Will my one year old cat get along with a kitten?

While older cats will occasionally take to a new kitten right away, they typically need a little time to adjust to the changes. Sometimes cats never fully accept a new kitten but will simply coexist, keeping to themselves away from the other cat in the house.


How do I introduce my kitten to my 1 year old cat?

6 Tips for Introducing a New Kitten to Your Resident Cat
  1. Create a Separate Kitten Space. ...
  2. Handle Vet Visits Right Away. ...
  3. Introduce the Cats Slowly. ...
  4. Keep Watch for Any Warning Signs. ...
  5. Stay Patient Through the Introductions. ...
  6. Understand How to Respond to Aggression.


Should I get another cat for my 1 year old cat?

For cats that are left on their own for long periods each day, it is a good idea to consider providing another cat for company. Sociable interaction with another cat can greatly enrich their daily lives. The younger they are when introduced, the greater the chances of their getting on amicably most of the time.


Should I get a kitten with a 1 year old?

As a general rule, if your child is under five years old, it's best to adopt a cat that's over two years old. Many people have a warm and fuzzy image of a kitten and a child growing up together, but there are a few things you need to consider before adopting a kitten (less than 1 year old) if you have a young child.

Will my cat be OK if I get a kitten?

Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you're able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten that's hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates.


My Cat HATES my New Kitten - Help? How to Introduce Cats!



Will my cat get jealous if I get another kitten?

Can Cats Get Jealous of Other Cats? Jealousy over the presence of another cat is very common. All cats have different personalities, and some will be made insecure and display jealousy more easily than others. It is important to watch your cat and observe their cues and triggers.

Why 2 cats are better than 1?

Pairs are Happier

Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.

How long will it take for my cat to accept a new kitten?

It can take several weeks to several months for a cat to get used to a new kitten—and even longer for them to become "friends." Some cats will learn to tolerate a newcomer, but may never be interested in playing or napping together. In other cases, the cat will take to the kitten right away.


What if my cat hates my new kitten?

If your established cat is not tolerating the new kitten (either through overt aggression or by hiding away), it is best to re-start the whole process. You may or may not have done a phased introduction, starting with scent swapping and proceeding on through visual contact before a full physical introduction.

How do I know if my cat wants another cat?

How To Tell If Your Cat Wants Another Cat For Companionship
  1. Clinginess. If your cat meows a lot, follows you around, and won't leave you alone, they may be asking for more social interaction. ...
  2. Excessive Grooming. ...
  3. A Shift in Sleeping Habits. ...
  4. Litter Box Issues. ...
  5. Odd Eating Habits. ...
  6. What should I do if one cat dies?


Are cats happier with a second cat?

Cats will sleep together, share common feeding areas, and groom one another within family groups. For this reason, cats often do well adopted in pairs.


What gender cats get along best?

Gender. Male (neutered) cats are generally believed to be more accepting of other cats, both male and female. Even though this has not been my experience, female cats may not get along as well with each other.

Should I let my cat hiss at the new kitten?

Some hissing is normal during this stage. Don't punish the cats for hissing or growling as that can form a negative association about the other cat, as well as you. Allow the cats to see each other once there has been no hissing for a couple of days.

What happens if you introduce cats too quickly?

Introducing too quickly with little preparation will often lead to cats feeling threatened and scared, which increases the chance of aggressive behaviour being shown. Once cats feel this way about each other, it can be extremely difficult to change their minds.


Where should my kitten sleep on the first night?

It is a good idea to have the kitten close to you for the first few nights. Find a cosy place next to your bed and you can even choose a spot up off the floor if possible. Kittens will love the height to make them feel safer.

How do I get my cat to accept a kitten?

7 Tips to Introduce a Kitten to an Older Cat
  1. Start to prepare before the kitten arrives. ...
  2. Introduce your cats by smell first. ...
  3. Let them see each other. ...
  4. Support a calm, patient introduction. ...
  5. Give treats. ...
  6. Watch how your pets react. ...
  7. Keep to a schedule to minimise stress.


Am I ready for a second cat?

Assess Your Living Situation. If you work from home and your cat has lots of company, then she might be just fine without a companion feline. But if you're gone a lot and your cat seems lonely, it might be a good idea to adopt a second cat.


What is normal play between a cat and a kitten?

It's common for kittens and young cats to engage in rough, active play because all feline play consists of mock aggression. Cats stalk, chase, sneak, pounce, swat, kick, scratch, ambush, attack and bite each other—all in good fun. If they're playing, it's reciprocal. They change roles frequently.

How do you socialize a kitten with an older cat?

Before your cat and kitten meet face-to-face, it's a good idea to introduce them to each other's scent. Use an old tea towel or similar for each cat. Stroke each cat with 'their' tea towel, paying special attention to their face and cheeks. Next, swap tea towels by offering the kitten's tea towel to your older cat.

Can 2 cats share a litter box?

Although some households might prefer to maintain only one litter box, it's never recommended to force two cats to share the same litter box as it can cause stress, increase aggression, and result in out-of-box urination.


How do I get my older cat to stop hissing at my kitten?

Don't yell, scold or punish your current cat for hissing at the newcomer. When he acts nice—or at least nonthreatening—to the new cat, praise him and give treats. If fighting breaks out or either cat is highly stressed, separate them for a few more days.

Is having only 1 cat OK?

If you are just looking to get one cat, your future feline pet will not be severely deprived if you do not get another with it. A cat can live a happy life as the only cat in the house. At the same time, cats are more social than we may have at one time believed.

What is single cat syndrome?

Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.


Can kittens share a litter box?

Many kittens will share litter boxes while they are young. This is due to their sibling bond and because they are not yet sexually mature. Once they become more mature, their hormones will start to affect their behaviour and scent, and they'll desire their own space.

Does a cat's personality change after having kittens?

A slight change in behaviour is normal for your cat after she has given birth, but she will settle after a few weeks. Sometimes your cat's behaviour is a cause for concern and this is when you'll want to give your vet a call.