Tips on introducing new 3 month old kitten to resident 3 month old kitten.?

[Kerri]

Im seeking advice from cat owners that have actually introduced a new kitten/cat into a home that already has kittens/cats. Ive done a ton of online research already-but want to know how people who successfully done this went about it. So here we go...

I adopted a kitten from the shelter a few months ago (Spooky: a quiet, small framed part Egyptian Mau part something else mix) and she has been doing great. Ive been unemployed for a few months and have been spending a ton of time with her-but it looks like I might be going back to work soon. I decided to adopt a pal for her so they can keep each other company while my fiance and I are at work. He and I adopted a cute little friend for her (Pumpkin: a bold, very affectionate Tabby) who is super sweet. I had read a ton of info online on ways to introduce them to each other-most of which said to Not let them see each other until the new kitten is already in the home for a week or more. They were accidentally introduced to each other at the vets office (Spooky needed a shot and I was picking Pumpkin up from having her spayed) and Spooky was Not Happy seeing a new kitten near me. Much hissing and spitting occurred. I got them home and got the kitten in the isolation room. Spooky seemed interested in Pumpkin-and Pumpkin was rapidly adjusting to her new home-so I decided to let them see each other for a second while I was refilling Spooky's food bowl. Once again-spitting and hissing. Spooky is the one who is not taking this well at all, with Pumpkin not spitting or hissing until Spooky gets up in her face. Spooky actually followed Pumpkin around trying to sniff her-but as soon as she got close enough to sniff Pumpkin would turn around to do the same which threw Spooky in a fit. Pumpkin is now back in isolation and Spooky has become extra clingy and overly affectionate.

I understand cats are territorial-and this is Spooky's territory that is being invaded, and know that this will take time. Ive found a ton of tips and tricks on how to make this work, but would Love to hear from folks that have experience with this!

Also-no worries on what im going to do with Pumpkin if they end up not getting along. I have a good friend that has been wanting a kitten forever. He came and met Pumpkin last night and they got along very very well. He'll be getting a kitten for Christmas if Spooky wont accept her into our home.

 

[jean t]

Be patient. We had a six month old kitten and introduced a three month old kitten into the home in June this year. We also have a 19 year old cat. The new kitten was very nervous and actually went to the toilet on the carpet in front of our six month old as she was so frightened. I kept them apart at night but let them be together when we were around. They hissed for days and we thought they would never get on. You should see them now! They absolutely love each other and run around playing and play fighting with each other. The nudge up to each other and you can see the affection. I think it took a few weeks for them to accept each other so I am sure they will get on in the end and be friends for each other. With regard to our older cat. She just sits and sleeps and at first the kittens used to bother her but they just ignore her now as she probably isn't any fun for them. Good luck.