*Momakat Rescue is a great organization; their calling is to trap, neuter and return feral cats and find homes for kittens and cats. Check out their website at www.momakat.org. Tina and Sean Fitzpatrick are obviously dedicated cat lovers and do a wonderful service for our feline friends.
The internet is a great tool, information at our fingertips. There are many ways to introduce a kitten but they are basically the same concept. Introducing a kitten to an older cat is a process and I listed some tips that I received online (author unknown).
The
personality of your older pet: Even if
your older dog or cat has lived peacefully with other animals in the house,
there is no guarantee that he will welcome a new kitten with joy, or even
tolerance!
Some
benign older animals will readily accept any pet brought into the home.
Usually, however, even the calmest dog or cat will be concerned at the
appearance of a new kitten. When you bring a new kitten into the home, your
older dog or cat will need lots of extra attention. He needs to know that you
still love him and that the newcomer is not a threat to his position in your
household.
Your new
kitten: When you first bring your new
kitten home, it is important to isolate her. Choose a room in neutral territory
(not where your older pet likes to sleep). This will give you time to reassure
the older pet, and will also protect the youngster from possible aggression.
A place
for kitty: Equip the kitten's room with
a bed, scratching post, litter pan, food and water dishes, and toys. Put the
kitten in the room and let her explore a bit while you are still with her. Then
leave her alone for a short time so she can become comfortable in the new
surroundings. At first, the kitten may hide. Try to coax her out to comfort
her. Don't try to push too fast, though. She will gradually become less timid
with you.
First
introduction: Animals get to know each
other by smell. Your older pet will spend a lot of time sniffing at the bottom
of the door to kitty's room. The kitten will do the same on the other side.
After a day or two, you should be able to determine the older pet's reaction to
the kitten. A dog anxious to meet the kitten will scratch at the door and wag
his tail, while a cat will purr and generally act curious or friendly. However,
if your dog growls or barks at the door and your cat hisses and seems upset, it
would be best to wait a few more days before attempting further interaction.
Take it
slowly! When your older pet seems ready,
introduce the pets by opening the door just wide enough so they can see and
smell each other. Be certain that you stand close by to supervise. Depending on
their reactions, gradually open the door wider for short periods of time until
they become adjusted to looking at each other without becoming upset. This
procedure may take several days, but it is usually successful.
The first
time the two pets meet face to face should be short and, hopefully, calm. If
the older pet is a dog, proper restraint, such as a leash will prevent him from
chasing and scaring the kitten. Don't force the issue. Let the animals go as
close, or stay as far away, as they want. Repeat short introductions as often
as necessary, until the animals are able to stay comfortably in the same room,
with supervision. Don't expect instant friendship - that takes time.
Making a
place for everyone: Your older pet needs
to be reassured that the newcomer will not take over his territory. If he has a
favorite sleeping place, don't let the kitten sleep there. Provide the
youngster with her own toys.
Animals
are often possessive of their food and feeding dishes. Ideally, since the
kitten should be eating her own kitten food, have her feeding dishes in a
different room or area as long as possible. Monitor mealtimes to prevent either
animal from pushing the other away from its plate. Since kitten food is best
for her first 12 months, it may be a good idea to continue feeding your kitten
in a closed room for awhile.
Although a
premium quality food formulated for All Life Stages will provide complete and
balanced nutrition for both animals, if your adult cat tends to be overweight,
he does not need the extra calories that a kitten food provides. In fact, if
your cat is already eating a diet intended for weight loss or weight control,
the kitten will not receive all the extra nutrition she requires for her
growing body if they are sharing food bowls. It is best to feed the pets the
food formulated for their specific life stage.
Litter
Tray: Two or more cats in a household
often do share a litter tray, but many adult cats do not appreciate sharing
with a kitten, at least until they are better adjusted. Providing two litter
trays should help prevent your adult cat from starting to soil in inappropriate
areas as an act of rebellion.
Friends,
Friendly Enemies or Foes? It may take a
year or more for your older pet and the kitten to become totally comfortable
with each other. They may never become friends, but simply learn to tolerate
each other. Even if they remain stand-offish, most pets appreciate another warm
body in the house when their owners are not there. But usually over time, the
majority of pets find a workable relationship, even if they are not best
friends!
Before you
bring a kitten home:
· Have the kitten examined
by your veterinarian to be sure that she is healthy and free of parasites.
· Make certain that all
your pets' vaccinations are current.
· Aggression is diminished
if both animals are neutered or spayed (the kitten at an appropriate age).
After you
bring a kitten home:
· Isolate the kitten when
you first bring her home.
· Introduce the adult and
kitten gradually.
· Protect the older pet's
"territory" and rights.
· Provide separate food
dishes, water bowls, toys, and litter trays.
