Russian Blue
08-28-2006, 08:31 AM
As I mentioned earlier, I will be bringing a new kitten home this weekend. Since I have never been through this process does anyone have any tips, tricks or suggestions to make this go smoothly? This is what I have learned so far:
*Keep the cats separated until the new one adjusts to the surroundings (using litterbox and eating).
*Rub down each cat with a towel and get both cats adjusted to each other's scent (also can add vanilla to their nose to distract smell)
*Always feed the original cat first, acknowledge and give extra attention to show alpha priority
*Supervise the cats when introducing them the first few times until they are comfortable
'Daisy' will be sectioned off on the second floor and Nakita will be on the first floor. Of course, each will have their own litter and feeding areas until the introductions are over. Nakita always sleeps with me so I'm not sure how she will handle the new cat after the intro period. Nakita has never really had any experiences with other cats except a neighbour's male cat that wonders by the house sometimes.
Also, Rob will be creating a screen door that will be placed on the top of the stairs so Nakita can wonder up there on her own time & they can see/smell each other on their own terms without getting hurt. I also purchased some Feliway spray.
So beyond some hissing what else should I look out for? Is a little 'swat' ok or should that be discouraged?
I'm so excited but so nervous that this may not go well and Nakita's problems will get worse rather than better. Nakita has hyperesthesia syndrome and the vet's have suggested it may be the result of boredom so a kitten might be the distraction she needs. I'm trying everything before drug therapy.
Thanks for any experience or insight you can share, it's greatly appreciated to this intro newbie! ;)
*Keep the cats separated until the new one adjusts to the surroundings (using litterbox and eating).
*Rub down each cat with a towel and get both cats adjusted to each other's scent (also can add vanilla to their nose to distract smell)
*Always feed the original cat first, acknowledge and give extra attention to show alpha priority
*Supervise the cats when introducing them the first few times until they are comfortable
'Daisy' will be sectioned off on the second floor and Nakita will be on the first floor. Of course, each will have their own litter and feeding areas until the introductions are over. Nakita always sleeps with me so I'm not sure how she will handle the new cat after the intro period. Nakita has never really had any experiences with other cats except a neighbour's male cat that wonders by the house sometimes.
Also, Rob will be creating a screen door that will be placed on the top of the stairs so Nakita can wonder up there on her own time & they can see/smell each other on their own terms without getting hurt. I also purchased some Feliway spray.
So beyond some hissing what else should I look out for? Is a little 'swat' ok or should that be discouraged?
I'm so excited but so nervous that this may not go well and Nakita's problems will get worse rather than better. Nakita has hyperesthesia syndrome and the vet's have suggested it may be the result of boredom so a kitten might be the distraction she needs. I'm trying everything before drug therapy.
Thanks for any experience or insight you can share, it's greatly appreciated to this intro newbie! ;)