New kitten

[Micki]

I know y'all have covered this a million times but I'm new here and need advice. I have two siamese. Siblings, 8 years old. I am getting a new kitten this evening. Also siamese. It has been recommended to gradually introduce the kitten but many have told me to act like the kitten has always been here, just provide seperate food, water, and litter box. BUT to show more attention to the *seniority* cats. Advice???? Thanks!

[kittycats_delight]

Cats normally don't react well to change. A new kitty is a big change. They do need to be introduced gradually. I put my 2 together immediately but there was only 5 weeks between them and they were only 13 weeks and 5 weeks at the time. And I was with them constantly. Within a couple of hours my 2 were fine. But they were both babies. As for the older cats. They are used to being with each other and to the routine of your home. A new kitten will disrupt it for them so in my opinion and you will fine I am sure almost everyone elses here gradually is best. It leads to less problems for all kitties and for you. Seclude kitty to 1 room with food, litter and some toy ( he is a baby so he will need something to occupy him). Spend time with him and let him get comfy with you and pet him and give him treats. let him know he is safe with you and this is his home. I would also rub down your older cats with a towel and then with the same towel rub down kitty to transfer the smell of the older cats onto the little one. He has a different scent so this will launch the older cats radar. LOL

It will probably take a couple of weeks but after a few days when he is comfy. Maybe bring in one cat at a time to introduce a little and see how they react to him. Make sure you have transfered scents. Be close to be able to make a rescue if needed. Do this in room visits for a little while before you introduce kitty to the rest of the house and only let kitty into the rest of the house when you are there to make an needed rescues. After a few weeks everything should be fine. But sometimes it takes longer. Keep us posted on your progress.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} and Good Luck !!!

P.S. Welcome to Pet Talk hope to see you around and get to see your beautiful babies.

Michelle