Kittens will mostly receive a hostile reception from other pets within the household, especially from other cats. A kitten should be checked out ASAP by your veterinarian to verify when the cats can be put together. Other cats in your household will usually see no need for a kitten. The existing cat must not feel that it is necessary to compete for food or attention. When ready, the new kitten should have its own food and bowl, it should not be permitted to eat from the other cat’s bowl.

The introduction period usually takes two to four weeks and will result in one of the following three possible outcomes.

1.      Your existing cat will be hostile to the kitten. Fighting may occasionally occur. This is the most  unlikely occurrence.

2.      Your existing cat will only tolerate the kitten. The cat will act as if the kitten is not present. This is more likely if your existing cat is very independent, or has been an only cat for several years, or if competition occurred during the first few weeks. This relationship is likely to be permanent.

3.      Bonding will occur. They will play together, groom each other, and sleep near to each other. This is more likely to occur if competition is minimized and if the existing cat has been lonely for companionship.

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