September 4, 20180 found this helpful
Pets are not much different than humans and do not like the idea that someone is moving in on territory they have previously had all to themselves.
- This will have to be a gradual transition as the older cat will have to accept the kitten on her own terms and that takes some adjustment as well as a lot pf human patience.
- If there is any way you can separate the two cats for a few days/weeks it will be lot easier on you and the cats. Either place the older cat in a room that she likes or place the new kitten in a room and leave the rest of the house to the older cat.
- You will need litter boxes for each area as well as water and food places. It may be best if they cannot see each other for a while, especially not if you are holding the kitten (jealousy is common).
- Try to hold or pet your older cat more than usual and let her smell your clothing where you have been holding the kitten.
- Take sleeping towels/blankets/covers from the kitten's area and switch it with the older cat. Do this several times so they both get used to the scent of the other cat.
- You will eventually be able open the door but keep a close eye and try not to hold either cat during the few minutes the door is open. Close the door (even if they do not go to the other area) after a few minutes and then try it again later.
- They may have to keep separate areas for a while even if they start to get along as this type of thing is still "theirs" and they may not want to share.
- This may sound like a long drawn out solution but I have just had to do this same thing and it does work but requires patience and no taken sides with the kitten!
attosa
Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,246 Posts September 4, 20180 found this helpful
You will have to separate them to begin with, then slowly allow them to become accustomed to each other. Give them their own space then allow them to see each other very little, then more and more.
Lizzyanny
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 226 Feedbacks September 7, 20180 found this helpful
Two things I have used successfully are music and feeding within sight of each other. I have found that cats love music, and it has a very calming effect on them. I play meditation type music (flutes, Enya etc.)at a very low background level. The level of squabbling has dropped a lot.
As they get more used to each other try feeding them where they can see each other. For some reason this seems to calm relationships. This is not a 1st step but after a week or so give it a try. Stay close by in case things go south.
