How Does a Cat Get Used to a Kitten at Home?

Cats are creatures attached to their homes, so if they are not properly socialized or accustomed to new cats during their kittenhood, they may be prejudiced against guests. Introducing a new cat to an adult cat can be challenging. However, if the process is planned correctly, it is possible to overcome the adjustment phase while protecting both their physical and mental health.

You have an adult cat and you want to adopt another one, but you are worried about your furry friend's reaction. You are perfectly justified in feeling this anxiety, but you are not helpless. With the right approach and by giving your cat and the new cat a chance to get used to each other, you'll inevitably say "I'm so glad I got them" as you happily look at your big family. In this article, we will share tips on how an adult cat can get used to a kitten. Be Aware of the Adjustment Process Many cat owners don't consider the possibility that adult cats might not get along with kittens. While it seems impossible for us humans to say no to a kitten, not to love it, or not to want it, things change when it comes to cats. The kitten, motivated by its curiosity, will want to get to know the adult cat and play with it. However, the adult cat may not be as eager to make friends as a kitten. Adult cats may react aggressively and nervously towards a new kitten because they dislike changes in their territory.

In this article, we will share tips on how an adult cat adjusts to a kitten.

Be Aware of the Adjustment Process

Many cat owners do not consider the possibility that adult cats may not get along with kittens. Saying no to a kitten, not loving it, or not wanting it seems impossible for us humans, but things change when it comes to cats.

A kitten, motivated by its curiosity, will want to get to know and play with an adult cat. However, an adult cat may not be as eager to make friends as a kitten. Because adult cats don't like changes in their territory, they may be aggressive and apprehensive towards a new kitten in the house. Sources: Can Dogs Get the Flu/Cold?

All of this can cause the adult cat to become stressed, sad, withdrawn, and even lose its appetite. Remember that it takes time for a cat living alone to get used to a new kitten, so you should take precautions from the start and give your adult cat plenty of time to adjust.

Calm Your Cat

Before a new kitten arrives home, you can use some supplements to calm your adult cat. Pheromones are considered key to a calm environment for cats. With pheromone-containing products offered in diffuser and spray form, you can create an environment where your adult cat will feel calmer before the kitten arrives home.

Before the adult cat's stress increases, i.e., before the kitten arrives home, you can also use supplements with calming properties. You can access calming products specially formulated for cats by clicking here.

Create a Space for the Kitten

Since cats are territorial creatures, it is important to create a special space for them. You need to create a space where your new kitten will feel safe and comfortable.

The food bowl, water bowl, litter box, and toys should be kept separate from the adult cat's belongings during the adjustment period. In this way, the cats do not start a forced companionship before they get used to each other.

Bringing the products you'll buy for your kitten home before it arrives, and if possible, bringing items like food bowls, toys, and litter boxes that already have the kitten's scent, will give the adult cat time to get used to the new smells.

Veterinary Visit and Isolation

When you adopt a kitten, it's very important to consider the health of your furry friends living at home. The kitten must be checked by a veterinarian before coming home.

To ensure all necessary vaccinations are completed and to determine if the kitten has any health problems as recommended by the veterinarian, it is advisable for the kitten to live in a separate area from other pets for a certain period of time.

When a new pet is coming home, it's not enough for only the new pet to be checked by a veterinarian. It is recommended that cats, especially older cats, be checked by a veterinarian before a new cat arrives in the home. Ideally, these checkups should be done before deciding to adopt a kitten.

The adult or senior cat in the house needs to adjust to living with the new kitten not only mentally but also physically. Therefore, it is important to evaluate factors such as the possibility of common kitten diseases affecting the cat in the house, and whether the adult cat has an immune system-related health problem.

Be Patient During the Introduction Time

When the kitten arrives in the house, you can allow the cat in the house to sniff it. First, go to the area you have prepared for the kitten and let the kitten explore its new living space. During this time, you will witness your adult cat watching you from a distance and approaching you with small steps.

Do not interfere with your adult cat in any way, but do not allow them to meet in an unsupervised environment until you are sure they are completely used to each other. After 1 week of the kitten living in isolation, they will probably be used to each other.

During this period, it is important to allow your adult cat to sniff, be curious, and examine things in a controlled manner.

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The time it takes for your kitten and adult cat to get used to each other's scents and presence is approximately one week. At the end of this period, you can allow the kitten to start exploring the house under your supervision. While your kitten is exploring, you should continue to observe both your adult and kitten cats.

If your adult cat doesn't show interest in the situation, you shouldn't force it or chase it away if it follows the kitten. Since this is their first step towards living together, you should also try not to be stressed.

Remember, your adult cat may sense your stress and become stressed as well. While the kitten continues exploring the house, you can encourage positive interactions with your adult cat; treats are a good way to warm up the atmosphere during this time.

You can also try using laser or fishing toys that your cats can play with together during this period. A hunting game that will interest both cats will help them become more accustomed to each other.

Do Not Intervene

It is important to keep cats under supervision but not to interfere after they have spent a week separately under the same roof and then started doing activities together. It is normal for an adult cat to establish a hierarchy with a kitten.

It is considered normal for the adult cat to react with hissing or pawing when the kitten exhibits behavior that is negative towards the adult cat.

As long as the adult cat's reactions are at the level of hissing and pawing, i.e., only for the purpose of intimidation, they should not be prevented. Because it is important for cats to have and maintain a routine.

Your adult cat will want to live as the dominant character in the house and will show the kitten its boundaries to fulfill this role. A kitten also learns its boundaries in its new living space. Unless the fight escalates to the point of physical harm, it's important not to interfere with this arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you dream of a tiny paw that will bring joy to your home, you may worry about disrupting your current routine. Believe me, this is very normal and actually a wonderful approach. It's normal for your current cat's reaction, the health of the new member, and the questions that arise in your mind to keep you awake at night. So how can you overcome this situation? Here are the details...

What preparations should be made before bringing a new kitten home?

• Creating a safe area in the house before your kitten arrives greatly facilitates the process.
• Don't completely change the area where your current cat spends most of its time.
• Designate a quiet, secure room with a lockable door for the new member.
• Place food, water, and litter boxes out of reach of your other cat.
• Add a scratching post and comfortable beds to the room.
• Make it feel safe by creating boxes or areas where it can hide.

Why is scent important during the acclimatization process of cats?

Cats explore the world more by smell than sight. Familiarizing themselves with each other's scents before seeing each other reduces tension at the moment of encounter. The gradual mixing of scents helps both cats perceive the idea of ​​sharing the same home as a normal situation rather than a threat. As stated in the

Cats Protection resource, the exchange of scents allows cats to get to know each other before face-to-face contact. This method helps cats get used to each other's presence without feeling threatened.

How long should the introduction phase without physical contact last?

This time varies from cat to cat. Instead of rushing, you need to follow the cues your cat gives. Sniffing each other under the door or extending their paws are positive signs. Physical contact should be delayed until no hissing or growling is heard. This process can sometimes take a few days, sometimes weeks.

My cat at home doesn't accept my kitten, what should I do?

If rejection occurs, don't panic. Your cat may want to protect its territory and needs time.

If there is hissing or growling, it is necessary to slow down the process. According to PetMD experts, in such cases, it is best to separate the cats again and return to the previous stage. Patience is essential for a long-term friendship.

What should I do to ensure my kitten grows up healthy?

You should not neglect veterinary check-ups for your little friend's development. Following the vaccination schedule protects it from many diseases. Playing games where it can expend its energy supports its physical development. In addition, providing it with a loving and stress-free environment is very valuable for its emotional health.

How should the communication between a kitten and an adult cat be?

You should always be in control during the initial introductions. The first face-to-face meetings should be kept short and carefully observed. When both cats remain calm, a treat should be given. This way, coming together can be associated with a positive experience in their minds.

What is the best age range for socializing cats?

The socialization process in kittens begins quite early. Generally, the period between 2 and 7 weeks is the most critical period for them to get used to the outside world. Positive relationships established with people and other animals during this process shape their character. Positive experiences in early life make them more adaptable in adulthood.

What is the best food for feeding a kitten?

Kitten-specific foods should be preferred to support their rapidly growing bodies. Formulas containing high protein and fat provide the necessary energy for their development. Care should be taken to ensure that it contains components that support brain development, such as DHA. It is best to consult your veterinarian regarding the quality and content of the food and to make your food selection accordingly. Sources: Can Dogs Get the Flu/Cold? S012514S012515S012516S012517S012517S012518S012518Cold and flu are the most common illnesses among humans, reaching epidemic proportions at certain times. When it comes to our furry friends, we wonder if they also get a cold or the flu. Since the flu and cold are very common among humans, it is normal for us to have concerns about these illnesses for our friends. In this article, we will address the question "Can dogs get the flu?" which is frequently asked, especially during the autumn and winter months. In addition to answering the question, we will also answer frequently asked questions about colds in dogs.

Kaynaklar:

https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/introducing-new-kitten-to-home

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/introducing-cats

https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/how-introduce-your-new-cat-resident-cats

https://icatcare.org/articles/helping-your-new-cat-or-kitten-settle-in