Introducing Kittens to Older Cat

We just got 2 new kittens (10 weeks old) and we have an older male cat who is 16.

His brother passed away a few months ago and he is lonely so we decided to get some companions.

We currently have the kittens gated in 1 room so they can get used to us and their surroundings. The older cat looks at the kittens through the gate and runs away as if he is afraid. He has not growled or hissed, he just runs away.

We have tried to feed him by the gate or give him snacks.

What can we do to make him not afraid?

Originally Posted by Nitestarz

We just got 2 new kittens (10 weeks old) and we have an older male cat who is 16.

His brother passed away a few months ago and he is lonely so we decided to get some companions.

We currently have the kittens gated in 1 room so they can get used to us and their surroundings. The older cat looks at the kittens through the gate and runs away as if he is afraid. He has not growled or hissed, he just runs away.

We have tried to feed him by the gate or give him snacks.

What can we do to make him not afraid?

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I'm glad you got 2 kittens...but let's be honest...you have provided 2 babies for your cat that is elderly and some cats really do not adjust well to having a kitten (or even 2) around. If you truly want to find a companion for your older cat...then consider adopting a cat that is closer in age with a similiar personality. Otherwise, just provide your cat with space where he can not be disturbed by the kittens.

Katie

i'm going through the same thing at the moment. a 16 year old cat and a 7 week old kitten. i really wish i'd come here first and read about introducing a kitten to an elderly cat. i think i got so scared by a few of tabs health scares earlier this year that i thought having another cat already would help me when she eventually passes on. At the moment the kitten is in the kitchen. I introduced them today and tab has hissed continuously the whole time they were together. She didn't try to attack though and i fed them treats throughout (Tab first) and then took the treats away when kitty went back to her room. They were only together 15 mins. I'll try again tomorrow. Tab is very upset and sulking in the bedroom most of the time. She skulks out occasionally for food but runs back in if she hears Clara crying. It's day five now and i'm going to keep bringing them together for longer periods over the next week. I did try the blanket trick but tab didn't show any interest in it.

It will probably take some time. My cat Thomas just watches them for a couple of minutes and then leaves. We make sure he get plenty of treats and play time after that. I dont think he knows what to make of them yet, but then again we haven't even had them for a week.

Hi...Since you have them seperated...I would feed your older kitty treats either by the gate so he can start associating good things w/ the kittens. You could also rub each kitten down with a small blanket and put your older kitties food bowl on it.

Also, you can get a sock and rub each of your kittens with it and place it in a area where your older cat frequents. Let him do whatever he wants to the sock, then once his scent is on it let the kittens play with it. You can do this for several days. Do not wash the sock, so your older cat can smell his scent mixed with the kittens scent.

You can also get a Comfort Zone diffuser with Feliway and plug it in around or in where the kittens are located. This contains the facial pheromones that naturally calm kitties in stressful situations.

There is plenty of literature out there on this topic and also plenty of info in these forums...so I would do a search on introducing cats.

i just got a 7 week old kitten and already have a 2 year old cat.. And just got the kitten 2-3 weeks ago.. And they are playing with each other already.. This is how I did it...

I put 2 dishes (food and water) and a litter box and some toys in my bedroom for the new kitten (Noah) And I left the older cat (Kitty) in the main part of the apt. We played with both on an equal amount, well as much as we could cuz Kitty didnt like the smell of us after we played with Noah.. Plus we got Failine plug in and that helped out a BIG BUNCH!! We kept them seperated like that for 1 week, then i'd open the door a bit but jared it shut so they couldnt get in or out but were able to see each other.. There was hissing and growling and Kitty swatted at Noah. Did that for about 5-10 mins a day for 3 days.. Then I opened the door all the way. they met, Kitty didnt like it but after a few days of letting them be together like that, Kitty will chase Noah and tackle him, Noah will pounce at Kitty, then Kitty will tackle him. Or Kitty will chase Noah's tail... They are sharing Litter boxes now which is really good. And Kitty is always trying to get Noah's food.. and Noah is trying to get Kitty's food.. kinda funny. Thats my success story, and thanks to everyone here, this was possible.