Skip to main content

How to introduce an adult cat to a new kitten

If you have a cat and you’ve decided to add a new kitten to your family, you’re probably hoping that they’ll quickly become the best of friends. Although cats often do bond and get along well, it’s a process that takes time.

No matter how eager you are for your feline friends to get acquainted, it’s important to let them get to know each other on their timeline, not yours. Trying to rush the process can backfire and lead to problems that can be hard to overcome, and there are certain mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Here are some tips on how to introduce a kitten to a cat.

white and grey kitten
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t expect them to get along

Cats have a wide range of personalities, and they respond differently to stress and change. Your current cat may be sweet and affectionate, but its demeanor and behavior may change dramatically when you bring a new kitten home.

Recommended Videos

Cats are territorial. No matter how adorable your new kitten is, a cat that has had the house to itself may perceive the kitten as a threat. It will need time to get used to the idea of sharing the house with a young newcomer. The kitten may be eager to make a new friend, or it may be frightened and may want to hide.

Don’t rush the process

It’s important to introduce your cat and the new kitten gradually so they don’t feel threatened and overwhelmed. It’s common for cats to need several days, or even weeks, to feel comfortable with each other.

When you bring the kitten home, don’t introduce it to the other cat right away. Instead, put the kitten in a place where it will feel safe. Choose an area where you can close the door to keep the other cat out. Ideally, it should be a room that members of your family don’t use frequently so the kitten won’t be frightened or confused by people coming and going.

Give the kitten its own bowls of food and water, litter box, toys, and a comfortable place to sleep. If possible, buy new items for the kitten. Things that your existing cat has used will have its scent on them. That may frighten the kitten.

two cats sleeping on couch

Introduce the cats to each other’s scents before you introduce them to each other

A day or two after you bring the kitten home, give each cat an object, such as a blanket or a toy, with the other’s scent on it. Don’t present the cats with the objects directly because that may feel threatening to them. Simply place an object in each cat’s space and let the cats sniff the objects when they’re ready.

Being exposed to the other cat’s scent will help each feline begin to accept the other before they physically meet. After they’ve had some time to get used to each other’s scent, you can expose them to each other a little more, while still keeping them apart.

Many pet owners find that feeding their cats on opposite sides of a closed door helps them get acclimated to each other. The cats can experience the pleasure of eating and can smell each other without being in the same space and without perceiving each other as a threat.

striped kitten

Introduce the cats and keep a close eye on them

You’ll know that the felines are feeling calm if they eat and drink normally, approach you when you enter a room, purr, and want you to pet them and play with them. Once both cats have reached that stage, you can let them meet face to face.

Bring the cat and kitten into the same room, but don’t force them to get close to each other. It’s better to let them approach each other when they’re ready.

Supervise them closely and observe their behavior. They may be curious or anxious. One may try to approach the other, and the other may retreat. One may attempt to play, and the other may or may not be interested.

Be on the lookout for signs of aggression, such as hissing, biting, or scratching. Normal play may involve some innocent chasing and pouncing, but make sure that your older cat doesn’t get too aggressive and hurt the kitten. If you feel that things are starting to get out of control, or if you sense that one or both cats are getting too stressed out, separate them and try again later.

If the cats are getting along well, you can leave them alone together without supervision, but only for short amounts of time (i.e., a few minutes) at first. If things go well, you can allow more short, unsupervised encounters and gradually make the get-togethers longer and more frequent until you’re confident that the cats can be left alone together without problems.

If your cats have trouble adjusting, talk to your veterinarian

Getting used to a new cat can be difficult for a feline that’s used to ruling the house, and it can be hard for a kitten to leave its mother and siblings and settle into a new home with another cat. Give both cats plenty of attention and petting so they feel loved and secure. If either of your cats seems overly stressed and exhibits signs of aggression or behavioral problems that worry you, contact your veterinarian to discuss how to handle the situation.

Jennifer Supernaw
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jennifer Supernaw is a freelance writer who has produced home-related content for RISMedia, as well as blogs and articles for…
Is your cat a Maine Coon mix? Learn the signs and why it’s important
Why it matters if your cat is a Maine Coon mix
Close-up of a Maine Coon's face

There are plenty of big and fluffy cats out there, but one of the best-known breeds fitting this description is the massive, majestic Maine Coon. These cats are not only impressive in size, but they also tend to have fantastic personalities that make them beloved family pets. While purebred Maine Coons are a little more uncommon in rescues and shelters, it's possible to adopt a Maine Coon mix that still has some of the breed's distinctive characteristics.

While telling exactly which breeds your cat is can be a little tricky, it's worth doing some investigative work to better understand your feline's background and what that might mean for the care he needs during his life--especially for rescue cats!
Where do Maine Coon cats come from?

Read more
Can cats get dementia? The answer may be surprising
Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment of this disease in cats
An orange cat at the vet

Dementia is a well-known disease that can affect humans, especially Alzheimer's. If you've watched a loved one go through it, you know how heartbreaking it can be to see someone forget how to care for themselves, significant life events, and the names of their nearest and dearest. You may start to notice a cat display similar symptoms — they're angrier than usual and seem to forget where they are (and where the litter box is).

Can cats get dementia, though? The short answer — unfortunately — is that cats can get dementia. However, many signs of dementia in cats can also indicate another issue, so it's important to work with a vet for an accurate diagnosis. That way, you can make the best decisions for your pet. Still, understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options for cat dementia can empower you to take quick action to keep your cat safe and comfortable.
Can cats get dementia?

Read more
How to pick up a cat: Avoid common mistakes for a calm cat
Here's how to handle a feline for their comfort and yours
A woman wearing a yellow jacket holds a tabby cat while standing outside

Just like people, cats have their own preferences and personalities that make them one of a kind. Some are more outgoing, while others are shy and reserved. Many felines have a favorite cat toy, food, or person, and all cats have an attitude that simply can't be replicated. Cats also differ when it comes to affection and handling, so it can be tricky to know how to approach picking up a cat.
Luckily, we're here to help you learn how to pick up a cat in a way that's stress free for both of you. With just a little thoughtfulness, you'll be able to handle your four-legged friend with ease and confidence whenever you need to. Not only will this come in handy before vet appointments and using the cat carrier, but it could potentially help your cat get more comfortable with affection and cuddling, too!

Do cats like to be held?

Read more