How to make a cat accept a kitten

The cat can accept the kitten without problem

Are you planning to grow the family but are you worried that your cat does not want the new tenant? If so, it is normal. There are always many doubts about how the furry could react, but the reality is that there are not many reasons to worry.

You may not believe me now, but try the advice that I am going to give you in this article, and in less than you expect you will know how to make a cat accept a kitten.

How to prevent the cat from rejecting the new cat

The cat can accept the kitten without problem

If you realize that the cat continues to reject the new kitten, then it is important that you take some things into account so that this stops happening and you can all live together happily. While it is true that some cats and some cats accept kittens immediately, this is not always the case. They see them as an intruder in their pack and reject them, so they need some time to get used to the new cat, but there is also the possibility that they will never accept it as part of their pack.

Much of this will depend on how sociable your cat is and above all, its age and how it introduces itself to the new member. If done correctly by following the tips below, you are more likely to be successful.

Although cat behavior can sometimes be difficult to understand, looking at their wild relatives can offer insight into why cats sometimes have trouble coexisting.

Why are they sometimes rejected

We must first understand why cats sometimes reject new kittens. Domestic cats have their ancestors wild cats and their behavior towards other beings of the same species has a lot to do with ancestor cats. Wild cats, such as bobcats, lynxes, and servals, they are usually solitary animals. During the day, they hide in dens and go out at night to find food alone.

Cats can also form a colony led by a female cat if they are provided with food and do not feel the need to hunt to survive. Male cats usually leave the colony when they grow up.

This social hierarchy is different from that of the average house cat. This is because domestic cats are often spayed and neutered, often do not socialize well with other cats and they live in a very isolated environment away from other cats. This is what can cause conflict when you decide to bring a new kitten into your home.

Wild cats usually live in colonies of genetically related cats that are born in the colony. It is rare for unrelated cats to mate, and when they do, they usually live on the outskirts of the colony for several months before being fully accepted.

In this sense, you will most likely need to give your cat or cat time to accept the new kitten. But if your cat hasn't socialized before age 3, then it may be even more difficult for her to get along with the new member. For some cats, it is better to be the only cat or animal in a home..

How to avoid rejection

Cats are very territorial

When we talk about how to get two cats to get along, the first thing we say is: they are very territorial animals, which means that they have a strong instinct to protect the territory. It is something like when a person becomes very jealous with their things and does not want anyone to touch them, with the difference that cats do not feel jealous, but what they do is protect what is theirs because that is what their instinct dictates. .

But when you take a kitten home ... the situation is not nearly as complicated as if the new cat were an adult. The cat, being an adult and having probably been in the house all her life, it is sure that she is going to feel a little uncomfortable at first, but As the days go by, she will find that she can certainly continue with her daily routine, only now she will have a new friend to play with.. The question is, how to present them?

To avoid unwanted surprises, I recommend that, As soon as you get home, have the kitten inside the carrier with the door closed, and put it on the floor so that the cat can see it and smell it. If you see him snort and / or growl, or if he wants to "kick" him, that's normal; what you don't have to do is try to scratch or bite him.

After a few minutes, open the door for her so she can get out if she wants to. You do not have to force him. In the event that the cat is very nervous and visibly uncomfortable, you should take the kitten to a room where it will stay for three days.. In it you have to put his bed, his feeder and drinker, and a sandbox. Cover the bed with a blanket (or cloth, if it's hot), and do the same with your cat's bed. Swap the blanket / fabric for them on the second and third day to get them used to the other's smell.

On the fourth day, take the kitten out of the room and leave him around the house, but don't lose sight of him.. In general, when a cat does not want to know anything about the kitten, she will stay away from him, but do not trust. If she becomes very nervous, she could attack you, so it is important to never leave them alone.

Food bowls

You have to make sure that the kitten has its own feeder and drinker. It should not be in the same place as those of your cat or cat. It is better that you feed them in separate areas of the home so that your cat does not take out its territorial instinct with its food and that this way the kitten has the opportunity to eat without problems. If necessary, do it in separate rooms and with the door closed.

Sleeping areas

As with food, sleeping areas are also important. You have to provide separate sleeping areas for both cats. You don't want to give both of you the same bed because it could be a problem. Your older cat or cat has possession of the sleeping area and will not want the new member to use it without their permission.

Observation areas

Your cat may want to avoid the new member and may show aggression as a last resort to show dislike. So that this does not happen, allows your cat to have a safe place to retreat from the new kitten and to feel comfortable with him (and vice versa). To do this, provide your older cat with an area out of reach of the kitten where only he can go.

Litter boxes

It is also important that you have more litter boxes than cats. This means that if you have two cats, you must have three litter boxes. That way they will not fight over the litter box at any time and they may even have their own litter box that they will use individually.

Use of pheromones

You can buy sprays, wipes, or diffusers that contain special happy pheromones and use them for as long as necessary until you realize how accepting cats are to each other. These pheromones help cats feel more relaxed and confident.

Pampering

Pet your new cat and also allow your older cat to sniff him while you feed him his favorite treats. This will teach your cat that the smell of the new kitten is not bad. Over time, the older cat may begin to associate the kitten's scent with a positive stimulus.

Separation

Do not allow cats to be together without your supervision until they have had several direct interactions without conflict. If you can't control the cats then they will have to be separated safely until you can directly supervise them.

Peace of mind at home

Sometimes the weirdest things can scare a new cat and cause it to show displaced aggression towards a new kitten. Cats are creatures of habit, so don't make big changes at home when introducing the new kitten. This includes changes like renovating the kitchen, getting a lot of people together at home, etc.

Fights are forbidden

Although cats may want to fight, don't allow your older cat to harm the kitten. If you are concerned that it might happen, distract the cats with a loud clap or a spray of water. If your cats fight, you need to set them aside for a while and then slowly reintroduce them to each other over a period of several days to weeks.

Kittens are social animals

To help the cat accept it, I advise using Feliway in diffuser, which is a product that helps cats overcome situations that cause stress, making them relaxed.

Although the most common is that in a few days the cat has accepted the kitten, sometimes it happens that the furry one costs a little more. With love and the occasional can of wet feed, you will be a happy family.


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  1.   Joan said

    We just brought a new kitten home, but my older kitten hisses at her, so as a solution, we put food on her (the wet one) every time we bring the carrier with the cat inside, she stays away, but every time I take her away. He follows me, he already accepts the smell of the kitten, we try to exchange clothes very often, and we take them to the other's room so that they get used to the smell, the only question I have is when should I present them without barriers? When does the older cat stop hissing at you?

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi Joana.

      When you see that he huffs much less than at the beginning, it will be a good time. He thinks that snorting will always do it, at some point. My cats have been getting along for years, and they snort from time to time. It's natural.

      So when you feel that it seems that they are accepting each other, and that the kitten shows interest in the cat, it is recommended that they smell each other without having a barrier in between.

      Greetings.

    2.    Rachel said

      Hello,

      We have a 2-year-old cat and two weeks ago we brought a 3-month-old kitten, we have tried to apply all the tips to present them correctly. We have him in a separate room, we have exchanged smells, letting both him and the cat go to the other's room and with objects, we also put wet food behind the door so that she associates it with something positive and we put Feliway diffusers. We have been putting the little one in the transporter in the living room for a few days so that they can see their faces and smell each other safely. She snorts at him, growls at him and tries to give him the leg and our question is whether it is normal that after two weeks she continues not to accept it and when it would be convenient to open the transport, because we are afraid that she could do something to her, since he is very confident and not afraid of it. Thank you.

      1.    Monica sanchez said

        Hello Rachel.

        Yes it's normal. And she will surely snort at her more than once when the two finally come to life throughout the house, to put 'limits' on her (for example, when she doesn't want to play and the little one doesn't stop bothering her).

        I would recommend waiting one more week, but not much longer. The normal thing is that the puppies are accepted shortly. And I tell you, if there are snorts or even kicks, do not worry. Of course, do not leave them alone the first days but try to continue with your routine, that there is no tension in the environment.

        Play with them, and give them food that they don't usually eat as a reward, to both of them at the same time. You will see how little by little things will improve.

        Cheer up!

        1.    Rachel said

          Hi Monica, thank you very much for the answer. In the end we decided to start looking for a home for the new kitten, since we introduced them and the cat's reaction was very bad and we were afraid it would end very, very badly. She is beginning to turn us around and she has always been very calm but with character and very scary (bad combination), so I see a good coexistence very difficult because of her character. It is a pity because we have become fond of the cat and he has become attached to us, but I think that for his sake and that of the cat it is the best decision for both of us. Thank you very much for your work. Greetings

          1.    Monica sanchez said

            Hello Rachel.

            Wow, I'm sorry. And haven't you talked to Laura Trillo? She is a cat therapist, highly recommended. Or with Jordi Ferrés. Maybe they can help you out.

            Well, thanks for your words. Greetings!


  2.   LUCIA CONTRERAS said

    Hello, I have a 12-year-old cat, and we recently brought a kitten, but when we introduced them she snorted at him and got all angry with us, as if resentful, and every time she enters the room where the new kitten is, without him be there, she gets upset; I am worried that because of her age, I no longer want to accept it

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi Lucia.

      I recommend keeping them apart for a season. Your 12-year-old cat is already "older", and the older the cats, the more difficult it is for them to accept newcomers, even if they are puppies. I tell you from experience.

      But, with patience and affection, they can be tolerated. Cheer up.

  3.   All said

    Hi! How are you? I have a 6 year old cat and a month ago we brought a 45 day old kitten. She hates it. He tolerates it at times and at other times he huffs and slaps him, although without being a violent fight. He thinks he is playing and zero fear. What worries me above all is that she moved away from us, I feel offended by her, she no longer sleeps in bed or lets herself be touched for long. He spends it somewhere in the house where the kitten never comes. It grieves me that he is sad, and I would love for them to love each other and to be with us both. What I can do? Is it going to happen? Thanks!!

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi Toute.

      It is normal that the cat has changed her behavior a little, do not worry. Before she was alone, and now she has to share her territory with another kitten.

      Most likely, he will end up accepting it and will be the same as before. But for that to happen I recommend you do the following:

      -When you caress one, caress the other with the same hand afterwards. This way you will pass the smell from one to the other, so that little by little it will accept it.
      -Toss them cat treats (or put the feeders in the same room but a little apart), to both, so that they eat together.

      And a lot of encouragement!

  4.   Martín said

    Hello, thanks for the info, I have 5 orphaned kittens that are two weeks old, and now I am going to introduce you to the three cats from my house, I hope you will even help me raise them haha, is it easier for them to accept them because they are so small or the same are they going to reject them?

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hello Martin.

      The younger they are, the easier it is for them to accept each other
      I don't think you have problems.

      Greetings.

  5.   Mark said

    Hi Monica, I have an 11 year old Persian and a 6 month old British. At first, the Persian only behaved with snorts and attempted clawing. With the passage of time, I think it has had to see that she has seen the puppy grow up and be as big as her, it seems that she tolerates something more but, as it seems to me, she sees the little girl as if she were a threat , since when trying to approach her, the oldest only reacts by trying to give her a little touch with her paw, snorting and running away. They have been together for 4 months… is it possible that in the future they will get along? now they are rather tolerated, they eat practically glued.

    Thank you

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi marcos.

      Yes, if they eat well together, they may end up accepting each other and coexist without problems. They just need time.

      But I will also tell you that, if someone is not neutered, it is highly recommended to do it so that they are calmer.

      Greetings.

      1.    Luna said

        Hello
        I have an 8-year-old kitten, since we adopted her she had a scary behavior with the family members, little by little she adapted and left some of the members to love her and caress her but suddenly she is urañita with some of the others members, we want to adopt a small kitten for my youngest daughter, because unfortunately the kitten does not let herself be loved by her and my daughter very much wants to be caressing and feeding her, so we are thinking about adopting another baby kitten, I would like to know if this is convenient because of how urañita our kitten tends to be?

        1.    Monica sanchez said

          Hi Moon.

          Before adopting another cat, it is important to ask yourself if the ones you already have are really going to be able to accept it, because if not, problems will arise. Given the current situation, I don't think it's a good idea.

          In addition, you have to think that each cat is different and has its own personality. And we must respect it.

          Greetings.

  6.   Colón said

    Hi there?
    I have two young sterilized cats, and well, one of them wants to play with the other, but the opposite, as she has never been with other cats, does not want to and they chase each other (almost as if they will fight). With the advice they have taught, to be able to integrate it at home. But I am afraid, for the reason that one of them, the one who has never been with other cats, will have stress or will hurt the kitten. The question would be, Should I bring a new kitten to see if they play?

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hello Columbus.

      I honestly do not advise you. The cat who does not want to play could become stressed and could even get angry with the other (when now she will surely tolerate it). That is to say, bringing another cat would cool down the relationship of the cats you already have much more, and could even complicate it.

      My advice is that you are the one who plays with the cat. It is surely an animal with a lot of energy, and what it needs is to run. Therefore, with a simple ball made of aluminum foil you can help him a lot. Catch the ball and throw it to him to go after it (he may not catch it). He picks it up again and throws it at him, like this until he gets tired.

      Greetings.

  7.   Paul Aparicio said

    Hi there! We have just adopted a kitten of almost 2 months and we have brought him home today, my cat is 4 years old and she only had a relationship with another kitten when she was the same age as the one we just brought. The point is that my cat hisses a lot and growls at him… I let him smell it and he continues to hiss but when I have him or I go to another room with him he follows me and does not want to lose sight of him. I bring my hand to him so he can smell it and the first 5 times he snorted but now he only huffs directly at him when I pick him up close to him or approach her. The point is that my kitten really likes to stand in front of a heater that I have next to my bed and sleep there. Several hours have passed and I put the kitten with me sleeping and I turned on the heater to see if she would come and did not care if the cat was there. She came several times calm looking at him but after a while she huffs at him, in the end she has settled in her place and the cat only separates my leg from her and it seems that she does not care, but if I hold the cat up or minimally she sees him closely, she huffs , grunts and leaves. I wanted to know if with this that I have told you could tell me if it is possible that my cat ends up catching him or if you doubt it. She snorts at him but she likes to keep him under control and it seems that if she doesn't see him directly, he may be close. Thank you

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi, Pablo.

      I think the cat needs it is time. Cats are territorial animals, some more than others, and it can sometimes take months to accept another feline.
      One of my cats spent 3 months snorting at one, which at that time was a kitten.

      For now, from what you say, things are going well. But that, you have to be patient.

      Pamper both of you and occasionally your favorite food, and little by little you will see changes.

      Greetings.

  8.   Julia said

    Hello, a week ago we brought a 2 month old kitten and my 9 year old cat does not accept her. We had her in a separate room and my 9-year-old cat was very interested and meowed a lot to be able to enter the room, but when we introduced them I huff and when the kitten approaches her she wants to hit her. They may be in a quiet room, but the minute you get a little closer to him, he gets angry. Could it be that very little time passed since he came?

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hello Julia.

      It is normal for them to snort sometimes. Do not worry.
      Now it will be a few days, or maybe weeks, testing each other's limits.

      It is part of the process.

      Give them love equally, and their favorite food from time to time. You will see how little by little they go, at least, accepting each other.

      Greetings.

  9.   Augustine said

    Hello! I have a 4-year-old cat, yesterday I brought a 4-month-old kitten. First I pressed it in its cage, then I released it but when I saw that my cat was hissing a lot and was nervous, I decided to put it in a separate room with a litter box, food and water. What worries me is that my cat is still angry with me and my son. He snorts at us and I'm afraid he wants to attack us. He came to sleep with us as usual in bed, but is grumbling with grunts all the time. I walk over and he snorts at me. Can our relationship be the same once I accept the kitten? Will accept it some day

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi Agostina.

      One of my cats was without sleeping with me for three months. The same ones that it took to accept a kitten that I brought.

      It is normal. There are cats that are slow to accept newcomers. Yours at least sleeps with you, and that's very good.

      If you come closer and he snorts at you, it is probably because he smells the kitten. So it doesn't really hiss at you, if not at the cat. For this reason, during the first days I recommend that when you finish petting the little one, you wash your hands before touching the cat. Later, when she is calmer, you can caress one and the other in order to exchange smells.

      It is also advisable that special cat food (cans) in the same room. This will help them accept themselves.

      Cheer up.

  10.   Alejandrina said

    Hello there!!! Very good article. I tell you that my kitten is almost 3 months old, and I have adopted another that is already in 3 months. My cat is an independent cat and she does not like to be disturbed a lot, the new cat is very heavy, she likes caresses and playing and being on top of her all the time. I did the whole process of the presentation and that a week ago, she was hissing a lot, she chased him around the house and the new one knowing everything without paying attention to her and she could not bear it, now she no longer huffs so much and they may be more or less close quiet, eat close and so on. But they start playing and fight, the new one has a very heavy game and every so often he throws himself on top of her and tries to bite her and they bite each other, she shows that she gets very angry and I worry about her, if she is eating the (new) one she wants eat from the plate where she is, the same happens if she is drinking water. And it stresses me a little that it bothers her like that and I don't know if it's normal. The (new) attacks her a lot, it is true that in the end she goes after him but much more, and they fight a lot. And I don't know what to do or what to think, or if at some point they will get along at all or if they can hurt each other. Thank you very much in advance.

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hello Alejandrina.

      So you have a cat with a lot, a lot of energy, like one of mine, who despite being 4 years old already needs his daily play sessions.
      My advice is to be the one to play with it, twice a day for about 10 minutes or so. You can make a ball of aluminum foil, the size of a golf ball, and toss it at him to go behind it. This will make you very tired, and that will influence the relationship you have with the other cat, as she will be calmer.

      In time they will be accepted, and they may become friends. For now, you have to do that, play with the little one so that the kitten feels better.

      Regards!

  11.   Javier said

    Buenas tardes. We have a 1-year-old sterilized kitten and we have brought her a 1-month-old kitten at the moment we do not have it at home, we take it and we bring it from one house to another at times. Are we doing well? Or should we bring it to ourselves now and spend time together even if my cat buffets him and hides? Can you share a litter box ?? is that we do not have much room everywhere I see that each one has to have theirs… ..my cat is very nervous and does not allow herself to be caught. Thanks in advance

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi Javier.

      The best thing is that each cat has its own litter box, as they are very territorial and need one for each one.

      There are cats that have a harder time accepting newcomers, and others less so. But to help her it is advisable to exchange her beds or blankets, so little by little she will accept the smell of the kitten and stop hissing at her.

      Anyway, it is normal for the cat to behave like this. With the passage of time you will get used to it.

      Greetings.

  12.   Cristina said

    Hi there. I just brought a 2 month old kitten and he was 1 year old. In principle he has received him well, at first they played, licked him and slept together. But then my cat started with diarrhea, and for the last few days she has been vomiting and is only sleeping. He lets the cat come closer but he no longer plays with him and sometimes he lets him sleep next to him and other times he does. I do not know if it is a physical problem or the cat does not accept him. Could you advise me?

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hello Cristina.

      My advice is that you take the cat to the vet. From what you say, she is almost certainly ill. I highly doubt that it is an acceptance problem.

      Greetings.

  13.   Days said

    Hey.
    I have a 2 year old Siamese cat.
    He came home when he was 45 days old and we really thought that he would not live, because he was very very small. Over time he got beautiful, and big. We always treat him in a special way and he also sleeps with us.
    There are several cats on my land, but he only accepts a kitten that grew up with him. He doesn't like visitors or anything. Only the dogs we have, he gets along great with them.
    10 days ago we brought a 2-month-old kitten... but there is no case, she doesn't love her, she hates her! The point is that the Siamese stopped sleeping with us and if something is open he goes outside, which he rarely did.
    I miss him, he's changed a lot with us... he doesn't allow himself to be petted, he growls at the kitten with a lot of anger, and if he can he attacks her.
    The issue is… will he accept her at some point?
    I miss my fluffy Siamese….but the kitten is very attached too. What I do?

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hi Dana.
      I recommend you to be patient, since cats are very territorial and can take time to accept new members of the family.

      Play with them, give them love equally, and surely sooner or later the situation will calm down.

      Greetings.