes and what I find that will do the trick!

Thanks again, I really need all the help I can get!

Mary Anne, I have just managed to get the door on a crack - for today and things seem a whole lot better already! Yes, we are getting some hisses and growls, but everyone is interested! Plus, Little'un isn't meowing so much! (if at all! )

EDIT: Actually, Lillte'un has fallen asleep and Molly and Tibby are sleeping around the door - all is well and for the first time, quiet!

Thank you, again, Mary Anne! I really appreciate all your help and encouragement! and anyone else that can provide any information, help and support!!

I was also just wondering when I should introduce the Vanilla Extract into the process?!

I also wanted to add - for the UK lot - that Vanilla Extract is available in Asda and probably most supermarkets - by Super Cook and it only costs 97p!

I'd like to hear updates on your transition because I'm in the process of the same feat (introducing a third kitty to the home). It sounds like your's is coming along better than mine.

Just wanted to mention that, per MA's advice, during Sierra and Serenity's introduction, they had a gate similar to a baby gate between them, except it went the entire length of the door. This gave them the opportunity to get used to each other's smell, and Sierra could feel nonthreatened by her new little sister behind the safety of the gate.

I really think a baby gate is the answere. I have always used one when getting a new kitten. The resident cats seem very interested in watching the new kitty through the safety of the baby gate. They can also smell each other this way. I do observe when I have the gate up. Just in case one of the resident cats decides to jump over it. They never have just set close and watch. the 1st day or two they will give a hiss when the new kitten gets up close. Then the big sissys run!

Originally Posted by lillyncali

I'd like to hear updates on your transition because I'm in the process of the same feat (introducing a third kitty to the home). It sounds like your's is coming along better than mine.

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Have you atarted a thread too?! We can support eachother through the introduction stages! I'm sure we'll both be on a roll very soon!

Originally Posted by dawnofsierra

Just wanted to mention that, per MA's advice, during Sierra and Serenity's introduction, they had a gate similar to a baby gate between them, except it went the entire length of the door. This gave them the opportunity to get used to each other's smell, and Sierra could feel nonthreatened by her new little sister behind the safety of the gate.

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I am going to make something similar today, so that we can have the entire door open safely! I'm so pleased that it worked for Sierra and Serenity - it gives me a lot of hope that it will work for us too!

Originally Posted by gardenandcats

I really think a baby gate is the answere. I have always used one when getting a new kitten. The resident cats seem very interested in watching the new kitty through the safety of the baby gate. They can also smell each other this way. I do observe when I have the gate up. Just in case one of the resident cats decides to jump over it. They never have just set close and watch. the 1st day or two they will give a hiss when the new kitten gets up close. Then the big sissys run!

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Yes, I have noticed that Tibby and Molly like to watch Little'un too! As I have mentioned, I'm going to build a gate today and see what happens!

Do any of you know when I should put the vanilla extract on them?!

I made a gate and things have been going pretty well! We have had a couple of occasions where little'un, Molly and Tibby all sleep around the gate - which is good - and they all like to watch eachother! Also, Tibby, Molly and Little'un have eaten treats around the gate!

Little'un has jumped over the barrier and ran through to Tibby and Molly, but there wasn't much hissing or growling as I had expected - just sniffing and staring. (I put kitty back though)

I have been using the Vanilla for a couple of days now (putting it on myslef too) and it seems to be working quite well! (as far as I can tell!)

Today, I will be putting the sheet back into the kitchen with little'un so that he can smell Tibby and Molly - all being well that he actually smells it!

The only problem that I have noticed is that the hissing and growling seems to be coming from Little'un as opposed to Tibby and Molly - why do you think this could be?! Is there anything else that I can do to help with this?!