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.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareStroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters,... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
If you love dogs and you enjoy making money then... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More
Pet |