Introducing Kittens to
Your Other Pets

Introducing kittens to your other pets doesn't have to be traumatic. Getting a new kitten is exciting and fun, but sometimes your other pets may feel threatened or even may be frightened of your furry friend.

Introducing cats to other animals in a household for the first time can be scary for a young cat or kitten. Larger cats and very big dogs can be frightening to a kitten that has just left the safety of its litter. However, kittens can and do get along quite well with other household pets. Overall, they enjoy the added companionship and company around the house.

Your other pets may or may not be so welcoming to seeing a new face. Just keep in mind that it will take some time for your pets to develop a relationship and a tolerance for one another. There may be some rocky moments at first, however, stay the course. Seeing your animal’s show each other respect and devotion is well worth the trouble.

Cats

Cats recognize each other by odor. So it is important to use scent as a way of introducing kittens and established household cats. When felines pick up a foreign scent, they may become threatened by those they perceive as intruders. Therefore, when introducing two cats, it is important to introduce them to each other’s scents prior to having an actual physical introduction.

The best way to do this safely is by first keeping the new kitten its own room. Next, put items (toys, cloth) that have the kittens scent in the house cat’s space. And vice versa. That way the two felines get use to each other’s scent prior to meeting. You could also allow the two cats to enter each other’s space when the other cat is not present.

For the first face to face meeting, make sure the two are separated by a fence, cage, screen, or other partition where they can see and smell each, but remain protected. Expect some hissing or growling. Keep doing this repeatedly over a number of days until the cats seem bored of each other. Then, remove the partition. Watch how the two cats interact with one another. If a fight breaks out, remove the cats immediately. Repeat until the cats seem comfortable with one another.

Dogs

The size difference between a kitten and a dog can be unnerving for any owner. Because of this it is important that a dog be trained to understand command, particularly “No”, “Sit”, and “Stop”, as it is very difficult to stop a large dog from attacking a small kitten. As with cats, dogs are also compelled by scent, yet in a different way. And cats and dogs communication styles can be quite varied as well.

To read more about dogs and kittens click here.

Smaller Pets

Small house pets like hamsters, rats, birds are great human companions. But, to your new kitten, they might look like lunch. Keep kittens and small pets separated at all times. A cat is a natural predatory animal and doesn’t think, “Joey the gerbil is my housemate. I won’t eat him.” A cat simply sees a quick snack.

Remember…introducing kittens to your other pets should be done gradually. Don’t overwhelm your new kitten or your established pets!

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