Introducing kittens.

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Lauren!

Congrats on your two new kitties!

In almost every case like this the cats do learn to get along with each other. In some cases they actually do become wonderful friends, and in other cases they simply tolerate each other. However, it's quite rare for two kittens to end up hating each other for life!

Here is what I recommend when I have a client who is introducing a new cat to the house:

I usually recommend keeping the new arrival in a separate room like a bedroom for several days. Go into the room and spend time with him often. But, don't let Cookie see him for a few days.

This will let Cookie have a chance to get used to the fact that a cat is in the house, but she doesn't have to have the stress of facing him right away.

Then, after a few days, bring Boji out in a carrier and put the carrier in the middle of a big room. Let Cookie sniff all around the carrier. If there is a big show of aggression, then we need to go back to keeping Boji in his room for a couple more days. Eventually though, you will see that when you bring the carrier out Cookie either ignores Boji or will act like she wants to play with him.

When this happens, let Boji out of the cage, but make sure that you are there to supervise. If for some reason Cookie is aggressive again, then go back to the previous step.

This routine works in almost every situation. It usually takes less than 2 weeks to work.

I hope that helps!

And by the way, you never need to worry about waking me! If I am not available, I turn my online status to off and the option for an instant response question is not available.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

No worries, I'd just start over from the beginning. You'll likely find that Cookie is sniffing a lot at the door of Boji, but keep them separated for a few days before they see each other.

I know Cookie is mad at you right now, but it is very unlikely to last long. She's acting like a teenager who isn't happy with her lot in life right now. But she'll get over it soon!

Dr. Marie replied:

It sounds like things are going exactly as they should.

I doubt that you will have to do much to make the little guy more confident. He should get more and more used to things over the next week.

One thing that you could look into though is a product called Feliway which is a feline pheromone which helps cats to feel less stressed in an anxiety producing situation.

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome!

I think that as long as things don't seem to be getting too heated I would just let them mingle.

It's hard to tell whether cats are playing rough or being really aggressive. If there is growling I'd call this aggressive. Or, if the claws are out and causing wounds then this is aggression. If this is happening then I would still keep them separated for a while.