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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11487 total posts
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New Kitten with 2 Cats?
Any tips on introducing a new kitten to other cats?
I got a kitten this weekend (he has no name as of now b/c we just can't decide). I have two cats already, 7 1/2 years old 7 years old and a male and a female.
Phoebe, the female, is the dominant cat with raging "tortitude" these days. Holden, the male, is shy, but they have always gotten along, despite a few fights here and there. When I got Holden, I had no problems with Phoebe, and they got along within a week or so.
I have the kitten in a separate room from the other two. He's doing well and adjusting nicely. Anyway, today Phoebe got into the kitten's room and she was not a happy cat  . In addition to that, the kitten ran up to her to play. She freaked, growled, and hissed, but didn't touch the kitten.
For the past few days I had been rubbing the new cat with a sock and leaving it by the other two, so they could get used to the new smell. I also read to put the food dishes by the door, so they can smell while eating in order to associate a pleasant experience with the new smell.
Yeah, it wasn't so pleasant. Phoebe wouldn't go near the food dish, and when Holden went to eat, she freaked out on him and really swatted him. Now she keeps growling and hissing at him. I assume this is redirected anger b/c she saw the kitten today.
I know it has only been a few days, but I'm starting to worry they won't ever get along with the new kitten. I'm also worried that the whole dynamic between the two resident cats is ruined.
I'd love to hear some experiences. Thanks!
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Posted 8/7/13 5:35 PM  |
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aim
LIF Adult
Member since 4/11 1321 total posts
Name:
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
I have no experience with this, but my gut says your cats will be fine because you are being so thoughtful about the process already.
My thought was maybe the dominant cat and the kitten will eat on opposite sides of the door.... and the other cat can eat somewhere else right now? Maybe your dominant cat will accept the situation as she eats and smells the kitten through the door if she doesn't have your other cat to beat up.
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| Posted 8/7/13 5:39 PM |
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SeaWolf14
*Crazy Cat Lady*
Member since 7/13 1324 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
When we got our last cat we had a nice sized crate for her and we kept her in the same room as the other cats... then we opened the crate door, etc. We sorta eased into it.
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| Posted 8/8/13 12:21 AM |
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mishmosh
That's all I got.
Member since 7/06 1452 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
I did a lot of reading on how to do this when we got a kitten a couple of years ago. The other cat we had was only 1, but still was the ruler of the roost for 6 months before we got the kitten. We had the kitten in her own room with her own water, litter, and food. We would let the other cat in for 10 minutes here and there with supervision. There was hissing, growling, a couple of swats each time. And we just did that for a few days. Then we started letting the kitten out of the room and leaving the door of the room open during the day when we were home. Then at night, door closed, kitten only. After about 2 weeks, the older cat wasn't phased at all by the kitten and the kitten was out of her room all the time. I have to say it went very well. As long as they have their own food, water, and litter for awhile.
The one thing that we had going in our favor was that I was off from work for those 2 weeks, so it was a lot easier to do while home. Good luck!
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| Posted 8/8/13 7:02 PM |
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Domino
Always My Miracle
Member since 9/05 9923 total posts
Name:
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
no advice...my two cats still dont like each other but you didnt think you'd escape without me demanding pictures did you????????????????
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| Posted 8/9/13 8:46 PM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11487 total posts
Name:
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
Posted by Domino
no advice...my two cats still dont like each other but you didnt think you'd escape without me demanding pictures did you????????????????
Some pics:
We decided to call him Fritz and he's a British Shorthair. We got him from a local breeder. I felt horribly guilty getting him from a breeder, but they don't have kittens in the shelters here as it is No-Kill in Germany. It's illegal to euthanize an animal because of lack of space/overpopulation. In a way that's better. I do wish I could have rescued a kitten from NY, but it is difficult with paperwork, cost, etc. That being said, I have had many rescued cats throughout my life in NY and Australia.
Holden and Fritz are progressing nicely on the introductions. They aren't cuddling, but they are tolerant, which I think is pretty good after a week. I'm introducing Phoebe to Fritz next week.  Fingers crossed!
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| Posted 8/10/13 3:21 PM |
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Domino
Always My Miracle
Member since 9/05 9923 total posts
Name:
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
 O..M..G...I am coming to Germany and catnapping your kitty
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| Posted 8/11/13 9:45 PM |
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Palebride
I am an amazing bakist
Member since 5/05 13673 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
Cutest.kitten.ever!!!!!
We've always found that slowly introducing the new kitten is the best way to go. It takes a few weeks, and it's not always happy times for everyone.....but in the end it works out.
Kittens are tough because they're so playful....and older cats have to get used to that. We got a new kitten last summer, and now my two older cats run around with her like they're all kittens together.
Enjoy!!
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| Posted 8/12/13 10:42 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by Domino
no advice...my two cats still dont like each other but you didnt think you'd escape without me demanding pictures did you????????????????
Some pics:
IMAGE
IMAGE
IMAGE
IMAGE
We decided to call him Fritz and he's a British Shorthair. We got him from a local breeder. I felt horribly guilty getting him from a breeder, but they don't have kittens in the shelters here as it is No-Kill in Germany. It's illegal to euthanize an animal because of lack of space/overpopulation. In a way that's better. I do wish I could have rescued a kitten from NY, but it is difficult with paperwork, cost, etc. That being said, I have had many rescued cats throughout my life in NY and Australia.
Holden and Fritz are progressing nicely on the introductions. They aren't cuddling, but they are tolerant, which I think is pretty good after a week. I'm introducing Phoebe to Fritz next week. Fingers crossed!
O
M
G
That is one BEAUTIFUL kitten!
I would have guessed Russian Blue- but what do I know?
I had a cat that looked very similar but she was a mix.
I can't take how adorable he is!
And way to go Germany on making it illegal to euthanize animals due to lack of space.
Wish the US would follow suit!
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| Posted 8/12/13 11:34 AM |
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Domino
Always My Miracle
Member since 9/05 9923 total posts
Name:
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
Posted by NervousNell
And way to go Germany on making it illegal to euthanize animals due to lack of space.
Wish the US would follow suit!
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| Posted 8/12/13 5:40 PM |
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Bearcat
Love my little girls!!! <3
Member since 6/10 10818 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
Is his meow british or german? 
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| Posted 8/12/13 9:14 PM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11487 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: New Kitten with 2 Cats?
Posted by Bearcat
Is his meow british or german?
Haha. German with a British twang
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| Posted 8/14/13 9:40 AM |
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