So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into your home could be great for your existing cat, for companionship. And you remember how much fun your cat was when she was a new kitten, and you would love to re-live those days.
It is generally thought that cats thrive better with the company of another feline, especially cats confined indoors. But before you rush off to your local cat shelter or breeder, here are a few tips to make bringing home a new kitten as stress free as possible.
Choose a time when your home is not too busy and you will have time to devote to your new kitty and your existing cat, avoid holidays, for example, or other times when friends and family are likely to visit.
Before bringing home the new kitten, take her to your veterinarian to get her checked and vaccinated, kittens have weak immune systems and are likely to pick up something at the shelter or cattery. Consider adopting a cat of the opposite sex to your existing cat, this will avoid same sex rivalry and associated problems. For a number of reasons all your cats must be spayed/neutered.
If possible arrange to bath your new kitten at a friends house before you take it home, this will neutralize kitty's odor, and go some way to prevent unsettling your cat.
A short isolation period is necessary when introducing a new kitten. It would be ideal to have a separate room for the new kitten, your new little pet will need her own litter box, and food and water bowl. Some kittens will hide out under furniture for some days, more adventurous ones will be eager to explore their new home almost straight away. Do not try and force kitty to leave the room, you will know when she is ready.
Allow your new kitten to explore around your home while your older cat is in another room. Make the introduction, slowly, bit by bit, it is a good idea to let your existing cat sniff your new kitten's blanket a few times before they actually meet. Make the initial periods of contact short. Gradually increase the time that they spend together as they get used to one another. It is not unusual for there to be a few spats in these first meetings, so do not leave them alone together until they get on. If a fight does break out, distract the combatants and get them into separate rooms as soon as possible, never punish either cat.
The process of introducing a new kitten to an older cat, can often be relatively stress free and need not be full of problems. The key is in making the introduction slowly, and perhaps the best tip of all is to give your older cat just as much attention and affection as you give the newcomer.
Before you know it you will have two cats that thrive on each others company.
Copyright 2004 best-cat-art.com
About The Author
If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to best-cat-art.com. Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIt's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Have you ever been to a dog kennel and listen... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Advice!!!-Pet products that are useful, fun and enjoyable will make... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More
Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may... Read More
Pet |