introducing new kittens to older cats.

[jepapior]

We are getting a female kitten in September and we've already got a 9 year old male cat. People say that our male cat might run away when the kitten moves in. We chose to get a female kitten because male cats fight. I don't know how to sort of introduce them, I don't want either of them to run away and I want them to get on and keep them both. I know cats are terratorial.

[moonacre]

Some good advice can be found here http://cats.about.com/library/weekly/blss_integrat
e.htm. My own experience was fine - a bit of hissing and the kitten got its ears boxed once or twice in the first few days but within a few days the older cat had accepted the kitten and within a month they were pals. I think you'll find that the kitten will work hard to be friends and the older cat will want to prove it is boss.

[babthrower]

I successfully introduced a 6-week old kitten to a young adult neutered male. I bought a book on 'cat psychology' first. It suggested having someone else casually drop the kitten off at itn hew home, and then ignore it, meanwhile making a fuss of the old cat. This is in order not to arouse the older cat's jealousy. Whether due to that treatment or not, by that evening, the older cat 'adopted' and carefully watched and guarded the young kitten -- who by the way was pretty cheeky to the older cat, walked right up and batted him on the chin.

[ninakitty]

We have a 2 year old neutered male cat and about a month ago got a 6 week old female kitten. We just put the baby down and the older cat hissed and groweled for a few days, but we just ignored it and gave him lots of love. Before the week was up, they were eating together. From my expierence (and I've had cats all my life) the best thing to do is not to force them together and don't punish the older cat for hissing or growling, he's just protecting his territory. Just don't leave them alone until you know that the older one will not hurt the baby. (mine never have) Have fun with your new baby and good luck!